The wireless blueyonder broadband self-installation pack, which includes a Netgear access point, costs £35. The access point will plug directly into the customer's cable set-top box, creating a wireless link between the set-top box and a desktop PC or laptop, using the 802.11b standard. Unlike a standard 802.11b access point, the kit only allows one device to be connected.
The cable firm believes that this wireless connectivity will appeal to customers whose PCs and televisions are in different rooms.
"We already offer a choice of access speeds with our blueyonder services, and now you can choose from a comprehensive range of installation options too. Those customers who choose a wire-free connection can look forward to even more freedom online and an end to unsightly wires," said Chad Raube, director of Internet services at Telewest Broadband, in a statement.
New users will be able to choose to go wireless instead of the standard wired pack, which costs £50 if an engineer installs it or £12.50 if self-installed.
A Telewest spokeswoman told ZDNet UK that the product is aimed at digital TV subscribers who haven't yet upgraded to broadband, rather than existing broadband customers.
"It would be a bit tricky for someone to swap out their standard cable modem to start using the wireless product -- they would have to cancel their existing subscription and set-up a new one -- but if they did, the price would be still the same £35 for the pack and then £25 a month," the Telewest spokeswoman explained.
She added that Telewest is considering also offering wireless kit based on 802.11g in the future, but believes that at present this technology is more suited to businesses than home users. 802.11g is several times faster than 802.11b, but compatible equipment is currently more expensive.
Some analysts believe that home wireless use is crucial to the future of the Wi-Fi industry. Once people get used to surfing wirelessly at high speed in their garden, for example, they're more likely to embrace the idea of taking their laptop to a coffee shop, railway station or hotel and using a wireless network there.
Talkback
what a load of crap. if they offered cheap broaband access, i would connect. this wireless bollocks isn't going to make me connet to their broadband service. if they charged £15 a month for a 1mbps line, i wouldn't think twice about taking them up on their offer.
I live in Crawley (Telewest Eurobell area) yet I can't even get their broadband (every time I asked they told me "its about 12 to 18 months away", for the past 12 months).
I wish they just get the "normal" broadband service up and running in all their cabled areas first.
and who in the uk offers 1mbps for £15?
Wireless is not without its problems. As a company we are currently testing 802.11g and have found on occasion that when the staff canteen uses its microwave or when staff use their key-fob for the car park barrier, the WAP drops out and all connections are lost until the WAP is re-booted. This is even after several re-sitings of the equipment. Re-siting at home for the best connectivity may not be at all possible. Personally, it wouldn't me, but I agree with the (charming) anon of Croyden - an overall BroadBand price drop may attract more customers.
why is it only one device can only be attached at any one time, in this day and age there are mutiple pc users in households they want us to embrace their technology advances but don't really want to help the customer in doing so, i believe more households would take on broadband knowing they all can connect to internet with broadband
This wireless thing seems a load of f*cking bull i dont see why they cant just make it easy for rural areas to get cable and stuff i mean there all f*cking money crazy these fatcats need to spend the money!