BT Converges Broadband Backhaul

LONDON -- BT today announced the introduction of a new broadband service enhancement that will enable communications providers to deliver a mix of next-generation and legacy broadband services in different geographies across the UK over a single backhaul link, offering end-users more broadband choice and flexibility.

Running over BT’s 21st Century Network (21CN) the service, called Wholesale Broadband Managed Connect (WBMC) over IPstream Connect, will enable communications providers to accelerate the migration of their end users to 21CN broadband while reducing their costs.

Currently communications providers wishing to offer a UK-wide broadband service need to offer IPstream wholesale broadband internet services, such as fixed speed DSL and DSL Max in parallel with next generation broadband services which means running separate links to the internet. WBMC over IPstream Connect offers communications providers a single backhaul solution providing them the opportunity to deliver a richer service portfolio.

BT’s next generation broadband services are available from exchanges serving 40 per cent of UK homes and businesses and will reach 55 per cent by spring 2010. With customer pilots under way, BT is on track to bring fibre services within reach of a million UK homes and businesses by March 2010, rising to 1.5 million by early summer and 10 million by 2012.

Sian Baldwin, Director, Broadband and Content Services at BT Wholesale said “This service opens the door for communications providers, particularly our smaller and mid-tier customers, to offer their end users next generation broadband services including the up to 24Mbit/s copper services and fibre access. It also provides new entrants with the opportunity to play in the broadband market. ”

BT Group plc (NYSE: BT; London: BTA)