Broadband News

News, views and analysis

BT launches two-way satellite service

03 Jun 2004 | 13.10 Europe/London
The Register is reporting that BT have launched a wholesale two-way satellite service. This will apparently "help make 100 per cent UK broadband coverage a reality by offering businesses high-speed Internet services in areas that cannot get ADSL".

The wholesale prices for the service are not cheap, at £46.99 per month for the "Satellite Broadband 500 Lite" service and £85.99 per month for the "Satellite Broadband 500 Plus" service. On top of that you have to add equipment (starting at £699), installation (starting at £250), VAT and then the ISP's premium.

By the end of 2005 over 99.6% over the population will be able to receive ADSL (including 400 more areas in Scotland). Take-up for satellite services (particularly given the pricing here!) is likely to be almost non-existant in areas where fixed-line broadband services are already available.