BT Helps Broadband Britain Become A Reality

Broadband Britain has come another step closer with the announcement that BT now has more than 3 million high-speed internet customers.

The telecoms giant claims to have signed up an average of around 6,000 new customers each day over the last six months, in a move that has helped it add more than one million ADSL connections to its existing wholesale broadband network.

More than 91% of British homes and businesses are now connected to broadband enabled exchanges and it is estimated that this figure will reach almost 100% by next summer, putting the UK ahead of any other G7 country in terms of DSL (digital subscriber line) availability.

Commenting on the figures, Alison Ritchie, BT’s chief broadband officer, said: “We are now well on our way to our target of five million wholesale broadband connections by 2006. But there will be no complacency. We will continue to work hard to maintain this momentum, building Broadband Britain now and for the future.”

This latest announcement comes just days after BT revealed its intention to scrap its exchange barrier plans, in a move that will help broadband availability to match that of analogue television. The telecoms giant said that from next early month those living more than 6 kilometres from an exchange will be able receive a high-speed internet connection (see Broadband Reach Grows To A Further One Million UK Homes).

BT: 0207 469 2337 www.btplc.com

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