Superfast broadband roll-out
TECHNOLOGY that allows superfast broadband to be transmitted using telegraph poles is being trialled.
If successful the scheme could be rolled out to allow London commuters in key towns to increase their broadband speed ten-fold.
The trial, being carried out by Virgin Media, is part of a movement to bring next generation digital services beyond the reach of fibre optic networks, which tend to lie in major cities. Virgin has already announced plans to extend its fibre optic network, which covers around 12.6m homes, to reach a further 500,000. It says the new technology could reach 1m homes not covered by the fibre optic network, delivering broadband speeds of up to 50mb.
Neil Berkett, chief executive officer of Virgin Media, said: “This unique trial will allow us to understand the possibilities of aerial deployment and may provide an exciting new way to extend next generation broadband services. With everything from BBC iPlayer to YouTube increasingly demanding reliable ultrafast broadband speeds, we’re keen to ensure that all communities, in towns, cities and villages right across the UK, stand to benefit.”
The trial is taking place in the commuter town of Woolhampton in Berkshire.