VoIP News: December 2009

Broadband provider BT has said it may resort to legal action if the government continues with its proposed nationalisation of the UK's broadband system. The government has pledged to provide broadband services to every home in the UK by 2012, a move which would necessitate extensive alterations to the existing network in order to provide mobile broadband services to rural areas not covered by fixed-line services.

Internet banking could be used by more Britons to improve the way they handle their finances, while it could also help tackle fraud, says an expert website. According to Moneymagpie. com, internet banking enables people to check their accounts as often as they like and at their convenience, which means they are more likely to spot any fraudulent activity in a timely manner.

A series of major retailers have launched their sales early by reducing prices both in their high street stores and on their websites. Brands such as Halfords, Comet and John Lewis are launching their sales today (December 24th) and internet purchases are expected to increase by nearly 20 per cent on last year's figures. More than four million Britons are forecast to take advantage of online sales and as much as £120 million could be spent on the internet through the course of Christmas Day, while figures from IMRG suggest overall December sales may reach £5.

Long-term broadband contracts could be sought by more people before the end of December in order to avoid VAT returning to 17. 5 per cent in January. The chancellor, Alistair Darling, reduced VAT to 15 per cent last year in order to help tackle the recession, but the move was only ever intended as a short-term measure.

Interference caused by Christmas lights positioned near computers and laptops could result in lower broadband speeds over the holidays, says an internet service provider (ISP). According to TalkTalk Broadband, interference from a range of electrical systems can affect broadband speeds and with many additional lights having been set up over Christmas, the problem could be amplified. The ISP urged web users to make sure they buy their Christmas lights from reputable retailers and to keep them as far away from broadband routers as possible.