Do I detect the scent of cherries?

[Rik]

El Reg is reporting that Ofcom is to end regulation at exchanges which have four or more providers of wholesale internet access.

"A spokeswoman for BT welcomed the changes, and said it could mean better deals and more flexibility from BT Wholesale. Whether price cuts are passed onto consumers will of course be the decision of retail broadband providers."

Cherry picking time do you think?

[madasahatter]

That thought had occurred to me too. It seems they are already hedging their bets against price decreases though, with the mention of bandwidth increases due to catch up TV

[Rik]

Inevitable amongst the stack 'em high brigade.

[madasahatter]

Yep - and in reality, they are the ones that are spoiling it for the rest of the ISPs

[Rik]

I can't help but worry that, without significant investment both in the network and the local loop, everything is going to grind to a halt anyway. As usage increases, and the iPlayer has demonstrated how much impact a new service can have, we are all going to suffer slower speeds due to congestion and cross-talk.

[madasahatter]

I thought part of the idea of this ruling from Ofcom was to encourage such investment.

Of course, as the article says, whether the investment will be forthcoming, or companies will just take the money and run remains to be seen 

[Rik]

With Ofcom's track record, which way would you bet? 

[madasahatter]

With Ofcom's track record, which way would you bet? 

Do I really need to tell you my thoughts on this one? 

[Rik]

No, Mad. I can read your mind - even through the fur.

[madasahatter]

even through the fur.

Though it may make it a little fuzzy eh? 

Oh no - I forgot - it's my mind that's fuzzy 

[Rik]

Do two fuzzies make a clear?

[madasahatter]

Unless they're fuzzy wuzzies, in which case they don't like it up 'em !

[Rik]

That that man's name, Wilson...

[madasahatter]

Don't tell him Pike! 

[Rik]

Happy days. 

[john]

Happy days. 

No it wasn't, it was Dads Army 

[Rik]

 

[john]

Thanks Rik, but I was really expecting a 'groan' 

[Rik]

I wouldn't want to deprive you, John.

[john]

That's better Rik, I'm depraved deprived enough 

[Malc]

That's better Rik, I'm depraved deprived enough