Telewest in cut-price self-install broadband deal

Telewest has unveiled a new self-install product for its broadband service that makes use of cable modems embedded in its digital TV set-top boxes.

The self-installation kit for its blueyonder broadband services costs £12.50 and is available to Telewest's existing digital TV customers. The kit - which is sent out within 48 hours of ordering - lets punters make a broadband connection between their set-top box and PC. It is suitable for either 512kbp/s or 1Mbp/s broadband services and takes around 30 minutes to set-up.

However, blueyonder is advising that this service is most suitable for PCs that are adjacent - or in the same room - as the TV.

In a statement Chad Raube, director of Internet services at Telewest Broadband claimed the move wasn't a "gimmick" and offered great value.

"BT has finally got round to dropping some of its activation and hardware fees, but they're not playing in the same ball park," he said. "These packs combine our digital TV and broadband Internet technology to offer the kind of value that other ISPs can only dream of."

Telewest is to begin a trial of a wireless self-installation pack by the summer. ®