Despite the evolution of multiple forms of online communication which improve upon the principally text-based capabilities of emails, a leading business broadband expert has predicted that emails will continue to form the backbone of commerce over the next decade.

This news comes after a report from broadband provider TalkTalk suggested that email usage was taking a downturn that would eventually relegate it to the annals of history.

Mickael Remond, CEO of a major messaging solutions firm, cited the universal availability and versatility of email as key to its continued use.

Remond was adamant that email would continue to be important to business broadband users because of its ability to target multiple recipients and provide a proven logging system to allow easy reference to older messages.

Although the TalkTalk survey revealed that 51% of low level businesspeople used email as their main form of communication, in ten years time the shape of online interaction would be very different.

Social networking and instant messaging are slated as being the next big thing in business by the report and so the adoption of BT business broadband packages to reflect this change could result in very different tariffs and functions in the future.

However, this is obviously a point open to debate and as email is so deeply entrenched in most businesses it could still be used as a formal and lasting form of communication, whilst social networking and instant messaging represents quick, casual and disposable means of conducting a business dialogue.

Whether future BT business broadband packages will include facilities for business social networks or intercompany instant messaging remains to be seen, but the continued importance of broadband itself within the business world is assured.

Increased competition from alternative broadband providers has triggered BT to jump on the bundle-deal bandwagon. The telecoms giant will be offering new customers the chance to sign up to several of its home broadband and landline phone packages with the incentive of 3 months free. This is in response to the widespread market acceptance of similar deals from providers such as Virgin Mobile. Virgin recently offered customers 2 months free service and it seems that BT is determined to go one better in its attempt to win back previous subscribers.

BT will be offering the deal in partnership with its Starter home broadband package, which integrates the home phone service with inclusive weekend calls to UK landline numbers and a subscription to the BT Vision digital TV service. Customers will be provided with free equipment including the BT home hub, as well as free internet security software.

It is expected that the extended BT broadband options which fall under the terms of this offer will not be available for too long. As such, consumers are being encouraged to sign up before Christmas if they wish to make the most of the limited time offer. In line with common industry practice, the multiple services included in this package require a minimum contractual term of 18 months and there is line rental to pay on top of the monthly package price.

Incentives such as reduced monthly costs, as well as the lure of bundle deals, have significantly changed the way in which broadband has been marketed and sold in recent months. BT broadband options which include broadband, home phone and digital TV in a single monthly package offer the consumer potentially significant savings whilst giving BT more control over multiple services. The added convenience of having to deal with a single provider when issues arise is another key selling point of home broadband bundles.