uSwitch home phone news September 2006

Today, Pipex announced the purchase of two broadband competitors to strengthen its position in the communications market. It has acquired Bulldog’s residential and small business customer base from Cable & Wireless.

In addition to this, Pipex have also announced the acquisition of the Toucan’s UK operation from IDT Telecom for £24 million. This will bring a further 185,000 customers to the Pipex umbrella.

Following the acquisition of Toucan and Bulldog, Pipex now has 1.14 million broadband and home phone customers, of which over 570,000 have broadband.

The move will also strengthen Pipex’s position in a crowded market place as it will now be able to offer triple play; a bundled package offering home phone, broadband and mobile. Peter Dubens, Pipex’s chairman, said: "This acquisition will enable Pipex to provide triple play in the UK market by the end of 2007. Broadband, voice and mobile will be bundled and offered to our entire base in the coming months."

Pipex has also signed up to use Cable & Wireless’ unbundled local loop access network for all its customers, which will cover 800 exchanges nationwide.