Wireless broadband service gets major cash injection

Pacific Century Cyberworks (PCCW) is giving its budding UK wireless broadband business a multi-million-pound boost, days after doubts emerged over its long-term plans for the service.

According to a report in the South China Morning Post, PCCW has committed an additional $40m to its Netvigator service. This is currently only available in Britain's Thames Valley region through UK Broadband, PCCW's UK subsidiary.

The $40m will be used to drive the commercial rollout of Netvigator, but it's not clear if this will mean the service will soon be available to more UK businesses and homes. UK Broadband had not responded to requests for comment at the time of writing.

Netvigator was launched in Britain's Thames Valley region in May 2004, and uses the 3.4GHz frequency. UK Broadband controls this part of the radio spectrum, and in theory it could offer services anywhere in the UK.

It was reported last week that UK Broadband had ditched plans for a nationwide rollout of Netvigator because of cost concerns. These claims were later rejected by the company.