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UK Broadband launches NETVIGATOR
Thames Valley Debut for Wireless Internet Access
Thames Valley, UK, May 6, 2004 - UK Broadband announced today the launch of a high-speed wireless broadband service - NETVIGATOR - that will revolutionise the way people access and use the Internet.
Six areas in the Thames Valley will be the first places in the country to experience the NETVIGATOR service, which offers wireless broadband to the home and the office, with an initial choice of a 512Kbits per second or 1Megabit per second. This is 10 to 20 times faster than a standard dial up Internet connection.
NETVIGATOR provides this broadband access without the need for a telephone line or cable connection. The system is self-installed in a few minutes, with a plug and play device available in high street shops, or ordered over the Internet.
"This is truly revolutionary as it allows customers to install their broadband service within minutes and offers dedicated service with very high speed access," said Mike Butcher, CEO of UK Broadband. "This technology is going to change people's lives."
Because the NETVIGATOR technology is wireless, you can have a broadband connection in any room in the house. This high-speed broadband "always on" access makes it easy to surf the net, download videos or music, and bank or shop over the Internet.
"Broadband wireless opens up the Web to people," said Mr. Butcher. "Many people have been reluctant to switch to broadband through fixed telephone lines because of the cost, delays in getting connected and the frustration of dealing with multiple service providers. NETVIGATOR is different. It is simple to install, and since it is wireless, you don't need an engineer to visit your home."
NETVIGATOR is one of the most advanced broadband offerings available. NETVIGATOR is operated by UK Broadband Limited, a subsidiary of PCCW Limited, which is one of Asia's leading integrated communications companies. PCCW operates NETVIGATOR in Hong Kong and has over 700,000 broadband customers. UK Broadband owns a nationwide UK and Northern Ireland contiguous licence to enable wireless broadband services.
The service will initially be available in Aldershot, Maidenhead, Reading, Slough, Windsor, and Wokingham.
After completing this launch, UK Broadband will announce its national rollout plans for this new generation service in the UK and Northern Ireland.
Notes to Editors
The NETVIGATOR system will be available at either high street shops; by going to
www.netvigator.co.uk; or by calling 0800 056 9889.
NETVIGATOR uses wireless technology and initially is only available in certain areas. The coverage will increase over the coming weeks. It is possible to check whether a location is covered by Netvigator by visiting the website, www.netvigator.co.uk
Subscribers will receive a one-month no obligation free trial , followed by a monthly charge of £18 for 512Kbits/s and £28 for 1Megabit on the basis of a 12-month contract.
About UK Broadband
UK Broadband Limited is currently introducing its fast and easy wireless broadband service NETVIGATOR to the UK. NETVIGATOR brings high-speed broadband through a wireless network, providing flexibility and portability for use in the home and office.
The company acquired 13 of 15 licenses auctioned in the UK last year to enable wireless broadband services. It later acquired the remaining two licences in that band. UK Broadband Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of PCCW Limited (SEHK: 0008, ADR-NYSE: PCW).
www.ukbroadband.co.uk
About PCCW
PCCW Limited is one of Asia's leading integrated communications companies, with group revenues of approximately 2.6 billion U.S. dollars. The Company has approximately 12,500 employees and operations spanning Asia, Europe and the U.S. PCCW is also a 50 percent owner of Reach, Asia's largest international traffic carrier. PCCW provides innovative products and services in areas such as new generation fixed-line telephony, broadband, IT, wireless and delivery of home entertainment. PCCW is the operator of one of the world’s most advanced broadband networks and has over 700,000 broadband customers. Internationally, PCCW provides technical services to network operators and enables organizations to bring their business to Asia, and take Asian business to the rest of the world.
For further information:
Tom Buchanan or Giles Croot, Brunswick, Tel: +44 0207 404 5959
or
Ross Clarke or David Wallen, Live PR, Tel: +44 0207 6301100
