Business internet users in Sussex have been promised positive action on broadband.

With six businesses switching to broadband every hour, BT says it is working flat out make fast internet available across the region.

At an Institute of Directors (South-East Region) forum, Pierre Danon, the recently appointed chief executive of BT Retail, was disarmingly honest on the negative issues that have clouded the public perception of broadband.

But Mr Danon also presented a positive view of the future.

He outlined BT's strategy, saying its aim was to have more than 150,000 UK users connected by the end of next year.

He said: "Communities are the key to broadband implementation.

If you live in an area where broadband is not currently available and you know others who want the service, work as a community to register your interest.

"This approach has worked in a number of rural areas, including Cornwall and Kent.

Communities of remote workers and internet users have banded together to liaise with BT and make the service available.

"If you want a broadband service, you need to register your interest with BT.

"This has a trigger point that means as soon as the requisite number is reached, BT will swing into action."

If the registration numbers met requirements, BT would make every effort to make the service available.

Price has been a sticky issue for BT but this seems to have been resolved. At about £27 a month, the cost of broadband appears to have stabilised.

Mr Danon explained how the pricing structure worked.

After VAT of about £4, the highest cost to BT was network charges of £18 to £19, leaving a small margin to pay for marketing and administration.

"The price is as low as it can be," he said.

Mr Danon was adamant BT would not get involved in a price war as there was no more room for manoeuvre.

Any service provider that started a broadband price war would go bankrupt.

Mr Danon said improving customer satisfaction was BT's highest priority. He indicated he would work towards reducing the number of complaints.

The technology had been sorted out so users could, in the main, be confident the service now delivered the goods.

Does this mean we can safely make the quantum leap from 56k modem to warp speed connection? I believe it does.

BT Retail is not making wild claims for the service and now has a man at the helm who commands respect.

With hard work and support from the community, it should now be able to make broadband work well for most UK subscribers.

Mr Danon's presentation contained hints of good things to come in the near future.

These will almost certainly include an all-inclusive offer that provides content as well as a connection.

Content is key to internet satisfaction. If users can find the information, they seek quickly and easily, BT will have plenty of satisfied customers.