[MovedGoalPosts]

As we know, ntl don't seem to react that well to meeting public demand for services. The danger is that customers will leave to seek suppliers that can meet that expectation. Sky+ may not be the "must have" technology of today, but next year it could be, especially with Skys heavy promotion of it.

Cable should have been the better technology, with permanent high speed two way connections. Unfortunately recordable STBs, is just another example of how the technology has been poorly implemented with so many incompatibilities, between different networks. Rahter than creating greater economies if there is a merger with Telewest, I fear further incompatibilities and even less standardisation would become apparent.

The problem for ntl, but also faced perhaps to a slightly lesser extent by Sky, is the funds available for investment to keep up with technology developments. Customer expectations will increase. 15 years ago we just had cable TV or analogue Sky as ground breaking stuff. By 5 years ago Digital TV was making waves. Now we see it's Sky+ recordable technology.

As with broadband pricing and speeds, ntl may not have the money to invest to remain competetive, but if they cannot invest they fall behind and see loss of market share and revenue. A vicious circle to which I doubt ntl have a practical answer.