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Add wireless to your home broadband for just £60 extra, says NTL

After talking about it for more than a year, NTL has finally managed to recommend a WLAN box, under a joint deal struck with Linksys. It makes the cost of a wireless router just £60 more than a wired one.

BT Openworld has been selling a similar package for over a year now; but the NTL solution looks considerably cheaper, according to today's announcement, jointly made by Linksys and NTL - who will promote the new product together.

The deal allows NTL Broadband customers to link multiple PCs together around the home for sharing internet access, files, printers and scanners as well as playing multiple player games, all via a single high-speed broadband connection.

This home networking service launched today includes immediate availability of Linksys products including wired and wireless routers, and PCI, PC Card and USB adapters for desktop and/or notebook computers. All Linksys products have been tested and approved for use on NTL's network across the UK.

Prices for a typical home network including VAT, (excludes shipping) are as follows:

A wired solution (router, cable and Ethernet card) costs about £89.99.

A wireless solution (wireless router and wireless USB adapter) costs about £149.99.

NTL customers can purchase these products from the new co-branded website www.linksys.com/ntl or by calling 0870 729 2087 in the UK, to place orders with Globaldirect, which is a fulfillment partner for Linksys.

This site also helps advise customers on the right equipment to suit their individual needs. Linksys will manage and provide technical support for Linksys networking products free of charge by phone and email.

Bill Goodland, Director of Internet at NTL said that he predicted 2003 will see wireless home networking take off in the UK, spurred on by the success of broadband. "Increasing numbers of UK homes have more than one PC and to get them online at the same time, customers need a home network with broadband access - and that's exactly what we're delivering."

"This agreement symbolises NTL's endorsement of home networking as an important extension of their high-speed cable Internet services," said Robert Auci, Director of International Business Development at Linksys. "Our relationship has also enabled us to work together to develop an online home networking education centre that helps customers select the right products for their network needs while enabling NTL to deliver an enhanced Internet experience for the entire household."

Customers can make use of the wired router and Ethernet cards to connect PCs in the same room while wireless routers and wireless adapters are ideal to connect PCs in different rooms without laying Ethernet wires. Wireless networks also provide the freedom for wireless laptop users to move around the home while connected to NTL's broadband service. Products are offered individually so customers can select the products that best fit their needs and add on to their home network as it grows.

NTL claims to be the UK's leading broadband company with over 500,000 residential customers. The new home networking service is available to customers on its mid and top tier speeds. Its 600K Broadband service costs £24.99 per month, while its 1Mb service costs £34.99 per month.