BT launches wholesale sat broadband service

Cheap? Nope

By Tim Richardson • Get more from this author

Posted in Telecoms, 3rd June 2004 11:48 GMT

Understand how application security is evolving

BT Broadcast Services (BTBS) - the broadcast and media bit of BT - has announced the commercial launch of its wholesale two-way satellite broadband service.

According to the PR guff, the service will "help make 100 per cent UK broadband coverage a reality by offering businesses high-speed Internet services in areas that cannot get ADSL".

And boy, won't they have to pay for the privilege. The wholesale cost of its Satellite Broadband 500 Lite starts at £46.99 a month per user, while its Satellite Broadband 500 Plus package costs £85.99 a month per user.

Equipment prices start at £699 while standard installation will set you back £250. That's not all. These are wholesale prices so you need to chuck on VAT. Then, of course, there's the service provider's cut on top.

All in all, it ain't cheap.

The service will be offered to ISPs and other telcos providing 500k broadband service to companies and home workers who are beyond the reach of existing broadband services.

However, BT Retail has already said that it will sign up to the wholesale service. The consumer facing division of BT has yet to announce its own pricing for the service.

Come to think of it, we're still waiting to hear whether it will be handing out free flights, money-off coupons, cuddly toys, branded key rings or any other tat that might offered in some promo to help shift the product. ®