WightCable
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wight Cable 2005 Ltd is the only provider of commercial and residential cable television, telephone and broadband internet services on the Isle of Wight. Along with Kingston Communications and others, it is one of the last few remaining cable companies in the UK not owned by Virgin Media who, from March 2006, operate more than 95% of cable services in the UK. The Isle of Wight Cable and Telephone Company (IOWCTC) and Omne Communications were takeover by CLS Holdings in the early years of the 21st century. It ran two mostly separate operations, WightCable on the Isle of Wight (former IOWCTC), and WightCable (North) in south west Scotland and North West England. CLS Holdings have now sold both of the original two companies to separate private investors who intend to operate them separately taking full advantage of the advances in technology that have occurred in the intervening years.
[edit] Modernisation - 2005 onwards
WightCable Ltd were sold in the last part of 2005, now going under the name Wight Cable 2005 Ltd. Many changes have been introduced for the end user not only new graphics on the website and letterheads but also more usefully increased broadband speeds and low cost inclusive call package unlimited broadband connection and digital television. Making it a one stop shop for all media needs. It is speculated that these change were brought about to build on the existing customer base by improving the quality of service that the old company had provided and pave the way for the new island wide WightWireless wireless telephone and broadband service and the new connect service via BT lines. However attempts to expand the network have been beset by difficulties. "WightWireless" has proved to be unreliable with poor quality of voice services. Wightcable have also, so far, been unable to penetrate into other areas of the Island, it is hoped that the Connect range of packages will give them an additional customer base and transform the business into profitability.
[edit] Virgin Media Takeover
Early In June 2007 it was announced that Virgin Media had expressed an interest in purchasing WightCable. An initial undisclosed offer was made to the board which was rejected for undervaluing the importance of the geographic location of WightCable's market. A second bid was made for WightCable by Virgin Media to which the board gave the bid a positive response. As of July 2007 the bid is still under consideration.
