Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2005/09/02/pccw_now/

PCCW takes wireless broadband to London

That's it for 'now'

By Tim Richardson

Posted in Networks, 2nd September 2005 11:34 GMT

UK Broadband - which is owned by giant Hong Kong-based telco PCCW - has begun rolling out its wireless broadband network in London.

Ads are popping up all over London as the company installs its kit in the capital as part of a measured roll-out expected to last until the end of the year.

As part of the network expansion the operator has also changed the name of the service from "Netvigator" to "now", its consumer brand in the Hong Kong market where PCCW operates now Broadband TV.

In a statement now said: "The Company will continue to take a prudent approach by implementing a phased roll-out programme, with marketing activity on track for the next phase of expansion after the UK summer holiday period."

Prices for the now service in the UK start from £10 a month for 256k rising to £18 for a 1 meg product.

In 2003 PCCW acquired 15 licences that cover the UK enabling it to operate a wireless broadband service. A year ago it launched the service in the Thames Valley.

While it won't disclose how many customers it has, a spokesman for the company told us that it had signed up one in four broadband punters in the region over the last 12 months.

Last year PCCW confirmed plans to splash out £21m on wireless broadband in the UK during 2005. ®