Newer dropwire is like that, but the earlier stuff, much of which is
still in use, is figure-of-eight single pair construction, often of
copper-coated steel wires.
It was supposedly run from pole to house with a few twists - to
prevent it from whipping in the wind, rather than to reduce
interference.

Most interesting - thanks.

I'll have a google about and see if I can find more info about that.

If anyone has links to material on that, please post them up!