[OT-ish] How big is the UK 'net?

[Richard D G Cox]

On 25 Jun 2002 16:20:07 +0100, David_Biggins@usermgmt.com wrote:

> BT can't (won't) supply because there are two exchanges servicing the
> estate - one nearby, and one in the town centre, too far away.  Guess
> which one they're on, and BT can't, (won't) swap them to the other.

Depending on the circumstances, that might be undue discrimination by
BT (which is disallowed by their license ...)  I suggest if you wish,
you mail me the details (privately) and I can dig into the facts.

> I've heard the suggestion that the cable for the estate only has the
> phone-type equipment attached and can't support cable modem
> Doesn't sound very credible to me.

Actually - and sadly - it is only too credible.  Some areas only have
distribution equipment for telephony, and not the special distribution
equipment needed for cable modem and digital cable TV.  Given NTL's
current financial position, it is unlikely that they'll be ordering
any new capital equipment right now ...

> Broadband provision is increasingly a bad joke, and BT, the cable
> companies, the regulators and the government departments that seek
> to promote it, are perhaps, with effort, just about competent enough
> to run a kebab stand.

The regulators are far too busy trying to ensure they still have jobs
when the new Comms Bill comes into force, to actually deal with any
issues that affect consumers.  Which to my mind is one of the best
reasons why those posts need to be filled with new faces.

-- 
Richard Cox