THE HAGUE, The Netherlands -- In December KPN will start trials with a new generation of communications technology – VDSL (Very High Bitrate Digital Subscriber Line). The trials will take place in Noordhove, a suburb of Zoetermeer near The Hague in the Netherlands. The VDSL technology will enable KPN to offer a bandwidth of 20 to 30 Mbps to its customers which means that they will be able to have a very fast internet connection, make telephone calls and watch a range of television programs all at the same time. This also means that numerous new developments can be realized using video communications (remote care of the elderly, security monitoring, video conferencing with very high quality images and sound etc.). This will all be possible without having to replace the existing copper telephone lines.

This pilot fits into KPN's plans to further expand the fiberglass network. As we introduce VDSL, we will install fiberglass cables in the suburb to further reduce the distance to the home connections and thus be able to offer greater bandwidth to our private and business customers. KPN's core network has been all fiberglass cable for many years now.

The trials will last for three months. The first test group consists of about fifty residents who have been specially invited to take part in the trials. Participants will receive special equipment which includes a TV receiver, adapters for wireless connections in the home, and a videophone for making telephone calls with sound and pictures.

All costs incurred by the participants in the trials will be reimbursed. A KPN engineer will carry out the installation of all the equipment for the new VDSL technology. The main issues in the trials are the technology, the user friendliness, and the quality experience of the product. Based on the results KPN will make a decision about the further implementation of VDSL.

KPN Telecom NV