Bulldog faces uncertain future

Retail ISP could become wholesale LLUo

By Tim Richardson • Get more from this author

Posted in Networks, 6th February 2006 12:41 GMT

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There are fears for the future of broadband ISP Bulldog amid reports that parent Cable & Wireless (C&W) could be about to undertake a massive restructuring.

Despite large amounts of cash being ploughed into the business, Bulldog has only managed to attract some 80,000 users to its broadband service - way behind established ISPs such as AOL, BT, Pipex and Wanadoo.

The ISP has also been dogged by a poor customer service record that culminated in hundreds of complaints and an investigation by the communications watchdog Ofcom.

Now, it seems C&W is considering whether to pull the plug on Bulldog's retail operation and instead become a wholesale provider of unbundled services. Asked to comment on Bulldog's future plans, a spokeswoman for the company told El Reg that further details would be announced at the end of the month when C&W publishes details of its new strategy.

Indeed, C&W dished out a similar response to reports that its finance director, Charles Herlinger, could be about to follow the lead of chef exec Francesco Caio.

Last week, C&W issued a profits warning and announced the departure of Caio. The telco also announced that it had split the company into two divisions - the UK (which includes Bulldog) and international, which has prompted yet further speculation that it could become the subject of a takeover bid. ®

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