BT Joins “Free” Broadband Battle
The “free” broadband war has stepped up a notch with the launch of BT Total Broadband, a comprehensive package that includes services such as the planned television service, BT Vision.
The package involves fast download speeds, internet voice and video calls, and a suite of security software, all brought together through BT Home Hub. BT Total Broadband also includes wi-fi services.
BT Total Broadband customers will get access to mobile services BT Fusion and BT Vision, the next-generation TV service scheduled for launch later in the year (see BT Unveils Next Generation TV Service).
From tomorrow, new BT customers will get a choice of three options starting from £9.95 a month, all offering download speeds of up to 8Mb and free evening and weekend voice calls, between certain time periods, with BT’s Broadband Talk service.
BT Home Hub is a device that supports BT’s full range of services including both Total Broadband and Broadband Talk, connecting wirelessly to PCs and other broadband devices. The Home Hub updates automatically to work with future BT Broadband offerings including BT Fusion and BT Vision.
The Home Hub is provided free of charge to all new customers taking Total Broadband Options 2 or 3. Option 1 customers can buy it separately for £30.00 online or for £50.00 via the BT call centre.
BT has upgraded its BT Broadband Talk suite of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) products, and is launching two new services: Broadband Talk Softphone and Broadband Talk Video. BT claims that Broadband Talk is one of the most advanced VoIP services on the market and that it is now available with high-definition sound for delivering crystal clear internet voice and video calls.
Finally, BT announced the launch of BT Broadband Talk Video, including the BT Videophone. Customers equipped with a BT Videophone can see the person they are talking to, and the service is compatible with PC users equipped with Softphone and a webcam. Two models of Videophone will be available, starting from £149.99.
BT’s move comes after competitors, such as Carphone Warehouse and Orange, have announced their own “free” services (see Price War Brews Over Free Broadband).
BT: 020 7469 2337 www.btplc.com