BTInternet flat-fee ISP slips into the water

Just like watching the Titanic launch

By Tim Richardson • Get more from this author

Posted in Music and Media, 26th January 2001 10:58 GMT

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BTInternet has launched its FRIACO-based 24/7 Net access service today as expected and is marking the occasion with a monster multi-million pound ad campaign.

Apparently, the adverts, "humorously depict" BTInternet Anytime surfers forgetting how to perform "real world" tasks like driving a car or using an escalator. Gawd help us.

The service costs £14.99 a month for 24/7 unmetered Net access which includes the cost of subscription and all the dial-up Net access telephone calls.

Anytime is based on the wholesale unmetered Net access product, FRIACO, which caps the telco costs for ISPs and, therefore, also for end users.

Some 150,000 people have registered for the service since December and these people will be contacted with details of how to download the necessary software.

In a statement, Ben Andradi, president and coo of BTopenworld, said: "Offering BTinternet Anytime to everyone from day one shows just how confident we are in the quality of our networks and support systems."

Yes, Ben, except BTinternet Anytime will also disconnect people from the service after two hours regardless of what they're up to. Just like Le Freeswerve. But not like AOL UK. Interesting.

Earlier this week Le Freeswerve launched its FRIACO-based unmetered service. AOL UK's has been running since September 2000.