BTopenworld slams users for being 'too British' on DSL

NEWS BTopenworld has lashed back at critics, claiming the slow adoption of broadband in the UK is nothing to do with ADSL availability. Speaking at the TMA2001 conference in Brighton, BTopenworld CEO Andy Green lamented the low level of broadband internet usage - estimated at 250,000 users nation-wide - but said the blame should not fall on BT's shoulders. Green claimed that - taking into account roll out of high-speed DSL Services through BTopenworld and cable modem-based services through NTL and Telewest - around 70 to 75 per cent of the population now have access to broadband. Green said many users are being "too British" and talking down the health of Broadband Britain. "The UK is the most advanced ebusiness nation of any of the major nation-states of Europe," he said. He cited "fantastic value narrowband" access and a growing take-up of broadband. But John Wright, chairman of the Communications Management Association (CMA) that runs the annual TMA event, is not so positive. "The time has come for effective government intervention. Is that likely? Don't hold your breath," he said. He claimed European countries with the highest levels of broadband penetration are those which experience the most active government involvement. Grant Neville, director of broadband networks at equipment provider, Nokia Networks, said the problem is one of attitude as well as availability. He believes providers need to be evangelising the affects of broadband, not just talking technology. A straw poll of small businesses at the TMA event also revealed many simply don't know why they should consider DSL, cable modem or satellite options.