Users angry at BT Openworld delays

As the long-running saga of BT's problematic asymmetric digital subscriber line rollout continues, the frustrating wait for its Openworld internet service has become too much for some customers.

As the long-running saga of BT's problematic asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) rollout continues, the frustrating wait for its Openworld internet service has become too much for some customers.

Originally promising the service in March, BT Openworld eventually began providing ADSL services to home users on 28 August. However, delays continued with the user waiting list topping 100,000.

BT Openworld has blamed the problems on internet service providers making too few people available to trial the service, as well as the delays to line installations affecting all providers.

However, the various explanations from BT are just not adequate reassurance for some long-suffering users. They have established the OpenWoe website as a form of group therapy to recount their tales of despair.

A statement on the BT Openworld site promises everything is being done to alleviate the problems. It has tripled the rate of line installations and quadrupled the order-handling team.

When it eventually arrives, ADSL will revolutionise internet access in the UK, offering download speeds between 512Kbps and 2048Kbps depending on the service chosen.