Quote:
Originally Posted by m419
The main purpose of the Rediffusion and other similar cable networks was to provide people with decent TV reception in those times, as the idea of commercialising and free enterprise came about, additional pay-tv channels sprung up. I don't think that system could be modernised to be honest which is why the previous owners of Rediffusion abandoned it, same with Aberdeen Cable and the BT Cable networks, which can be upgraded to the full modern standard people expect from 21st century cable network but nobody seems willing to put there hands in there pockets and pay for it.
The Rediffusion sockets and cabling as well as cabinets by blocks of flats are still present in Holborn,Central London although in a dilapidated state. Cable London, a joint venture between Comcast and Telewest cabled the area and began services in 1991 with the rest of Camden between 1993 and 1995 and the old rediffusion system was forgotten about.
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I agree that the majority of the old HF systems were of little use, but even some of these used underground ducts for their main trunk routes. These underground ducts would have been an invaluable asset for new build, admittedly there would have been damaged sections needing repair. Utilising these ducts by pulling out the old cables and pulling in fibres would have been cost effective, but this would have involved deviating from the companies architecture plans that were set in stone early on. I also believe that the company didn't employ enough people with the necessary skills to undertake any technology that deviated from what was set in stone. We must also remember that this was all happening at a time when Barclay Knapp was securing huge amounts of money on the promise of a return for investment.
In contrast, some of the VHF cable networks were ideal candidates for upgrading. Although mostly overhead there was also the possibility splitting the areas up and also wireless delivery to the nodal area. I believe these networks were shut down due to the arrogance of the company (ntl) and the seemingly endless supply of other peoples money to fund new build.
Back then the South Wales valleys were always known as a good area for subscriber figures, the belief held in those times by people who had been in the industry for a long time was that these areas that should have been built in first. City areas like Cardiff and Newport were poor for customer figures in comparison, I believe the excuse was always that people in the city would go out for entertainment and the poorer people in the valleys would stop in and watch TV.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I am absolutely sure the management were too arrogant to foresee the end to the cash cow. I wonder where they are now, CV's detailing their past successes and plaguing other industries with their incompetence no doubt.
They were enjoyable days prior to CableTel/ntl, but it's a rotten industry full of sycophants and bull poo'ers that I'm for one very glad to be well away from.