Sky in talks to sell off Easynet
Monday 19 July 2010 16:00:09 by John Hunt

The Register is reporting that Sky may sell off the Easynet networking business which the company bought in 2005 mainly to gain access to their local loop unbundled (LLU) network. The LLU network has allowed Sky to enter in to the triple play market offering both telephone and broadband services alongside their traditional TV packages.

According to insiders at the company, senior management are planning a buyout with Easynet CEO David Rowe and CTO Justin Fielder meeting with Sky last week for talks. It is understood that Sky would keep control of the network whilst Easynet would rent capacity from Sky's networking unit to allow them to continue to provide services. The Easynet business is vastly different to that of Sky who focus on consumers. Easynet however offer services to businesses and enterprises, focusing on globally managed networks, hosting and solutions. They also offer access solutions to small businesses including broadband via their Easynet Connect and UKOnline brands. Unsurprisingly, Sky refused to comment to The Register on what they deeemed "market speculation".