NTL plans to open up broadband network to rivals

NEWS NTL is considering a plan to offer its rivals access to its broadband cable network. The debt-laden telco has been in discussions with ISPs such as Freeserve and AOL to thrash out the terms of an agreement which could see NTL offer a broadband cable product to other suppliers alongside its own branded service. Stephen Cater, chief operating officer of NTL, told the Financial Times: "It is definitely something we are looking at. I would not rule out our participating in the wholesale market in 2002." NTL is struggling to deal with debt which stands at over £11bn.