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Openreach, Fujitsu enjoys 'strong progress' with broadband technology
Friday 18th November 2011, by Harry Wallis
Openreach and Fujitsu have announced strong progress on their trial of Openreach's duct and pole sharing products for broadband deals.
Their tests hope to extend superfast speeds for broadband customers across the UK, with plans now confirmed to introduce a Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product later this month.
Last week, Fujitsu successfully connected its first end-users via a trial of fibre-to-the-premises technology in the Wirral, which was deployed thanks to Openreach's duct and pole infrastructure, making Fujitsu UK the first communication provider to connect end customers through the process.
As a result, Openreach has been given the confidence to go forward with the commercial launch of its PIA products this month. Once this is completed, British communications providers will be able to order the products from Openreach from an open, wholesale basis.
Openreach has also announced that its prices for pole and duct access have been reduced, which are now 38 per cent below the European average. The technology has also been divided into component parts, meaning that trialists can pick the particular parts they desire.
Openreach chief executive Liv Garfield said: "We've pulled out all the stops to make sure our products fit the needs of our customers, so I have been delighted by the positive feedback we've had from Fujitsu UK and others.
"Pole and duct access will enable CPs to deliver superfast broadband speeds in areas outside the existing planned commercial footprint, so we felt it was important to launch the products as soon as possible."
Ms Garfield's comments come after BT announced the expansion of its BT Infinity broadband deals.
The firm has added Infinity Option 3 to its portfolio, which is based on fibre that is delivered to homes and presents the firm's highest consumer download speed.
Using the technology, consumers will be able to upload material to the internet at up to 15Mbps.
