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Sky to launch 'picnic' broadband-only service
Tuesday 28 August 2007 20:15:48 by Sebastien Lahtinen

BSkyB, the company behind the Sky TV and broadband service is expected to announce the launch of a broadband-only service which does not require users to have a Sky TV subscription. The service is expected to be called 'Picnic Broadband'.

BSkyB were not available to comment on the new brand name but did issue a statement:

"Sky is the UK's fastest growing broadband provider and we're always looking at ways to bring quality and value to even more customers. However, no plans are confirmed at this time."

BSkyB Statement

The service is likely to appeal to those who either have no desire for additional channels or already have a Freeview service whilst those on Virgin Media packages are more likely to take the Virgin broadband service too. The broadband service is also expected to include a call bundle option as well. This will help make more efficient use of the Easynet LLU network which Sky took over on its acquisition of the company and allow users to receive the same services currently available on Sky Broadband packages. It is believed that a new wireless Netgear router is going to be used setting Sky on track for competing with BT and its Home Hub.

More of the rumours are being discussed over on the Sky User forums.

[ Topic: Internet Service Providers | 8 comments | link to this item ]
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Comments

Posted by ETEE over 3 years ago
Well they've got to do something about their woefully small 3.5% market share.
Posted by CARPETBURN over 3 years ago
quote "The broadband service is also expected to include a call bundle option as well."

Another service to avoid then. I couldnt name a single decent internet provider that provides these stupid call bundle deals.
Posted by carrot63 over 3 years ago
'Picnic Broadband'??? The tragic thing is that coming up with this actually cost money somewhere down the line, possibly in recompense to the nursery class who were tasked with thinking it up in a slack period between feeding the goldfish and playing in the sandbox.

Broadband with Sky, however, will not be much of a picnic by all accounts.
Posted by uniquename over 3 years ago
"Broadband with Sky, however, will not be much of a picnic by all accounts."

Maybe that's the reason for the name. A picnic can be more fun than a restaurant and is much cheaper. Pretty non-existent service though (as most of us are not in the moneyed classes with hovering servants), and a disaster when it rains (ie something goes wrong).
Posted by rygar1 over 3 years ago
The Sky LLU services are actually OK for most people. OK, support is typical foreign call centre...but no worse than BT, virgin, AOL et al.

For only £10/month I currently get unlimited, unshaped 13.5mb, 24/7. Picnic? More like a feast :)
Posted by Hysteria over 3 years ago
This is all well and good if the same price is offered to non LLU users, but no doubt it won't.
Posted by chrysalis over 3 years ago
I would rate skys llu over ipstream and considering it myself at current, no bras profiling system and is cheap.
Posted by CaptainW over 3 years ago
Well, I was on Mid for £5 a month and have just upgraded to Max @ £10 per month and I am syncing at anything between 10-12.5meg so I'm happy.

I think this is a good idea if the price is right! I feel a gameshow coming on lol.
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