ADSL - Extended Distance Trial

["Mark McCall" <lists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

BT PUSHES THE LIMITS TO BRING BROADBAND BRITAIN ANOTHER STEP CLOSER

BT today announced a trial set to pave the way to extend the reach of
broadband ADSL services to a million more homes and businesses throughout
the UK.

Currently more than 96 per cent of homes and businesses connected to
broadband enabled exchanges are within range of ADSL services and BT
believes the trial could establish the way to increase this to more than 99
per cent.

Alison Ritchie, BT chief broadband officer, said: "BT's drive to
increase
availability of broadband has many fronts and this latest development shows
we haven't stopped pushing the boundaries.

"By extending reach we will bring service to many of those in the
frustrating situation where their exchange is upgraded for broadband, their
neighbours down the road have broadband, but they can't get it."
Research at the BT labs at Adastral Park, trials involving BT staff and
international comparisons have indicated that 500Kbps ADSL services could
now be offered to many people beyond the current limit which is roughly
equivalent to 6km line length. The trial will begin in Milton Keynes
initially, though will also include areas to test broadband service
performance on lines of up to 10km line length and beyond. Not all these
lines will work but the wide range of lines tested will allow reliable
broadband service to be delivered to many more people.

For more information please visit www.bt.com/newscentre