02 will not offer broadband nationwide

According to reports this morning, 02 are not planning to launch a broadband service across the UK.

Telefonica, the Spanish telecoms operator that owns 02, is reported to have influenced the decision not to go nationwide in a bid to lower costs.  02 owns the LLU broadband operator Be, but its broadband service only covers around half of the UK population. 

The company will use BT Wholesale to offer broadband through a certain number of exchanges where Be does not have coverage, but this will not expand to the whole of the UK.  Those in more rural areas are less likely to be able to receive the service.

02 are expected to launch a broadband service in the next few months.