Ofcom Reports on FTTH

LONDON -- Ofcom has today cleared the way for companies and organisations to invest in super-fast broadband services for UK homes and businesses.

Superfast – or next generation - broadband can deliver speeds of up to 10 times the level of today’s broadband services.

In the home, it will allow different members of a household to access a variety of high-bandwidth services at the same time.

So they could watch high-definition TV, play interactive online games and stream or download music, TV programmes and films over the internet.

For businesses, it will enable simultaneous services such as two-way video calls, improved data retrieval and provide more opportunities for working from home.

Super-fast broadband can be delivered in a number of ways, with fibre, cable, copper wires, mobile, fixed wireless and satellite each having a role to play.

A number of companies have already announced plans to invest in and rollout super-fast broadband in the UK over these networks. These include Virgin Media, which already offers super-fast broadband and plans to extend this offer across its entire network, and BT, which plans to upgrade its copper access network with fibre-optic cable.

The main focus of today’s Ofcom statement is on the upgrade of the copper access network – which connects most homes and businesses in the UK – to fibre.

The statement sets out our approach to the future regulation of super-fast broadband, including the elements needed to promote private sector investment and competition. Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards said: ‘Super-fast broadband represents one of the most important developments in modern communications for many decades.

‘It will deliver significant benefits to consumers and businesses with the prospect of new digital services delivered over the internet at high speed.

‘Our message today is clear: there are no regulatory barriers in the way of investment in super-fast broadband; we want to promote investment but also ensure that there is fair and effective competition for the future.’

Ofcom