Here's a switch: While Comcast admits it hasactively slowed down traffic on its broadband network, British pay-TV and broadband provider BSkyB is reportedly conducting "secret" trials to see if it can't jack up access speeds, according to The Mail.
It's not really clear what technology BSkyB is experimenting with, but spokesman Robert Fraser says they're conducting a small-scale trial to explore "the potential of sub-loop unbundling," and that it's too early to say whether there will be a commercial launch.
While Fraser says the tests are part of BSkyB's goal to "give customers a better service," we'd also venture to guess that faster speeds will merit higher prices. And although the trials could bode well for DSL subscribers, there may not be much upside for cable providers, according to one analyst we spoke with.
"Some of the things BSkyB is working on are interesting, and some things may be applicable to cable," says Todd Mitchell, a Kaufman Bros. analyst. "But a lot of it is specific to the DSL architecture."
Photo: Flickr/Abri Beluga
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