Broadcaster BSkyB is to grab a slice of the rapidly growing broadband market through an acquisition worth up to £150m, it was reported yesterday.
The proposed swoop for telecoms group Easynet signals the start of battle against cable TV rivals NTL and Telewest, as well as making it a direct competitor against the likes of BT, AOL and Wanadoo.
The Sunday Telegraph said BSkyB had been talking to a number of internet service providers, but opted for Easynet because of its investment in "local loop unbundling, the process that involves putting equipment into BT exchanges so companies can control the line into the home and offer a range of services.
Easynet has its own equipment in 250 local exchanges - giving it access to 5.8 million homes and 850,000 businesses - but has plans to invest in a further 100.
Many of these exchanges are in areas where NTL and Telewest have customer strongholds.
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