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BT plays down 'free broadband' report

Signs up Powerpuff Girls

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BT has played down reports that it is planning to offer its punters "free broadband" when its new 21st Century Network (21CN) is rolled out over the next couple of years.

The Mail on Sunday ran a story saying that once 21CN was up and running punters would get a "broadband dialtone".

But a spokesman for the UK's dominant fixed line telco distanced himself from the report saying broadband "would not be free".

It may be that a "broadband dialtone" may be available for rental - much like current arrangements for fixed line phone - but it is "not to be free", he told us.

Indeed, the telco has yet to work out how it plans to price products in the future. It's possible that a broadband line might be bundled with other services, but he stressed it would "not be free".

Separately, BT has signed up yet another outfit to provide content for its internet TV service, due to be launched this summer. This time it's the Cartoon Network, whose programmes include The Powerpuff Girls, Codename: Kids Next Door and Dexter's Laboratory.

This tie-up builds on earlier deals with providers including BBC Worldwide, Paramount, Warner Music Group and Endemol. ®

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