BT throws down broadband gauntlet

Telecoms giant offers broadband discount along with a slew of new business tools

We are giving them more at less cost to ensure they can weather the economic storm," said Bill Murphy of BT Business

BT has issued a war cry in the business broadband space by slashing its broadband packages by up to 35 per cent.

The move comes as a blow to rivals Opal, better known as TalkTalk’s The Carphone Warehouse business broadband ISP division, which announced earlier today that it is preparing to launch its new Opal Office Broadband product. The service will cost £7 and offers businesses network priority, with download speeds of up to 24Mbps.

BT in turn has slashed its broadband packages by up to 35 per cent. The flexible broadband Option 3 package is down from £40.50 to £30 and now includes mobile broadband as a permanent feature.

The telecoms giant claims the broadband discount and the introduction of more business tools will save the end user an estimated £764 every year.

BT’s basic broadband package will now include free business email and web page hosting, round the clock UK support and Voice over IP.

BT Business Total Broadband Option 1 has been reduced from £19.79 to £15 and Option 2 is down to £25 from £26.99.

Option1 now includes up to £396.60 worth of inclusive business tools and Option 2 has up £524.59.

Bill Murphy, managing director of BT Business, said: “Businesses need more
than just broadband access; they need a complete service to drive competitive edge. What’s the point in buying a steering wheel when you need the rest of the car too?

“BT Business has not just introduced massive savings for small businesses across our broadband packages; at the same time we are giving them more at less cost to ensure they can weather the economic storm.”

The telecoms giant has also reduced the price of its mobile packages by up to 34 per cent and has introduced free mobile email and a Blackberry Bold in the mix.

Customers that opt for a single billing scheme under OnePlan Plus can also receive 5 per cent off, free line rental for three months and calls between all mobiles and landlines on that bill at no cost.