As well all cry out for more “mbps”, Microsoft and NTL have announced an agreement to jointly develop new, broadband services for the UK and Ireland. This agreement, which also calls for Microsoft to invest $500 million into NTL, is expected to accelerate deployment of high-speed voice, video and data services, and confirms greater demand from consumers seeking faster Internet access, and the ability to quickly download content rich files and images.

“With the availability of high-speed Internet access becoming more readily available to online users worldwide, media streaming technology companies such as American Alliance, Broadcast.com, and Realnetworks will strongly benefit as the experience of viewing media content over the Internet becomes more like watching TV,” comments Mr. Doug Wetzel, a widely followed analyst with Gilbert & Chatterton, Inc. Mr. Wetzel continues, `“The power of the Internet to traditional business models cannot be underestimated. As an example, just look at the recent financial success of ebay. The potential for American Alliance is equally significant.”

This agreement, at the end of the day, is just that, an agreement, whether anything will be actioned is another story. But, it is still going to be a rosey future for broadband which ever pipe you plug into