£1m funding for faster broadband technologies

Technology Strategy Board offers cash for faster broadband research projects

Broadband research puts 10Gbit/s speeds into view

The Technology Strategy Board is funding research into future broadband network technology to the tune of £1m.

The study could help lead to download speeds of up to 10Gbit/s, and will aim to investigate fibre-optic technologies for delivering speeds between 20 and 1,000 times faster than that currently available over residential networks.

The 13 feasibility projects to be funded with the grants, each worth between £30,000 and £100,000, will also help establish European collaborations able to participate in larger EU-funded research and development initiatives.

TSB lead technologist Mike Biddle said that putting together an optical broadband capability across the whole of Europe will fundamentally change the way that businesses operate and will give European companies a major competitive edge.

“Imagine the efficiencies that could be achieved through broadband that is up to 1,000 times faster than we have now. Then add the opportunities for more flexible working arrangements, including an increase in remote working, and you begin to see the many advantages," said Biddle.

The Technology Strategy Board is a government-backed organisation that aims to support and promote technology research and development.