NTL cuts internet fees completely
NTL has announced that it will offer free and unmetered internet access in the UK from April.
The free internet service, ntlworld, will be available for PC users from 17 April, with a TV internet service set to follow soon after.
NTL’s announcement comes a day after US portal Altavista unveiled plans to offer unmetered internet access in the UK with no monthly fee.
Excite.co.uk also plans to launch a similar service before the end of this year.
Customers will need to sign up to NTL’s phone service. Homes in areas cabled by NTL will get access as part of a cable TV and phone package priced at £9.25 per month.
BT customers will need to buy a line adapter for £10 and must spend at least £10 per month on non-internet voice calls.
Users of ntlworld will not incur a call connection, ISP subscription fee or internet call charges.
“NTL has a vision to bring the internet to all UK homes, either via the PC or the TV. ntlworld will help the UK in a drive to lead the world in making ecommerce, e-entertainment and e-education available to everyone,” said Barclay Knapp, chief executive of NTL.
By contrast, Altavista users will pay a one-off charge of £30 to £50 and an annual charge of £10 to £20 in return for unmetered internet access.