Tiscali Unbundling To Provide Next Gen Net Services
Internet service provider, Tiscali, has begun its programme of local loop unbundling, separating its network from that of BT and allowing much higher connection speeds to provide next generation services such as video on demand.
The company has earmarked 27 exchanges in London for the first phase of the unbundling work, which will see Tiscali install its own equipment in previously BT-only exchanges. The work, which should be completed by the end of the month, will enable better control for Tiscali over the quality of its service, as well as new faster and more competitive broadband products.
Services such as voice over IP (VOIP), and video on demand are also much more viable with unbundled networks.
Tiscali plans to extend its unbundled network to over 200 exchanges by the end of the year, continuing with its rollout into 2006 and beyond, with a target of 600 exchanges nationally.
The equipment being installed, supplied by Huawei Technologies, will enable Tiscali to offer a full “triple play” of phone, TV and internet services.
Mary Turner CEO Tiscali UK explained: “We chose Huawei because it is the market leader in IP DSLAM equipment supporting over one million lines across Europe. They have proven and future proof technology for the whole range from the network CPE to transmission equipment. It was also very important to us that Huawei has a significant operation in the UK with local customer and technical support, training, testing and R&D.”
William Xu, Huawei’s president for Europe added: “We are very happy to be working with Tiscali. They are an aggressive and ambitious player in the broadband market and have a strong reputation for innovation and action. When they decide to do something they move very quickly.”
Tiscali are believed to be keen on entering the market as a content provider, having launched an online TV channel, showing cult entertainment and bite-size programme packages last year (see Tiscali Jumps On Broadband TV Bandwagon). The latest move would enable the company to provide fully-fledged IPTV, with on demand programming and high-quality content delivered via the same line as its broadband services.
Tiscali: www.tiscali.co.uk