Topic: Homechoice

Everyday we get to hear rumours on just about everything - and today is no exception, although we thought worthy of publication. According to some sources, web search superemo, Google are about to buy HomeChoice.

How much truth is involved? We have absolutely no idea. It would not surprise us if Google did get its purse strings opened, but by the same token it would not entirely unsurprising if nothing comes of it.

Further its unclear if the acquisition (if there was one) would be just HomeChoice, or indeed (and the more likely) the parent company, Video Networks Limited.

So, Google may, or may not be snapping up either HomeChoice or Video Networks Limited. Glad thats cleared up then.

Homechoice users are to get their broadband speeds doubled, at no extra cost.

The increases to the packages will happen automatically for existing customers from March 1st, and will still  include digital TV, video on-demand and the option to take free evening and weekend calls.

This will mean that 1Mbps customers will increase to 2Mbps, and 2Mbps to 4Mbps while still paying £17.99 and £22.99 a month respectively. An 8Mbps package is available for £22.99 a month, with an offer of £10 off for the first 2 months.

HomeChoice, a brand well known for its 'triple play' offering, have announced it's planning to rollout its services nationwide. There's no dates or any such concrete further information at this stage.

With some 34,000 customers, and increasing, its no wonder that rumour still on the streets is that BSkyB are contemplating picking up HomeChoice - to bolster their purchase of LLU operator, EasyNet.

Live LLU operators are few and far between (immediate big players include EasyNet Bulldog and HomeChoice). Potentially with BSkyB soon to be controlling 33% of these combined market, and quite possibly 66% - life could get very hard for the remaining LLU operators.

Video provider Homechoice have followed their offer doubling consumers speeds by announcing that a further million will reached via it's (local loop unbundled (LLU) network.

At present 1.4m homes in London and Stevenage area can receive Homechoice, which provides broadband  access and video on demand (VoD) services. The plan is to increase this to 2.4m homes by June 2005, with the increase coming from the London area.

Video Networks, better known for its consumer service Homechoice have announced plans to double download speeds on all 3 of its core Internet access services.

This results in downstream speeds of the existing 512Kbps service becoming 1Mbps, costing £36.50 per month, the 1Mbps becomes 2Mbps costing £42 per month and (no prizes for seeing the pattern here), the 2Mbps becomes 4Mbps at £50 per month.

These prices may look on the high side for broadband, however HomeChoice is not only about Internet access, but Digital TV access as well with a varied selection of digital TV channels, including E4, Discovery Channel and British Eurosport. For many, the final nail in the coffin is the Video On Demand service that HomeChoice have become renowned for. One negative aspect is however, that the HomeChoice service is only available from some 81 exchanges, and those are only based in and around the London area.

As with other ISPs, Homechoice's 'doubling up' comes free of charge with the speed increases expected to start from Tuesday 1st February 2005, with all customers being notified from today onwards.