BTopenworld cuts broadband costs

Market leader BTopenworld has joined other internet service providers (ISPs) in cutting broadband ADSL installation prices by half until the end of the year. The offer applies to all orders taken from today (Sep 18) until 31 December, with installation by 31 January 2002.

BTopenworld will now charge home and single line business customers connection fees of £74.99 (inc. VAT for home users, excluding VAT for business users) and £130 (ex VAT) for multi-user business connections.

Rental prices remain unchanged, the ISP said, despite some competitors recently slashing between £5 and £7.50 off monthly charges. BTopenworld, however, still has a price advantage on monthly rental over other ISPs, charging from £39.99 (inc. VAT) per month.

The ISP said it will soon be launching a multimillion pound advertising campaign promoting broadband ADSL services. Its banner campaign starts today, while TV adverts will kick off on 8 October for one month. A print campaign is scheduled to begin at the end of October, and 16 November will see the start of cinema advertising.

Andy Green, chief executive at BTopenworld, said: "Our half-price installation offer makes broadband even more attractive for businesses and consumers, and our advertising campaign will ensure that even more people benefit from the speed, convenience and great value of an 'always on' high-speed internet connection."

Other ISPs, which have previously announced price cuts to £75 or less following the decision by BT Wholesale to reduce costs, include Andrews & Arnold, Eclipse, Nildram, PlusNet, Timewarp and Zen Internet, while FirstNet is charging £85.

ISPs have welcomed price cuts in ADSL but are waiting on new service level agreements which they claim are necessary for them to offer the quality of service guarantees which businesses are demanding before signing up for ADSL broadband services.