The Tech Guru Blog

Virgin Media broadband upgraded to top speeds of 200Mbps

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 16:01:00 +0100

Virgin Media is launching new broadband packages which can run up to a speed of 200Mbps. Packages offering 100Mbps or more come under its new Vivid brand, which has ultrafast connectivity and broadband speeds. This new service was available to customers from 1 October 2015.

The new packages provide speeds of 70Mbps, 150Mbps and 200Mbps. Even the lowest of these matches the broadband speeds at the top end of the range available from providers operating on the BT network.

The aim of these upgrades is to offer the optical fibre speed that is necessary for the data usage needs of the current generation. Data usage on the Virgin Media network is currently growing at a rate of 60 per cent every year, and if the trend continues data usage will be 10,000 per cent higher by 2025.

According to Virgin, 90 per cent of its customers will be able to upgrade by the end of 2015. The higher speeds will be made possible by the use of DOCSIS 3 technology, which allows more data to be carried over the existing network

Hyperfast broadband adds value to property, research shows

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 12:20:00 +0100

Homeowners would be willing to pay out an additional £14,000 for a new home if it had so-called hyperfast internet connection speeds.

That is according to research commissioned by internet service provider Hyperoptic - a company that provides 1000Mbps Fibre-to-the-Premises broadband services.

It's clear from the research that internet access is a vital consideration when people are looking to move, as 31 per cent of respondents said they wouldn't relocate to a new property until a broadband line had been activated. What's more, some 61 per cent of respondents said they would check broadband speeds before they considered renting or buying a house or flat.

The study found homes with speeds of less than 6Mbps were enough to turn off potential movers; 14 Mbps was the minimum people stated they were willing to put up with.

Broadband is so important that more than half of those questioned (58 per cent) said it came above having an additional bedroom on the priority list, while 62 per cent said it was as or more crucial than nice neighbours. Nearly one-third of those questioned (32 per cent) said it was equally or more vital than off-street parking.

Hyperopics head of products Steve Holford said: "Ultrafast broadband make a property more marketable; people are increasingly reliant on their connection and need it to cope with their current and future bandwidth demands."

He advised would-be movers to check speeds before they make the leap and suggested consumers check out websites such as Rightmove, as they list how fast internet connections are in listed properties.

Cable vandalism leaves homes without internet access

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 12:15:00 +0100

Hundreds of homes in Croydon have been left without phone or broadband after thieves cut and attempted to steal cables near homes and business in the area.

Crimestoppers has joined forces with BT's Openreach to appeal for information about the crimes, and rewards of £1,000 have been offered to those who may have more details.

Engineers were sent to carry out emergency repair work on the cables, which were damaged last month (August 20th).

London campaigns manager for Crimestoppers Regan Hook said: "Theft and damage of cables is not a victimless crime … businesses can lose out financially, and families might not be able to make that all important call."

He urged anyone who may have seen the attacks, which took place in Addiscombe, Waddon and New Cross, to get in touch.

SmartWater used to protect cabling beneath motorway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Sep 2015 12:10:00 +0100

Cables that are being laid underneath a stretch of motorway near Manchester will be protected with SmartWater solution.

The wires are being used to power electronic message boards and signs along the M60 near Sale and the M62 close to Rochdale.

Although the majority of the equipment will be fibre optic, some are made from copper, which have a high value in the scrap metal business and are therefore at risk from theft.

Paul Hampson, Highways England project manager, said: "We're covering the cables and equipment being installed as part of the project with SmartWater and warning thieves to stay away."

The solution can only be seen under ultra-violet light and it has a unique forensic code, which means thieves can be linked directly to the scene of a crime.

Can an Independent Scotland stand on its own two feet?: John Jappy: Hiding the truth

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 3 May 2015 17:52:00 +0100

Can an Independent Scotland stand on its own two feet?: John Jappy: Hiding the truth

1.5m Scottish residences have access to superfast broadband

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 16:14:00 GMT

The scale of the work still required to connect all Scottish homes to superfast broadband should not be underestimated.

That is the warning from Scottish deputy first minister John Swinney, following news that the service is now available to over 1.5 million homes and business in Scotland.

Mr Swinney hinted that despite the impressive-sounding statistics, the project was still very much in its infancy.

By 2016, it is hoped the service will be rolled out to 85 per cent of the population, and the aim is for 95 per cent of Scottish homes and businesses to have access to superfast broadband by 2018.

There are four groups involved in the rollout - the Digital Scotland partnership, which is funded by the government's Broadband Delivery UK initiative, the Scottish government, BT, and the European Regional Development Fund. These are responsible for two separate projects; one is helping connect those living in the Highlands and Islands, and the other is for the remaining less remote parts of Scotland.

Some 4,500 km of fibre optic cables and 4,700 cabinets have been deployed in the rollout so far.

BT Scotland director Brendan Dick suggested he was confident Scotland would be able to realise its ambition of "delivering world class connectivity by 2020".

Despite the apparent optimism regarding the project, the public spending watchdog Audit Scotland has suggested that caution should be exercised over the definition of "superfast", as there is currently no agreement on what speed it is referring to.

New research released by Ofcom revealed one-third of broadband connections in the UK are now classed as superfast, which is defined as customers who receive speeds of up to 30 Mbps or faster. Some 12 months ago, just one-quarter of connections fell into this bracket

Scrap Metal Dealers Act cuts cable crime

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 16:12:00 GMT

Metal theft in Sussex has fallen by two-thirds between 2013 and 2014, from 963 to 314 reported incidents, and in Kent by 50 per cent, from 1,659 crimes in 2012-13 to 695 in 2013-14.

A spokesman for the police has suggested the Scrap metal Dealers Act 2013 is responsible for the decline in this type of criminal activity.

"Reports of metal theft have fallen because those involved know they have a greater chance of being caught," he said.

He went on to explain that scrap metal dealers, mobile collectors and vehicle salvage operators now have to be licensed and metal can no longer be sold for cash, making it easier for authorities to trace transactions.

Anyone working as a mobile collector must now has to have a separate license for each district they wish to trade in.

Telco company sues vessel for cable damage

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 16:11:00 GMT

Canadian telecommunications company Eastlink is suing a fishing vessel for damage it states it sustained to one of its subsea cables.

The Newfoundland ship 'Oceans of Joy' allegedly broke the internet service provider's underwater fibre.

Eastlink issued an arrest warrant after claiming the vessel was responsible for causing some $1 million CAD (£523,000) worth of damage.

The company states this is the fourth time a ship has snapped cables in the area between May 2013 and July 2014.

Allegedly, the incident took place on July 17th 2014. Eastlink's network operation centre stated it detected a complete loss of optic signal from the cable and found the wire, which was made up of 24 optic fibres, to be cut.

The statement of claim said the vessel "put out its otter trawl in an unsafe and improper location".

Swindon set to secure blanket superfast broadband coverage

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 16:09:00 GMT

Superfast broadband could be available to 99.4 per cent of Swindon residents if a deal is secured between council chiefs and internet service provider UKB Networks.

The proposal would mean the 4G-LTE network that is currently available to some 80 per cent of homes and businesses in the town would be rolled out to include the vast majority of properties, the Swindon Advertiser reports.

Councillor Garry Perkins, who is responsible for the parish of Haydon Wick, suggested superfast broadband is now ubiquitous and people expect to have access to it.

"This is not just about children being able to play computer games, but ensuring the whole of the borough can prosper," he said.

If the plans go ahead, masts will be erected in the town to transmit a signal to properties without good connectivity. Those wanting to access the service will have a receiver attached to their home free of charge.

Subsea cables 'most at risk from vibrations'

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 16:08:00 GMT

Subsea cables are most likely to be damaged by vibrations caused by water flowing over them, according to a study conducted by the Crown Estate and the European Marine Energy Centre.

The risk caused by the phenomenon, which is referred to as strumming by those in the industry, can be mitigated by carrying out detailed surveys of potential sites to assess the likelihood of issues arising in a particular area.

Cables can then be laid on a route where they are least likely to be affected by the vibrations.

Researchers involved in The Subsea Cable Lifecycle Study have also advised that the wires should be protected with armouring, particularly in high-risk areas.

Matthew Finn, EMEC senior business development manager, said: "We're delighted to see our data put to use across other projects that will support the development of the nascent marine renewables industry."

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 14:11:00 GMT

We would like to wish you a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year

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The Tech Gurus Limited

New fibre broadband deal announced

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 18:46:00 GMT

Date: 10/12/2014

Consumers who choose to get their broadband via fibre optic cables provided by Direct Save Telecom will be paying just £14.75 per month for an unlimited service.

The company is offering customers speeds of up to 38 Mbps, plus free weekend calls and a wireless router for no extra charge. To be eligible, a minimum 18-month contract must be signed.

In addition, the first three months will be free. However, those who take up the deal will still have to pay a set-up fee of £24.95 and line rental will be £16.75. There is a discount for those who choose to pay for 12 months up front - they will be charged just £11.

Stavros Tsolakis, chief executive of Direct Save Telecom, said: "We are now up there with TalkTalk and Plusnet in offering the lowest-costing fibre deals, and are way ahead of the likes of BT, Sky and Virgin."

Mr Tsolakis said the new offering means the company has become a serious contender in the fibre broadband market.

BT recently offered customers a deal on unlimited broadband and weekend calls for £5 per month, plus line rental on a 12-month contract. However, the agreement was only open to those who signed up between November 25th and December 1st.

Police warn stolen phones may have faulty cables

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 6 Dec 2014 14:33:00 GMT

Date: 06/12/2014

Lancashire Police have been forced to warn Christmas shoppers about the dangers of stolen phones, which they state may have cables that do not meet British safety standards.

Illegal traders are selling the phones on to customers who are unaware their new purchases are not legitimate.

The police said they had received reports of the devices being sold in the East Lancashire area and suspect there are more counterfeit goods being exchanged because of the festive period.

PC Anna Gavela was keen to warn members of the public that stolen phones will not have a warranty or insurance and the buyer may end up being prosecuted.

"The phones might not be the genuine article and if they are fake, any cables might not meet the British standards and there is a possibility they could be dangerous," she said.

She warned that the items are also likely to end up being sold on the internet and suggested that anyone suspicious about a vendor or product should report their concerns to the police.

New fibre broadband deal announced

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 5 Dec 2014 17:17:00 GMT

Consumers who choose to get their broadband via fibre optic cables provided by Direct Save Telecom will be paying just £14.75 per month for an unlimited service.

The company is offering customers speeds of up to 38 Mbps, plus free weekend calls and a wireless router for no extra charge. To be eligible, a minimum 18-month contract must be signed.

Mr Tsolakis said the new offering means the company has become a serious contender in the fibre broadband market.

SP suggests FTTP technology led to price increase

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 3 Dec 2014 16:18:00 GMT

Internet service provider (ISP) Gigaclear has defended its decision to increase fees, as it suggests a new pricing structure will support the rollout of its Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) technology to remote areas.

FTTP describes the process whereby fibre optic cable is run from the provider's local exchange directly to the subscriber's premises.

Gigaclear, a company that specialises in providing an FTTP service, is set to put up its charges by 4.8 per cent from January 1st 2015.

Despite these increases, the website ISPreview suggests the way the company bills customers is "a lot fairer" than its rivals, as it does not charge additionally for line rental.

As Gigaclear puts it: "There are no monthly surcharges or extras, the price you see is the price you pay."

The company suggests it provides a better service than its competitors who rely on copper cables to deliver broadband. This is a problem for rural residents, it says, as speeds will not be as fast as they are for those living in urban areas, yet they will still be paying the same price.

According to Gigaclear, FTTP is a preferable way to access the internet because it means that, no matter how far people are from a broadband cabinet, they will receive the same service.

Those who subscribe to its Home50 service, for instance, will receive 50 Mbps for downloads, and the same for uploads. When customers require higher speeds, they simply need to upgrade their package. Gigaclear hinted adverts that state services provide 'up to' a certain speed are deceptive.

Consumer watchdog Which? recently warned consumers that they are being misled by ISPs' claims about their broadband services.

Because of a legal loophole, providers can state they offer 'up to' a certain speed even if it only applies to just ten per cent of customers.

The pressure group stated only 12 per cent of people are aware companies are allowed to advertise in this way.

It has therefore launched a campaign to ban such advertising. It is calling on the Committee of Advertising Practice and the Broadcasting Committee of Advertising Practice to change the way firms promote their services, so that it is more transparent.

Attempted cable theft causes widespread disruption

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 3 Dec 2014 14:16:00 GMT

Police are still searching for would-be thieves who attempted to steal cable from signalling equipment near Salford on Sunday (November 30th).

The incident caused widespread disruption for passengers who were travelling from Preston to Manchester and those who took trains from Burscough and Ormskirk, the Lancashire Evening Post reports.

A spokesperson for the First Trans-Pennine Express said: "It has caused an awful lot of upset for lots of travellers and we would advise everyone to check before setting out."

People using the services affected were also advised to allow extra time for their journey.

The perpetrators tried to remove six lengths of cabling from its metal casing, but were unsuccessful.

A so-called Security Journal conducted by Palgrave Macmillan examining metal theft from Britain's railway network suggests there is a strong link between the frequency of crimes and the price of copper.

The report showed that there were a mean of 2.3 metal thefts from the British rail network each week between 2007 and 201

Police warn stolen phones may have faulty cables

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 3 Dec 2014 14:12:00 GMT

Lancashire Police have been forced to warn Christmas shoppers about the dangers of stolen phones, which they state may have cables that do not meet British safety standards.

Illegal traders are selling the phones on to customers who are unaware their new purchases are not legitimate.

The police said they had received reports of the devices being sold in the East Lancashire area and suspect there are more counterfeit goods being exchanged because of the festive period.

PC Anna Gavela was keen to warn members of the public that stolen phones will not have a warranty or insurance and the buyer may end up being prosecuted.

"The phones might not be the genuine article and if they are fake, any cables might not meet the British standards and there is a possibility they could be dangerous," she said.

She warned that the items are also likely to end up being sold on the internet and suggested that anyone suspicious about a vendor or product should report their concerns to the police.

Report calls for 1Gb broadband speed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 12:56:00 GMT

While much has been made of government targets to ensure 95 per cent of homes have access to superfast broadband via fibre optic cables by 2017, a new report suggests more speed is needed.

According to regulator Ofcom, the average UK broadband speed - as of November 2013 - is 17.8 Mbps. The government defines superfast connectivity as services that provide speeds in excess of 24 Mbps.

However, a new report from the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce's City Growth Commission states 1Gb is "the minimum needed".

The commission stated that companies and local authorities questioned on the subject complained of "constraints on the supply of high-speed broadband".

"We therefore call for government to launch a comprehensive review of how our current and future needs for digital infrastructure can be met," the report stated.

It also stated that "large numbers" of businesses had not been included in the superfast broadband project.

Network Rail promises upgrade to signal equipment

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 12:48:00 GMT

Outdated signalling equipment on a section of the Great Western mainline is set to be upgraded thanks to a £350 million investment, Network Rail has revealed.

The announcement follows issues with signals on the line earlier in October that caused delays to passengers and took close to a week to rectify. Following an investigation, it was revealed that the problems were caused by an underground cable being damaged as engineers worked to electrify the line.

A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: "The signalling technology we have inherited dates back to the 1960s; this programme will boost performance and reliability and help us meet the challenge of increasing numbers of passengers."

She went on to warn that the modernisation project would take some time. The authority pledged maintenance teams would therefore be placed between Paddington, Reading and Oxford to ensure the current signalling system remains as reliable as possible.

Survey suggests businesses suffer with 'poor' internet connection

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 12:42:00 GMT

Nearly half of companies (40 per cent) in the manufacturing and engineering sector believe the UK's broadband network - supplied via fibre optic cables - is either 'poor' or 'very poor'.

That is according to the findings of a survey conducted by the manufacturers' organisation - the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF).

It is clear that good connectivity is vital to businesses, as 15 per cent of those questioned said it was their number one priority, while 45 per cent said investment in broadband would be among their top three main concerns.

Chief executive of EEF Terry Scuoler said there are worries that the quality of services in the UK is in decline, rather than getting better.

"The message from manufacturers to the chancellor for the remainder of this parliament is clear; complete the job on vital roads, energy and broadband projects," he said.

Some £1.7 billion has been allocated to roll out superfast connectivity to 95 per cent of homes and businesses by 2017, as part of the government's broadband UK (BDUK) project.

Subsea training academy launched in Aberdeen

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 12:37:00 GMT

A new academy has been launched by Ashtead Technoloy that will train students in how to configure, operate and maintain subsea equipment used for oil and gas projects.

Delegates at the Ashtead Subsea Technology Training Academy will learn how to operate offshore survey equipment, motion sensing systems and acoustic positioning devices, as well as undergo training in cable and pipe detection.

The facility will be based at Westhill just outside Aberdeen and will be headed up by training manager and electronic engineer Steve Cullen.

Commercial director of Ashtead Technology Tim Sheehan stated that the facility had been built to allow subsea surveying, maintenance and construction companies to keep up with advances in technology.

"Ashtead is well positioned and resourced to fill the gap in the market for high-quality training that will meet the skills and competences required," he said.

The company has invested close to £500,000 in the academy and hopes to attract delegates from across the globe to its cutting-edge facility.

Snowdonia welcomes plans to bury electricity cables

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 12:33:00 GMT

Proposals to reposition electricity cables in Snowdonia have been greeted with excitement by the national park.

The area has been shortlisted by the National Grid as one of eight regions across the country where electricity pylons are thought to be a blight on the landscape.

If the plans go ahead, it could mean pylons 160ft high may either be buried underground or moved to a position where they will not be so visible.

Speaking in an interview with BBC News, Jonathan Cawley, Snowdonia authority's director of planning and cultural heritage, said: "It will have a direct and significant impact in enhancing the beauty of the park."

Mr Cawley went on to state that both walkers and climbers would welcome the change.

A panel of experts and landscape architects will now be drafted into the area to establish the best way to proceed.

The Brecon Beacons, the New Forest and the Peak District are other national parks earmarked for the same treatment, plus four Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - Dorset, High Weald, Tamar Valley and North Wessex Downs.

Survey reveals so-called 'connection crime'

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 12:31:00 GMT

Difficulty accessing high speed internet connections via fibre optic cables may be the reason why nearly one-third of Britons admit to committing so-called broadband burglary.

That is according to a survey conducted by provider Hyperoptic, which revealed that 29 per cent of respondents had attempted to guess passwords in order to access a neighbour's Wi-Fi service.

Of those questioned, 34 per cent said they had tried to use someone else's network because they were not getting enough bandwidth from their own offering.

Managing director of Hyperoptic Dana Tobak said: "Stealing other people's Wi-Fi cannot be condoned and is highly likely to have a detrimental effect on the connection your neighbours are receiving - and paying for."

Those aged between 35 and 44 are, according to the results of the survey, most likely to carry out the misdemeanour, with over 40 per cent admitting to it. By contrast, those aged over 55 were the least likely to attempt to steal another person's bandwidth, with just ten per cent stating they had tried to do so.

Superfast Cymru cable project set to expand

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 7 Aug 2014 14:18:00 +0100

Wales is heading towards vastly improved internet connectivity thanks to a series of fibre optic cables being laid as part of the so-called Superfast Cymru project.

The Welsh government is working in conjunction with BT to deliver the service to 500,000 homes and businesses across the country by June 2015.

It looks as though the project has so far proved successful, as a further 66 locations have now been included in the rollout of the service.

Ken States, deputy minister for skills and technology, said: "I am pleased to be able to announce the next phase of this programme, which shows how more and more communities are set to benefit."

Once this part of the project is complete, it is estimated over three-quarters of homes in the area will have the service.

The ultimate aim is for 96 per cent of homes across Wales to have broadband by early 2016.

Customers lose internet connectivity following cable accident

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 7 Aug 2014 13:19:00 +0100

Some 22 customers in the market town of Haverhill were left without phone and broadband connectivity after cables fell down on Wratting Road.

The incident happened on Tuesday (July 29th) when a tree that was being cut down in the area accidentally brought down the wires.

Police were called to the A143 and the surrounding roads were closed in order for UK Power Networks to carry out repairs to restore service to those affected.

A spokeswoman for the company was keen to state that it was working "as quickly and as safely as possible" to get the network up and running again.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for BT explained that an engineer had been sent to the site "to make [the] plant safe".

Power cables are potentially dangerous. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that on average, two people are killed every year in the UK as a result of coming into contact with lines whilst carrying out agricultural work.