Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

While it is possible that Virgin can use BT's infrastructure in much the same way as other ISPs (and they do on ADSL now), they will not be able to use the current Cable TV system with it. They may be able to use the next generation STBs that use the Tivo software.

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

The point I was making is that when FTTC comes to the BT cabinet speeds higher than the current "up to" 24 Mbps will be available to copper fed users beyond the cabinet. By bonding two telephone lines into an ADSL2+ router 40 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload is available. There will be little contention en route to the cabinet because each copper line is distinct. This is particularly where VM & BT part company, so to speak.

That must frighten VM.

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

Hmmm not yet I imagine. 40GBP or so per Mbps/month is the cost of the WBC variant of the backhaul between BT Wholesale and ISPs. Might be no contention between line and cabinet and cabinet to exchange but it'll kick in like a mule in between BT Wholesale and the ISPs at those prices. 40GBP / Mbps / month you're talking a contention ratio of 40:1 costing nearly 40GBP/month just on BT Wholesale interconnect.

It should be noted this is just the cost of the bandwidth, it ignores to the costs to operators of getting the stuff from the various national interconnects to their network, the costs from their network to the Internet, and the fixed costs of the interconnect.

There is of course the option to connect to the exchanges directly in a similar manner to existing LLU and use the same backhauls however as yet no LLU operator has made any commitment or shown any significant interest in the service in no small part because it makes part of their investments obsolete.

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

BT have just announced a "unlimited" offering using FTTC (upto 40Mb down and 10Mb up) for £25 a month.

Some competition for the 50Mb Virgin offering?

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

I'm going to reserve judgement on how competative it is until I know the Fair usage policy attached to that service which they say will be released on 25th Jan.

EDIT: They've already refer to it in the existing FUP terms. It seems it has the same restrictions as Total Broadband Option 3

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

Ah I though this was that thread.

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

Anyway going back to the original topic....

Anyone got contacts in VM who can tell me when the upgrades in LE3 (Leicester) are to be completed?

I PM'd a couple of old contacts, but got no reply.

Not much help from VM themselves, work has been done on our road, Ive actually had the upgrade works confirmed by the contractors at the cabs. But the checker says that we can only get ADSL (when we have a cable box on the house!)

Cheers

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

London areas are to be complete by july 2010 i will see if i can find out leicester think it is march/april

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

Thanks, that will be appreciated!

It will be nice to know its actually happening, I can believe that there isnt the opportunity to register interest on the VM site and be emailed once its available!

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

Going on the other thread by spiderplanet it will be in feburary

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

Can you link to this thread?

I tried to search for the user but nothing?

Cheers

EDIT:

Just found it, it's concerning the analogue switch off, Feb 1st is mentioned.

Not sure how many users here still use it?

Saw loads of cables between the cabs and houses being pulled a few weeks ago, literally filling the back of a large van, so I suspect not many users still on analogue.

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

Ive just called the 0800 number given by Broadbandings in the analogue thread and it goes to the contractors who do the overbuild. They tell me that they have finished in Leicester and are now in London. Only just finished tho last week, so once Virgin check it out shoud be available.

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

SHould be avaiable from next week

Re: VM to begin expanding its cable network
 

UPDATE: JUST RANG 0800 052 8164 and they have said all areas that are ex-analogue in leicester can get digital cable services!, however the nice lady I spoke to cannot see what cabinet I am connected to but says I should 100% be able to get digital services...However in the leicester store and Vm sales they both say I cant. I dont know what to do now. Been on the phone all night they said they might send a 'spotter' to check?