NTL has restarted the upgrade of its cable network in a move that will extend availability of its broadband internet service to an extra 16,000 homes in Lucan.
The firm, which halted its network upgrade in 2001 when it ran out of cash, told an Oireachtas committee yesterday that it planned to offer the service to a further 140,000 homes in 2004. However, this is subject to budget approval from its British parent.
NTL's decision to extend availability of its high-speed internet service should boost uptake of broadband and provide competition to Eircom's i-stream service.
The firm's planned broadband service for Lucan is slightly different to the service it has already made available to 23,000 homes in west Dublin. It will provide users with access to the internet at 600 kilobytes per second for a 40 per month fee.
Most residential broadband services offer users access to the internet at a speed of 512 kilobytes per second.
NTL is extending its broadband service in areas that were cabled most recently to cut the cost of upgrading its network. Its decision to halt the upgrade of its network in 2001 to offer the triple play of broadband, telephony and internet was prompted by huge upgrade costs.
The company also proposed a change in the licensing regime yesterday to enable it to offer broadband using MMDS, a microwave wireless technology that broadcasts television.
