Intel gets inside Dutch cable market

NEWS Intel has said it plans to invest $20m in Dutch cable venture @Home Nederland. The joint venture between US-based @Home and Dutch cable operators CasTel and Palet Kabelcom provides high speed Internet access to 20 per cent of Dutch homes. Intel said its investment is intended to speed up the deployment of broadband services in the region. John O'Farrell, senior vice president of @Home Network's International Division, said Intel's proposed involvement in @Home Nederland will give its plans to bring "state-of-the-art broadband online services to Dutch and Belgian customers a tremendous boost". He added that it will also drive PC penetration into the home. The proposed investment is subject to the completion of final definitive agreements.