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£1.5bn Super-Fast Broadband Investment Unveiled by BT

The use of fibre optic cables will see broadband speeds increase to up to 100 Megabytes per second in some homes, allowing users to access multiple bandwidth-hungry applications at once.

Current copper wire-driven broadband runs at up to 24 megabytes per second. Where possible, the new fibres will be linked straight to properties, providing the fastest broadband connections. If this is not possible, they will be routed through street cabinets with existing copper wire connections being used to connect the cabinet to surrounding homes, providing broadband speeds of between 40-60 megabytes per second.

As with the current copper wire broadband network, BT will be allowing other broadband service providers to route through their new system, keeping the UK broadband market competitive.

The areas that will initially benefit from this super-fast broadband will depend on the response from local councils and regional development authorities. BT Chief Executive Ian Livingstone said, "We want to work with local and regional bodies to decide where and when we should focus the deployment. Our aim is that urban and rural areas alike will benefit from our investment."

BT did sound a note of caution, however, saying that this broadband development could only be possible if a "supportive and enduring regulatory environment� could be ensured. Recent comments from Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards were encouraging, when he promised that Ofcom "encourages operators to make risky investments� when pursuing fibre-optic broadband development."

The broadband investment is expected to total £100 million in the first two years and £800 million in the three years following, with the new broadband network expected to be in place for 2012.

25/07/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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