DSL cartographers map Scotland

It's about demand, stoopid

By Tim Richardson • Get more from this author

Posted in Music and Media, 12th March 2002 12:26 GMT

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Business ISP edNET has launched a new Web site so that it can map broadband demand in Scotland.

If those behind broadbandscotland.net can prove there is sufficient demand in areas currently not served by high-speed Internet access, then they will either press BT to enable the exchange or unbundle it themselves.

Sebastien Robin, Sales & Marketing Manager at edNET told The Register: "If BT won't do it - we will."

edNET claims it can make money with just 100 customers and is happy to press ahead with unbundling.

BT has said that it will enable exchanges if there is a proven demand for broadband that is commercially viable.

In Cwmbran, Wales, for example, BT has told Internet users that it will enable their exchange if 275 customers register their interest, but so far only a small number of people have done so.

edNET's MD, Aydin Kurt-Elli, said: "We want things to be made simpler, cheaper and quicker for Scottish business.

"Whilst most ISPs, like BT, are interested only in population-rich areas, we at edNET continue to demonstrate our investment and firm belief in the Scottish marketplace with this project," he said.

Depending on interest, edNET hopes to start rolling out new DSL exchanges by the summer.

A spokesman for BT welcomed the initiative and said anything to generate demand was a good thing. ®

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