[Merged] So here it is, Merry Merger!

quadplay · 03-03-2006, 02:00

Welcome to Day One, all. Behold the glory of UK Cable.

I have but one question: Will it make things better?

(I've placed this in the Current Affairs forum because, as yet, there is no UK Cable discussion. Mods, feel free to move!)

punky · 03-03-2006, 02:11

I do think things should get better. With the companies merging, hopefully they'll combine the best bits of each company. A lot of ntl customers here certainly won't mind if ntl adapted Telewest's billing system, amongst other things.

Pierre · 03-03-2006, 08:50

Is it day 1? It's supposed to be but I've heard nothing yet?

The new company is actualy to be called.... wait for it...... ntl:Telewest.

Inspiring! No, as you know it's actually a stop gap name until we take on the Virgin brand and become Virgin Cable or something.

I don't think customers will notice anything for a while not until decisions are made on what billing systems to use, what format the DTV will be etc etc.

At least what you have now is a company that can really compete with BT and Sky.

However, as you know we are not the only cable company left in the UK. There's good old "wight cable" holding out, waiting for the call from Steve Birch

quadplay · 03-03-2006, 08:56

The company's actually called ntl, Inc. - the Telewest name has been dropped. But as you say, the ntl name will also be dropped soon enough. Until a complete rebrand (to Virgin or whatever), the two companies are apparently going to continue having seperate indentities throughout the convergence activites.

ikthius · 03-03-2006, 08:56

why is there not an unsure option?

ik

quadplay · 03-03-2006, 08:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikthius

why is there not an unsure option?

a) I forgot
b) Make your mind up!

Pierre · 03-03-2006, 09:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by quadplay

The company's actually called ntl, Inc. - the Telewest name has been dropped. But as you say, the ntl name will also be dropped soon enough. Until a complete rebrand (to Virgin or whatever), the two companies are apparently going to continue having seperate indentities throughout the convergence activites.

That may be the company name but the interim branding will be "ntl:Telewest". On all billing paper etc.

So as not to confuse customers until the main rebranding in a couple of months.

**Chris** · 03-03-2006, 09:56

Is the merger official as of today then? Didn't see anything in the news ... do you have any linkage?

**Maggy** · 03-03-2006, 10:14

I thought the Virgin deal was knocked on the head?

danielf · 03-03-2006, 10:17

I'm on Telewest, and used to be on NTL. Things can only get worse imo

**Chris** · 03-03-2006, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitas

I thought the Virgin deal was knocked on the head?

No, Virgin is just holding out for a bigger offer. They are well aware how badly NTL wants to buy the brand and think they can extract a few more pennies out of them.

In any case, today's merger is apparently the long-awaited ntl-telewest one.

quadplay · 03-03-2006, 10:43

Strangely enough, I can't see any news items either (apart from the CF one), but you can see the press release on the SEC website

The press release isn't on the ntl or Telewest websites, though...

Pierre · 03-03-2006, 10:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris T

Is the merger official as of today then? Didn't see anything in the news ... do you have any linkage?

It was supposed to be today. It has been accepted by the shareholders and and all ntl employees have been briefed this week with at two or more presentations.

A snippet from one the briefings

Quote:

The media and investors will know us as ntl Incorporated - the name of the US parent company of ntl:Telewest

So, a ntl customer is still a ntl customer
& a Telewest customer is still a Telewest customer

Our combined business division will use a joint single brand

Halcyon · 03-03-2006, 10:44

Well I see it can either go two ways.
1) They have merged and they put money in to expanding the network and upgrading hardware to make things better.
Or 2) they will take their money and do nothing meaning an overcrowded network all sharing the same hardware.
Hopefully this merger is a good one and I certainly hope it is for all of us.

Chrysalis · 03-03-2006, 12:22

worse reasons are.

merging of billing systems and support centres again.
merging of products and network.
both of which will probably cause problems.

bigger company meaning less bothered about things like speed issues and will be arrogant.
apperently telewest network in worse state then ntl according to some so I would guess the ntl side of things subsidisng that could mean less upgrades on ntl side.
staff cuts so less staff per customer.

pros
more power on contract negotiations.