BT to discuss changing to fibre-optic technology

Oct. 21, 2007 - PRLog -- Over recent months many officials and agencies have expressed concern that the UK is dragging its feel when it comes to advancing Internet and broadband infrastructures in order to embrace advanced technology and faster speeds in the future. This has resulted in a summit being organized between the communications regulator Ofcom, the Competitiveness Ministers, Steven Timms, and members of the broadband industry.

A number of other countries, such as the Netherlands and Japan, have already set themselves up for future advancements by turning to fibre based networks, which enable far faster speeds to be embraced. This is something that the UK still needs to look into, and part of the problem is the cost. The summit that has been arranged will enable regulators and industry professionals to determine whether government funding is needed to update these infrastructures, and if so to what extent.
The Retail Chief of British Telecom, Ian Livingstone, has announced that the company is considering changing the copper and aluminium wiring currently used to connect private and commercial premises and switching over the fibre-optic networks. He stated: saying "BT remains very interested in further expanding the speed of access for customers, whether that be through faster copper, fibre to the home, or fibre to the cabinet".
The Competitiveness Minister recently called for improvements to broadband and Internet technology in the weekend, so that the UK is not left lagging behind as other countries embrace the technological advancements and improved speeds that future broadband will be able to offer. BT will be engaging in discussions with the communications regulator Ofcom, as well as with government officials, in November or December of this year.

Yvan Bamping of broadband comparison site http://www.broadband-expert.co.uk stated “it would be good news for the British consumers and business if BT were to move in this direction”.

Website: www.broadband-expert.co.uk