NTL is toying with the idea of offering wholesale broadband services over its cable network to other operators.

According to the FT the debt-laden cableco has already held discussions with AOL and Freeserve, among others, to enable them to offer broadband services direct to consumers.

A spokesman for NTL told The Register: "It is an option we're exploring. We've built this alternative network and we should use it."

At this stage, the company say it's too early to say if or when it will begin offering a wholesale service, but a 2002 launch could be on the cards.

Such a move would increase revenues, and save cash by getting other operators to recruit new subscribers.

However, industry insiders have told The Register that NTL is flying a kite to see if this plan provokes any interest among operators. ®

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