NTL plans ADSL for SMEs, not consumers

NTL is conducting trials of an ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) service ahead of a planned 2 February rollout of services aimed at small to medium-sized businesses.

The ADSL services will form part of the company's broadband portfolio that also includes cable modems. NTL has been conducting trials in Scotland and the south of England which the firm says have reached an advanced stage.

However, an NTL spokeswoman said the company has no plans as yet to offer ADSL for consumers in February. A spokesman then stressed that cable modems are NTL's broadband option of choice for consumers.

The company's small business division already offers a telecoms package from £12 per month, including dial-up internet, and fixed-line voice and ecommerce services such as web space and business cards. Mobile and broadband services will follow later.

"We'll be offering ADSL services for SMEs in February but not for consumers," said the spokeswoman. "We're offering ADSL as well as cable modems so that we offer a broad spectrum of services."

It had been suggested that BT's 'unhurried' attitude to giving other telcos access to telephone exchanges may prompt NTL to offer its own consumer service across its broadband network, scheduled to be launched on 2 February.