9th Feb 10
BT propose opening up broadband ducts
by Sally Davies
BT has announced plans to open up its underground cable ducts to give rivals the chance to lay their own high-speed broadband links, in a bid that could appease critics but affect income for the group’s wholesale division.
The company sad yesterday it could open up access to help extend high-speed internet access across the nation.
However, rival Sky said that it does not have any plans for a wide-scale fibre services at the moment however it supported the idea of open infrastructure.
Carphone Warehouse and its Talk Talk division said that it would consider the option of launching its own trial to investigate its options further.
The move by BT comes after strong debate over how telecoms firms should best implement a high-speed network and create competition in the industry. It follows criticism by opposition MPs who say that BT’s network should be more open.
Chief Executive Ian Livingston said that other companies already had access to BT’s exchanges, so they’re relaxed about providing them with another form of access as well.
He went on to point out that it was unlikely to be the silver bullet to get fibre in every home, open access to all ducts, not just theirs, may help BT and others extend coverage and they would like to see a future government support a move.
At present, BT currently offers access to its existing copper network by providing wholesales lines. Others can insert their own equipment into an exchange through the BT Openreach division, to secure greater control and profitability.
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