BT increases broadband speed for smaller firms

Maximum downlink speeds of 8Mbit/s to be offered to smaller firms by BT

BT has announced faster broadband services for small to medium-sized business customers. Maximum downlink speeds will theoretically be 8Mbit/s, subject to line quality and distance from the exchange; and uplink speeds could reach a maximum of 800kbit/s. The move follows a similar speed increase for consumer broadband offerings, going from 2Mbit/s to 8Mbit/s.

Current Analysis analyst Sandra O’Boyle said, “Together with the free VoIP/wireless router with firewall and the faster speeds it’s not [a bad offer]. I think BT is really improving its portfolio for smaller businesses, and it has to because that’s where competition will be fiercest, with Orange, O2 and Vodafone getting into broadband.”

However, O’Boyle noted that Carphone Warehouse recently offered a “free” consumer broadband service. “What happens to BT’s offer if [Carphone Warehouse] offers free business broadband?” she asked.

BT’s service will launch with Lite, Single, Share and Network versions. The Share and Network offerings are designed for two to four users, and five to 20 users respectively, and are more likely to appeal to medium-sized firms. These services will cost £45 and £65 per month respectively, and include unlimited downloads, email, antivirus and spam protection, 24-hour helpdesk support through an 0845 number or email, and 10 email addresses and 20MB of web mail (built on Microsoft Exchange 2003).

A new hub – the HomePortal 2700HGV – is manufactured by 2Wire, comes free with the upgraded service and is a combined VoIP-enabled router and wireless access point. The hub also includes a built-in firewall and firewall monitor.