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BT to bring next-generation copper broadband to 80% of properties
The telecoms giant is looking to bring the technology to around 20 million premises.
Once its programme of exchange improvements has been completed, the technology - offering download speeds of up to 20Mbps - will cover around 80 per cent of the UK.
The service, known as Wholesale Broadband Connect (WBC), is currently available in more than 1,000 exchange areas that are linked to in excess of 15.5 million premises. Over 2.25 million end users take advantage of the product, with the telecoms giant planning to upgrade roughly 30,000 additional lines every week.
Cameron Rejali, managing director of products at BT Wholesale, said the news is further evidence of the company's commitment to deploying next-generation services across the country.
He claimed WBC offers communications providers the ability to give their customers greater control, choice, flexibility and faster speeds, which are required to take advantage of a range of bandwidth-heavy applications.
"It supports the growing demand for high-speed broadband access to a range of online services - including TV, gaming online and multiple voice over internet protocol services," Mr Rejali explained.
The announcement comes just days after telecoms industry watchdog Ofcom proposed a series of price cuts for broadband and home phone products offered by Openreach, BT's wholesale access division.
Ofcom's plans - due to come into effect later in 2011 subject to the results of a consultation - will see wholesale line rental rates paid by rival internet service providers (ISPs) to use BT's infrastructure fall by up to 6.1 per cent every year from the current annual level of £103.68.
According to the regulator, the move will lead to real-term savings for customers as ISPs pass on the reduction in price to their subscribers.
"The proposed prices strike a balance between providing incentives to invest in networks and ensuring that broadband and landline prices are affordable for consumers," Ofcom explained.