BT lays out broadband Net access roadmap

NEWS BT has unveiled its range of consumer broadband Internet services which will go live in July. The BTopenworld service is operated out of the company's newly created Internet division and is priced to capture the consumer, small business and industry market for broadband Internet access. Using high-speed Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) access technology, the service will also incorporate consumer and small business content as well as personalisation facilities. Ben Andradi, chief operating officer of BTopenworld, said the service will allow home users to download information from the Net at speeds ten to 20 times faster than a conventional modem. BT reckons this convenience - added to the fact that the service is unmetered - should encourage users to remain online for longer. Marc Deshamps, director of broadband at BT, said the telco will lead the broadband market. "Normal ISPs that operate an ADSL service won't be able to compete because they don't have the same support facilities as BT," he said. Andradi said BT's leadership in the field will spearhead the second wave of Net adoption.