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Technical News & Discussion => Broadband, Internet & General Computer News & Discussion => Topic started by: Noreen on Jun 19, 2008, 11:31:33

Title: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Noreen on Jun 19, 2008, 11:31:33
QuoteVodafone has done an about-face on its ambition to acquire Tiscali's broadband punters, according to a report.

The mobile operator's lack of a sizeable UK fixed-line broadband business had put it in the lead to acquire Tiscali's two million British subscribers, but the Financial Times today reckons it won't happen...............
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/06/19/voda_tiscali_auction/
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 11:34:04
Perhaps the potential buyers have finally realised the reputation Tiscali have?  :eyebrow:
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Noreen on Jun 19, 2008, 11:36:00
This is the FT news item http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/41197386-3da3-11dd-bbb5-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 11:49:52
QuoteBSkyB, Carphone and Wind declined to comment. Swisscom could not be reached.

Wonderful when you can't reach a comms company. ;D
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Noreen on Jun 19, 2008, 11:58:22
Wouldn't it be funny (and embarrassing) if in the end nobody wanted to buy it. :laugh:
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 12:02:05
I'd find it hilarious. ;D
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Lance on Jun 19, 2008, 12:42:07
It is of course, quite possible  :P
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Sebby on Jun 19, 2008, 13:34:29
I think someone could turn Tiscali around, but given its size and reputation, it's got to be a huge task.
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Tacitus on Jun 19, 2008, 14:42:58
Quote from: Sebby on Jun 19, 2008, 13:34:29
I think someone could turn Tiscali around, but given its size and reputation, it's got to be a huge task.

I think you may have hit the nail on the head.  The buying spree that saw Tiscali take over various ISPs has left someone with the problem of integrating not only the networks, but the back office stuff as well.  Given the current shambles, maybe they baulked at the amount of effort and probably money, involved. 

Looked at like that, best to walk away.  I'm inclined to think anyone who buys it needs their head examined, unless they get it at a ridiculously low price.
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 15:22:50
Well, my offer of £1 still stands. :)
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: madasahatter on Jun 19, 2008, 16:01:53
Quote from: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 15:22:50
Well, my offer of £1 still stands. :)

I'll go to £1.50  ;)
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 16:28:46
Splashing the cash, eh, Mad? :)
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Tacitus on Jun 19, 2008, 16:40:19
To be honest I think Vodaphone would be better having a go at Zen or a similar sized company.  Medium sized with a good rep and just starting with LLU.  They could build on that the same as O2 have done with Be.

Vodaphone aren't short of a bob and provided they kept the rate of expansion reasonable, it would be cheaper in the long run as well as consuming less management time on integration problems.
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 16:41:57
I'd agree, Tac. I don't feel that IDNet are big enough yet for someone like Vodafone to take an interest... I hope.  :fingers:
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: madasahatter on Jun 19, 2008, 16:45:54
Quote from: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 16:28:46
Splashing the cash, eh, Mad? :)

Yeah - bit reckless eh?  ;)
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 16:49:30
Especially with all that belt tightening...
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Tacitus on Jun 19, 2008, 17:13:08
Quote from: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 16:41:57
I'd agree, Tac. I don't feel that IDNet are big enough yet for someone like Vodafone to take an interest... I hope.  :fingers:

On the other hand I know from when I was involved in motor racing, there's an awful lot of deals hatched in the paddock.....   ;D

[very tongue in cheek...]
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 19, 2008, 17:14:59
I didn't know paddocks had hatches! ;)
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Lance on Jun 19, 2008, 19:45:20
Maybe us IDNetters could form a consortium and put an offer forward for Tiscali!  ;D
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Sebby on Jun 19, 2008, 21:34:12
You're on your own, Lance. ;D
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: David on Jun 19, 2008, 21:50:48
Quote from: Lance on Jun 19, 2008, 19:45:20
Maybe us IDNetters could form a consortium and put an offer forward for Tiscali!  ;D

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :eek4: :eek4: :eek4: :eek4: :eek4:
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 20, 2008, 10:06:21
Quote from: Lance on Jun 19, 2008, 19:45:20
Maybe us IDNetters could form a consortium and put an offer forward for Tiscali!  ;D

I'm all in favour. £2.50 and then we wind it up.  >:D
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: David on Jun 20, 2008, 10:08:48
Thats the secret !it needs winding up....will it work then Rik  ;D
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 20, 2008, 10:16:55
As well as it does now, David. :)
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: David on Jun 20, 2008, 10:22:54
How do you think existing subscribers will make out I really am glad Im no longer there but with all this hanging over them it cant be stress free as they are powerless,they could end up better off,but what real protection would they have....ie could Tiscali pull the plug.it is not probable but possible...stranger things have happened,I know its not likely but from what I have read its not exactly profitable this part of it.....
Cant be a picnic for the existing customers  :rant2:
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 20, 2008, 10:29:50
It's entirely possible that, if they can't find a buyer, David, Tiscali would cut their losses and shut down. I'm not aware of any special protection for ADSL customers, so that would leave everyone scrambling for an ISP.
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: David on Jun 20, 2008, 10:39:15
That is what I was dreading for the poor people still there or the totally innocent ones who fell for the  last lot of TV ads..... :fingers:.The outlook would be terrible MAC codes would be hell trying to get these it would take months before the mess was cleared up...
I made one Excellent choice happily this one concern which isn't applicable here.

Even yesterday I think I saw a Tiscali broadband off fer £4.49 a month....it cant be done but if you are new to broadband its very tempting to at least try it for this price .....hope for their sakes that there is a happy ending but personally I am not optimistic for them ???
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Rik on Jun 20, 2008, 10:41:12
Me neither, David, and with worsening trading conditions I can only see the squeeze coming on.
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: David on Jun 20, 2008, 11:12:37
Agree totally with this global slow down I would be surprised if there were a buyer out there and as there appears to be no assets to strip cant see any good coming from it.Tiscali have done their best to get shot of it but if there is no market then it looks very gloomy and unless a profit can be made then its obvious that Tiscali will just dump it all and run. :eek4:
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: Noreen on Jun 20, 2008, 12:04:03
Strange how this latest development doesn't appear to have been mentioned on the f2support forum or on the ThinkBroadband f2s and Tiscali forums.
Title: Re: Vodafone hangs up on Tiscali auction
Post by: David on Jun 20, 2008, 12:09:56
I have not seen it on mentioned either Noreen, ???