Forthnet prepares to offer new fixed-line, broadband services
Telecoms operator and Internet service provider Forthnet said yesterday it will offer new broadband and phone service products as it seeks to boost its market share in the country. Forthnet will offer subscribers unlimited fixed-line calls within Greece and up to 4Mbps of fast Internet, or broadband access, at a fixed monthly price of -39.90, to counter state-controlled OTE telecom’s dominance. Customers already using Forthnet’s network will not have to pay a previously compulsory charge to the state telecoms. Forthnet, the company that introduced Internet services in Greece, is expanding its own fiberoptic cable network throughout the country as part of plans to stop using OTE’s lines and bypass having to pay rent for their use. Icelandic venture capital firm Novator holds about a 39 percent stake in Forthnet and British fund Cycladic Catalyst Master Fund owns 11.9 percent. The Crete-based company competes with the country’s largest telecoms provider OTE and other operators such as Public Power Corp’s Tellas in fixed-line telephony. (Reuters)
