ISPs "in the dark" over BT's next-gen broadband

 

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Posted on 26 Nov 2007 at 14:40

Updated: Industry insiders have cast doubts over the ambitious rollout and speed of BT's next-generation 21CN broadband network.

A leading ISP has told PC Pro that it remains in the dark about the exact technical details of the high-speed network, which promises speeds of up to 24Mb/sec and is scheduled to be available to half of the UK by the end of 2008.

"Technically, we're not seeing a lot," says a spokesman for one of the UK's most respected ISPs. "We need to know what the technical aspects are to give us a clear indication of what's going on. BT Wholesale isn't 100% sure what's happening itself."

The broadband provider claims BT will have to accelerate its education programme if it's to meet its targets. "Seeing that 50% of the country's meant to be enabled by the end of next year, you're going to need a massive change in the next four months," the ISP spokesman claims.

The Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA), an industry body representing the UK's ISPs, says some of its members have complained about a lack of information on 21CN from BT. "The ISPs that are actively involved in BT's 21CN consultation process and trials have some understanding of BT future product plans and BT's general rollout plan," it claims in a statement sent to PC Pro.

"More detailed information such as launch prices of wholesale products and BT's final network rollout plan are yet to be finalised. This creates a challenge for ISPs who wish to take advantage of BT's 21CN from when it goes live in 2008.

"We are aware that some ISPs have concerns particularly about the quality and speed with which information has been provided to communications providers."

Other providers claim it's critical that BT takes its time. "You're not only changing the home gaming network, you're changing the way people dial 999 in the middle of the night," says Claranet's technical director, Mike Rogers. "I'd much prefer a slightly slower rollout and no disruption to my customers' networks."

BT admits that only a handful of the country's ISPs have been physically involved in the trials, but insists 21CN rollout remains on track. "Consult 21 [the 21CN consultation project] was one of the biggest ever consultation projects," claims a BT spokesman. "Everyone's getting the same information, be that BT Retail or anyone else."

Hitting the top speed

The ISP we spoke to also has grave doubts over the speed of the 21CN network. "We've had no indication of what speeds will be [beyond the 24Mb/sec figure]," the spokesman claims. The company says it's wary of advertising the headline speed, after the outcry from disgruntled customers on ADSL Max connections, who found that actual speeds fell well below the promised "up to 8Mb/sec".

"We're all aware of the backlash on 8Mb/sec," the spokesman claims. "We've got a lot of bridges to build after ADSL Max."

BT itself admits it doesn't know how many customers will even get close to 21CN's maximum speed, and says "the variance is probably going to be more dramatic at 24Mb/sec".

However, it still maintains that marketing the service as "up to 24Mb/sec" is fair. "If Ofcom wants to get people together and create an industry agreement on how to market broadband, we'll welcome it."

Author: Barry Collins