We all want faster broadband and it seems that’s exactly what could be coming soon to UK residents. It’s just been confirmed that BT’s Openreach – which supplies broadband infrastructure across the UK – and Nokia have tested new technology which has whizzed the web into homes at speed of 50Gbps.
To put that into some perspective, the current maximum offered by Openreach is around 1.5Gbps, and many homes still use ageing cables that can only muster a measly 75Mbps.
When downloading a full HD movie using old copper lines, you’d have to wait about 10 minutes for it to arrive. Switch to 1Gbps full fibre, and that will be reduced to 30 seconds.
If 50Gbps connections become available, you should be able to access the same Hollywood blockbuster in the blink of an eye.
What makes this test even better is that the boffins at the two tech companies achieved the speeds using current fibre technology that’s already being piped into UK properties.
Firms such as BT, Sky, and Vodafone all use the Openreach network, which means millions may soon have access to these rapid downloads.
Openreach says the test was performed at a residential property in Ipswich using new ’50G PON’ technology from Nokia.
Right now, there’s no word on when, or if, these rapid speeds will ever come to consumers but as we all start using more data and downloads get bigger it might be vital in the future.
Of course, most average homes will never get close to needing 50Gbps broadband but it’s crucial the UK keeps pace with the demands of the future.
Speaking about the update, Trevor Linney, Director, Network Technology at Openreach said: “As the country’s largest full fibre provider, it’s crucial that we continue to research, innovate and evolve our network to meet our customers’ demands for decades to come.
“The Full Fibre network we’re building today is a platform for the UK’s economic, social and environmental prosperity, and this test proves we can keep upgrading the speeds and services our customers experience over that network long into the future.
“Today we’re deploying XGS-PON ready equipment, and this trial proves we’re ready for the next generational leap, as and when it’s needed.”
