Tag: broadband

Q&A with telecoms operator pioneering Bitcoin in the Czech Republic

Czech telecommunications operator NETBOX now accepts Bitcoin as a valid payment method making it the first telecoms company in the Czech Republic to do so.

The company provides a plethora of telecoms services ranging from broadband, mobile phone plans right through to television subscriptions. NETBOX have over 100,000 customers using their services including governments, schools and other state bodies.

Although the company is embracing Bitcoin, they are still unsure as to whether adopting the digital currency will bring new customers or just add convenience for current users as an alternative method of payment..

The Czech’s have fell in love with Bitcoin since it’s launch in 2011. According to Google Trends the Czech Republic has drummed up the most internet searches for bitcoin related terms.

We caught up with David Otoupalík, Marketing Director at NETBOX to find out more.

What are the benefits of NETBOX accepting Bitcoin payments for customers?

Customer’s can use their Bitcoins and pay for internet and tv bills without any money transaction. We also accepting Bitcoins in our customer’s office.

Are you the first Czech ISP to accept Bitcoin? is this something customers requested?

Yes, we are the first ISP in Czech, which accept Bitcoin as regular payment method. All customers can login into customer’s self care and pay online all the bills.

Are Bitcoins becoming widely acceptable in the Czech Republic?

Not at all. We know only about some Subway’s which accept Bitcoins and also DameJidlo.cz, which is Czech food delivery service.

Have you had any customers use Bitcoin yet?

Yes, after launch, some customers paid their bills with Bitcoins and the transaction was realised successfully. So it works!

Do you see Bitcoin increasing NETBOX revenue?

Unfortunately not.

For more details about the official announcement please see here:

Virgin Media Snubs Bitcoin

Virgin Media, one of the largest telecommunications companies have confirmed they have no plans to accept the Bitcoin cryptocurrency as a payment option for customers.

The company has long pioneered the UK telecoms industry, providing a range of services including lightning fast fiber-optic internet, television and mobile communications.

With speed being one of many touted benefits that Bitcoin offers to users, it comes as a surprise that Virgin Media has not already considered the crypto-currency. After all this coincides perfectly with Virgin Media’s current mantra and advertising campaign, where it features 100 & 200 metres world record holders Usain Bolt, suggestively promoting Virgin Media as a faster, more effective service provider, in particular emphasising the speed of their fiber-optic broadband.

With Virgin also now pushing customers further into the digital void by charging a £5.00 handling fee for paper-based statements, it seems counter-intuitive to ignore the ever growing influence and benefits of Bitcoin.

Bitcoin could ultimately provide a faster, simple and cheaper way for customers to pay their Virgin Media bills without the use of a 3rd party payment processor.

Having said that, one company within the Virgin Group that has adopted Bitcoin is Virgin Galactic. Sir Richard Branson recently announced that customers can pay their way to space with the virtual currency.

Belgium based mobile operator Mobile Vikings is one company which has publicly announced they are accepting Bitcoin payments. The company has around 160,000 subscribers in Belgium and has growing interested in other European countries, it will be interesting to see how early adopters will benefit from delving into crypto payments.