07/02/2002

BT plan to cut broadband access prices

Plans have been put in motion by BT to cut charges for access to its broadband network, which should lead to cheaper high-speed internet access in the UK.

BT's plan to make the changes in the coming weeks are expected to give a shot in the arm to the roll-out of high-speed internet access across the UK.

The news came as the company revealed slightly better than expected pre-tax profit of £381 million excluding one-off items. Over the past year BT has sold off a number of businesses to cut its debt including the demerger of its mobile phone arm - renamed mmO2 - in November last year.

The UK has lagged behind other developed countries in the take-up of broadband services, with many critics blaming the level of BT's charges for the slow progress. However, BT's new boss says this is about to change with the company's new plans.

(MB)

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