andyl

true. the very next paragraph of that Guardian story reads: "AOL, the internet service provider (ISP), has a deal with both companies to use their lines for narrowband internet access but so far has only managed to secure a deal for broadband access with NTL. In contrast, there are several hundred ISPs using BT's lines, which reach all the country's 25 million households, to provide broadband access."

What excites me about this as an NTL customer is that wider access to the NTL/Telewest networks should see the disappearance of that annoying "BT Line Required" every time I read an enticing looking broadband ad. Making switching provider easier anbd increasing competition might also help drive up service standards so, for example, a reliable email service is regarded as a central feature not a fringe benefit of a broadband package.