O2 to Blanket UK with Broadband

O2 will extend its broadband coverage to the whole of the United Kingdom using BT's wholesale broadband network. O2 also seems to have earmarked a sizable amount--£6m (€7.7m)--to grab new customers.

O2 can do so because BT has created a separate business unit that sells wholesale broadband access to any retailer that wants to use it. The U.S. policy framework took a different route, and relies on vigorous competition between the local cable and telephone companies.

One might argue we'd see faster uptake, but less innovation using the functional separation model. Conversely, slower diffusion but more differentiation using the U.S. model. There are different benefits.

After a slower start, it looks as though access speeds and "price per megabit" propositions, plus managed services wrapped around the access, are finally starting to get interesting in the U.S. market.