Bay area trials latest in broadband technology
Ahundred homes and businesses in Swansea are taking part in a trial of the latest broadband technology which can deliver download speeds more than 10 times the current UK average.
The new G.fast technology, which is being pioneered by BT’s R&D team, has already demonstrated download speeds up to 330 megabits per second (Mbps).
The new technical trial focuses on how G.fast can be used to serve multiple dwelling units, such as apartment blocks and business centres, both of which present unique challenges.
Sir Terry Matthews, chairman of the Swansea Bay City Region Board, said: “Events have moved at an astonishing speed since the G.fast technical trial was announced at the Swansea Bay City Region Innovation Summit in May.
“I am personally delighted at the number and range of business and residential consumers who will be able to experience the benefits of this technology. It will lay the foundations for the exploration of a fantastic range of next-generation services and applications.”
Around 100 homes and businesses in the Swansea SA1 Waterfront and ogy in the world in Gosforth and Huntingdon.
“We will be testing ways of delivering ultrafast speeds to flats, apartments and business units, so the people of Swansea will play an extremely important role in helping us gauge how this technology performs, and how we might deliver it to more of Wales and the UK over the coming years.
“We are also grateful to both the Welsh Government and Swansea Council, who are playing a key supportive role with the trial.”
The G.fast trial in Swansea builds on the existing investment BT has made in fibre infrastructure in the city. Approximately 95% of the Swansea local authority area already has access to fibre when both BT’s commercial and Superfast Cymru’s roll out are combined.
Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for enterprise, development and regeneration, said: “The technical trial will be a huge boost for residents and businesses that are participating and as it is rolled out in Swansea in future, this technology will help transform local businesses, improve the local economy and attract new investment and jobs.”