Topic: Extended-reach ADSL trials to be expanded

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BT is planning to expand its trials of a modified version of ADSL that would bring broadband within reach of another 600,000 UK homes.

The trials are investigating whether BT can increase the range from 55dB to 60dB, equating to a distance of around 6km from an exchange to the user. The maximum distance, by wire, that an ADSL user can be from the exchange is around 5km.

BT has already successfully tested the extended service with around 100 of its employees and experienced a 'negligible' fault rate. The expanded trials are designed to confirm these findings.

Around 1,000 long lines will be included in the test; the ISPs which will be providing the trial service will be announced later this week. Anyone currently connected to an ADSL-enabled exchange but outside the reach of existing broadband connections will be able to apply to one of the participating ISPs for inclusion in the testing programme from 9 July. Home and businesses that have already enquired about extended reach will be contacted by BT.

Should the wider trials prove as successful as internal testing, ADSL coverage from already enabled exchanges would increase from around 91 to 94 per cent of connected homes, some 600,000 nationwide.