Q&A
What will be delivered? Fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) or fibre-to-the-cabinet
(FTTC)?
We
will deliver both though the exact split will be driven by the interest shown
by government and regional and local authorities. FTTP deployment will be
focused primarily on new build sites such as Ebbsfleet and the Olympic Village
whilst FTTC will be more prevalent elsewhere.
What speeds will be delivered and where?
FTTP
will deliver headline speeds of up to 100Mb whilst FTTC will initially deliver
speeds of up to 40Mb though we are investigating technologies that can increase
those speeds to more than 60Mb. In addition to the new fibre-based services,
copper-based ADSL2+ will deliver nationwide speeds of up to 24Mb. Recent tests
show the majority of ADSL2+ customers should enjoy speeds of around 10Mb or
above with many getting substantially higher speeds. The technology is also
improving all the time.
Which areas will benefit first from this investment?
BT
will work with Government and regional and local authorities on the roll out
plans. They can help ensure there is demand for fibre and so we look forward to
working with them to ensure our roll-out is demand-driven. Our aim is that both
urban and rural areas will be able to benefit.
Will fibre only be available in large cities as has happened in other
countries?
No. Our aim is that fibre will be widely available and not just in the major
cities – unlike in some countries. Its precise deployment will depend on the
engagement of government and regional and local authorities but there is no
reason why it should not be available in a variety of environments.
Will the UK
be in a stronger position after this deployment?
Yes.
This plan will deliver some of the fastest speeds in the world to a far larger
percentage of the population than in some other countries where fibre services
are largely confined to major cities.
What will happen to those parts of the UK who won’t have access to fibre?
Those
areas will have access to copper-based ADSL2+, a service offering speeds of up
to 24Mb. This will be sufficient for services such as Hi-Definition TV. BT will
roll out fibre beyond this plan if there is sufficient demand and it can make
an adequate return on its investment.
If ADSL2+ offers sufficient speed to enjoy new services, why invest in
fibre?
Copper-based
ADSL2+ will offer sufficient speed for services including HDTV but fibre will
allow people to enjoy several such services simultaneously. It is important
everyone is bold in ensuring there is sufficient capacity for future services
and our plans will ensure this.
Is this investment dependent on Ofcom creating a new regulatory
framework?
Yes.
The right regulatory environment is vital for anyone seeking to invest. The
funds required are extremely large and companies need confidence that
risk-taking can be appropriately rewarded.
Will BT exclude other companies in the way companies have in other
countries?
No.
BT is totally committed to a wholesale market and so will make its services
available on an equivalent basis to all communications providers.
Does BT believe that other next generation networks should also be open?
Yes.
BT’s firm belief is that all next generation networks in the UK should be
open as this approach will boost competition and consumers and businesses will
benefit.
What are BT’s plans post this investment?
BT
will review its plans on a constant basis. If there is adequate demand and
interest for fibre-based broadband and BT can make an adequate return, the
plans would be extended.
Will fibre-based services be more expensive?
It
is likely they will be at the wholesale level but the prices that consumers and
businesses will pay will be determined by the market and not just BT.
Are “next generation broadband” and “super-fast broadband” the same
thing?
No.
“Next generation broadband” refers to the family of new services that BT will
offer. These include fibre-based “super-fast” services – such as FTTP and FTTC
– as well as advanced copper-based fast services such as ADSL2+.
Is this a good time to invest given the current “credit crunch”?
It
is important that we invest for the long-term. This is a bold step that will
ensure businesses and consumers have all the speed they require in the
foreseeable future.
Are you taking action to reduce the congestion caused by services such as
the BBC’s iPlayer?
Yes.
BT has made it much cheaper for companies to buy extra capacity on the
“backhaul” pipes that link exchanges to the core network. This move should
ensure Internet congestion is minimised. BT will also invest significant funds
in improving core network capacity. Both measures should ensure customers on
BT’s network will enjoy a higher quality of service than those on cable
networks where contention and internet congestion has been more of an issue.
