NTL has unleashed an unmetered, always-on high-speed Net access service which, it claims, will go head-to-head with existing ISDN and flat-fee dial-up services.

Running at speeds of up to 128kbps over NTL's cable network, the new service provides a stepping stone between dial-up and broadband services.

The cableco has even managed to win the endorsement of E-minister Douglas Alexander, who said: "The UK Government welcomes the announcement of this competitively priced new service from NTL.

"We are committed to ensuring that more UK consumers should have the opportunity to benefit from fast, always-on, Internet access and this is another step towards that goal."

Bless 'im.

NTL maintains that this is a broadband product and overlooks the fact this is only 128kbps.

It claims the fact that it's always on and unmetered proves it is worthy of the broadband handle.

We're not so sure, but there you go. ®