What Effect will the £96 FTTC Connection Charge have on Fibre Take Up?

[Ardua]

It would appear that most of the independent ISPs are looking to pass on the revised FTTC connection charge of £80 plus VAT. Makes one ponder whether a move to fibre is worth the extra cost. Where does this 100% increase in the charge leave independent ISPs? 

[Rik]

In the usual place, stuffed by BT. We're due to go live on FTTC at the end of this month, 15 months late. So, BT delaying the launch lands me with a financial penalty. Doesn't quite seem right to me.

[zappaDPJ]

I guess the slower than expected uptake of FTTC wasn't slow enough for them

[.Griff.]

Doesn't surprise me at all. BT have made it abundantly clear that they want the FTTC market to themselves in the form of their Infinity product. Aggressive pricing structure, introductory offers and no activation/connection charge makes them a tempting prospect for impartial customers.

[zappaDPJ]

You forgot to mention the aggressive marketing campaign Griff. This week alone I've had a letter, a glossy leaflet and at least three phone calls. I've had that volume of marketing every week for the last six months.

[.Griff.]

Very true Zappa.

Last week I received a glossy letter from then on Monday and on Tuesday an invitation card from them. No calls as yet.

[Rik]

Give it time.

[esh]

I'm jealous, the only comms related marketing I get through the door is TalkTalk!

[Inkblot]

I get a lot of Sky stuff, probably related to the fact that we cancelled it a few months back

[Rik]

I'm jealous, the only comms related marketing I get through the door is TalkTalk!

Try opening it.