Millions of broadband users could see download speeds rise by 1.5mbps by fitting an I-Plate, BT has claimed.

The device, developed by BT's own engineering staff, acts as a filter which protects the wire carrying the telephone and broadband signal from interference caused by lighting, televisions and home wiring.

A large-scale test of the I-Plate conducted in 36,000 homes found that installing it improved speeds by up to 4mbps, although improvements of up to 1.5mbps were more usual.

The study also showed that the filter helped to improve broadband stability and BT suggested the combination of higher speeds and greater stability would prove particularly useful for applications like video.

BT Wholesale's managing director of products and services Cameron Rejali said the effectiveness of the I-Plate may surprise some people.

"Most consumers are unaware of the impact that faulty TVs, fluorescent lighting and home wiring can have on their broadband performance," he explained.

Mr Rejali added: "The I-Plate can help solve this, depending on the level of electrical interference within the home, delivering faster speeds, greater stability and bringing high-quality IPTV to more consumers."

BT estimated that nine million households have the NTE 5 master socket that the filter is compatible with.

The company insisted that the I-Plate, which is expected to retail for between £10 and £15, is simple to fit and that those with the appropriate master socket will be able to install it without the help of an engineer.

News of the I-Plate technology was welcomed by Alastair Warman, technology expert for consumer group Which?, who said it could prove to be a "simple solution" to some broadband issues.

Thursday, 2nd October 2008

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