50,000 new homes to get free PCs

Wireless networking firm Abrocour is giving away 50,000 home entertainment PC systems in a bid to convert new homes to wireless.

The company claims that it will connect a third of all new UK homes built in 2004 using wireless broadband access.

It is giving away the Windows XP Media Center PCs with 32in flat screen displays to housing developers which install them in new homes.

Abrocour's Openhome entertainment package includes a broadband internet connection, wireless network and home monitoring system.

"Housing developers will also be able to differentiate themselves to new home buyers," said Sam Sethi, chief executive at Abrocour.

Housing developers will have to pay the company £1,500 to maintain, support and service each home entertainment system, but Abrocour claims that this outlay is a "huge saving" on products that would normally retail for £5,000.

Property developers can quickly recoup costs by submerging the expense into the price of the house, according to Abrocour.

New home buyers will have a year's free broadband access, but will have to pay subscription fees to Abrocour after that.

"A wireless home network is a cheaper and simpler alternative to cabling for accessing the internet and sharing digital content around the home," said Sethi.

Abrocour has joined forces with BT, Elonex, Intel, Hewlett Packard and Microsoft and hopes to kit out 100,000 new homes by the end of 2004, including the Chelsea Bridge Wharf development in London.