BT trial takes broadband to remote areas

SHDSL technology allows services to be provided up to 12km from local exchange

Remote locations could receive broadband at last

BT’s Openreach subsidiary has successfully completed trials of a technology that allows broadband to be delivered over much greater distances, opening up the possibility of services becoming available in remote rural areas.

The pilot in Inverness and Dingwall in Scotland is to be extended to eight other locations around the UK. The initial trial proved the ability to deliver 1Mbit/s broadband up to 12km away from the local exchange – conventional ADSL broadband can only extend 5km.

Openreach is using SHDSL – single-pair high-speed digital subscriber line – which allows faster data transmission rates. The firm has branded its use of the system as “broadband enabling technology” (BET), and claims it offers greater reliability than mobile or satellite-based systems for delivering connectivity to remote areas.

Selected customers will be able to sign up for the service through their preferred ISP from 30 September.

“We’re really excited about the potential of BET to extend broadband to the remaining ‘not-spots’,” said John Small, managing director, service delivery at Openreach.

“By rolling out BET, we can help customers and assist the government to realise its aim for a universal 2Mb/s broadband service. We’re keen to work with local and regional authorities and other bodies with funding to discuss how the technology can be rolled out to their areas.”

BET supports 2Mbit/s broadband by combining two copper lines to double the speed.