Quote:
Originally Posted by huxleypiguk
Why no expansion ?
1. Cost. The amount that it would cost v the profit it would return is less than zero
2. Merge BT and Virgin - not a chance. The Monopolies commission wouldn't allow it
3. VOIP on Virgin Media - this supposes that people have broadband and a computer or some sort of VOIP device available. Nor everyone who has phone and/or TV has broadband.
4. CableTel v ntl: v Virgin Media - IMHO Virgin Media are doing a better job of rolling out new stuff and better services than ntl: did. There is a BIG credit squeeze right now so that will slow down, but 20mb broadband, TVOD, V+ are all steps in the right direction. When HDTV actually takes off (as opposed to the small amount of users right now) then they also have the ability to load their OD with HD content.
Will they win over Sky ? No. Will Sky win over Virgin Media ? No. There is a place for both. Personally I like to be able to watch TV when it's raining so I will stick with VM.
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Virgin Media is NTL just using the Virgin brand and backed by Virgin Enterprises.
Cable Tel was the first cable company to launch Cable broadband, in fact NTL original areas didn't have as many problems than the ex-C&W franchises. Cable and Wireless neglected the franchises during its ownership and under invested in them, NTL then had to pick up the pieces and slowly intergrate the franchises.
Bare in mind NTL/Virgin Media have had to intergrate all of these franchises:
Nynex
Videotron
BT cable franchises
Telecential
Bell Cable Media
East Coast Cable
Comcast
Diamond Cable
Telewest:
General Cable
Cable London
Birmingham Cable
North West Cable
Yorkshire Cable
Eurobell South West (Devon Cable Media)
Eurobell South East (South Downs Cable)
Telewest orginal areas(United Artists)