Mega-fast web is city net gain
Milton Keynes to trial futuristic broadband speeds
A major trial promising lightning-fast internet speeds could signal the end of Milton Keynes' outdated communications network – and offer a huge boost to the local economy.
The city is one of only two places in the country chosen by BT to test equipment which delivers speeds of up to 100 megabits per second – 100 times quicker than available at present.
If rolled out across the city the improvements could not only mean super-fast home internet connections but help the city become the commercial centre for the midlands.
Adam Chapman, spokesman for Milton Keynes Broadband Action Group (MKBAG) said: "If, after the trial, such speeds were rolled out across the city, it will generate inward financial investment, helping us become the commercial centre for the midlands for the next 10 years.
"Infrastructure like this is vital to keep Milton Keynes moving in the direction we all want it to."
The BT trial will run from the Bradwell Abbey telephone exchange by March next year.
It will mean up to 25 per cent of city premises could enjoy the improved service.
BT regional media relations manager Paul Hayward said the area will see, for the first time in the UK, the testing of fibre-to-the-premises – or FTTP – technology in a 'brownfield' site, a place where copper, or in the city's case, aluminium, cabling exists already.
FTTP itself uses fibre-optic cables to run directly from the exchange to each premises.
It is far superior to Milton Keynes' original communications infrastructure, laid down during the city's infancy.
The internet did not exist back then and planners, with innovative intentions, opted for aluminium cabling instead of the old-fashioned copper wires to create the phone network.
What they did not foresee was how copper transmits signals more efficiently than aluminium – especially further away from telephone exchanges, which is essential for the consistently speedy internet connections required today.
Mr Chapman added: "This is a fantastic development for Milton Keynes and of national importance.
"Our group is immensely supportive of it.
"But I do wonder what will happen at the end of the trial, if people will keep the new lines and if will it be rolled out across the whole of the city."
To find out more about the trial visit www.bt.com – or click here to go directly to the site, while information about Milton Keynes Broadband Action Group and its campaigns can be viewed at www.bb4mk.com – or click here to be taken to the site now.
>> Like this story and love MK? Take a look at the online versions of our newspapers - click here to access Tuesday's Citizen First, and here to see Thursday's Milton Keynes Citizen.
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Thursday 24 May 2012
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