A seemingly sleepy village in Oxfordshire is set to become a trailblazer for the latest broadband technology, as BT get ready to introduce the UK’s first fibre-only connectivity.
It is the latest step in a number of pilot schemes that the communications giant is putting into operation throughout the country and if it proves successful, could eventually be rolled out nationwide.
The local network arm of BT, Openreach, will be responsible for the eagerly anticipated project, which aims to lift current connection speeds in the rural community of Deddington from just 6Mbps to upwards of 40Mbps.
Potentially, connection speeds of 300Mbps could be attained. Whilst this will no doubt please many personal users of the internet, it is the businesses of the UK who will reap the greatest rewards.
With the present infrastructure, effective communications can be thwarted by slow speeds, particularly at busy periods. With greater stability and speed though, it could revolutionise operational activities, particularly with such technologies as voice over internet protocol (VOIP).
Even at the small scale of one country village, the project is a large undertaking.
It will involve replacing the existing copper infrastructure with fibre-optics, enabling the delivery of the next generation of services. BT are confident that minimal disruption will be caused throughout the installation though, having consulted closely with village representatives and experts in the field.
Group strategy director Sean Williams said of the announcement:
“This is an important pilot which will help the industry better understand the opportunities arising from … the super-fast capabilities of fibre-optic cable.”
The project is set to be delivered by early 2013 and will be closely monitored by many industry analysts and commentators. There will also be a close eye kept on proceedings by the government, with a fast and effective broadband service key to Number 10’s business growth strategy.
