BT fibre network - the key points

BT has announced that it is to deploy a high-speed fibre-optic broadband network reaching 10 million UK homes by 2012. Web User looks at the key points of the announcement.

- The connections will be of two types: fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) or fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC). FTTP can deliver speeds of up to 100Mbps, as the connection is essentially fibre-optic all the way to your PC, though FFTC will initially offer a maximum of 40Mbps.

- It is claimed, though, that in the future the network could support speeds of up to 1,000Mbps.

- BT still intends to push on with its 21CN project, which is copper-based and will deliver nationwide speeds of up to 24Mbps when it is completed - also scheduled for 2012.

- The areas which will be first to benefit haven't been finalised. BT will work with government and regional and local authorities on the roll-out plans. BT says its aim is that both urban and rural areas will be able to benefit.

- The network won't necessarily be restricted to 10 million homes, depending on further demand for high-speed access after the first stage of the project is completed, said BT.

- BT says that the investment is dependent on Ofcom creating a new regulatory framework, and that it is committed to allowing other providers to offer services through the new network in the same way that it does with its current network.

- Prices could be more expensive, according to BT - certainly at the wholesale level anyway. How much consumers pay will be dictated by market conditions, BT says.

BT to roll out fibre-optic network in the UK by 2012