Excellent news for anyone feeling left behind by the broadband revolution simply because in their post code: Fujitsu has just announced a three way partnership to deliver fiber optic connectivity to neglected rural homes within the UK. Built on hardware provided by Cisco and supported by Virgin Media and TalkTalk, this network will specialise in channeling fiber on to the house, that is said to supply symmetrical 1Gbps bandwidth with as much as 10Gbps speeds considered possible down the road. Best news of all, perhaps, is that the cabling will likely be available on a wholesale basis to all ISPs, not only those excited by the project, so the united kingdom may finally get a good taste of what competition within the internet service space seems like. Alas, there’s a key line within the press release that notes the hot venture relies on BT providing “access to its underground ducts and telegraph poles on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms,” which it apparently isn’t doing this present day. Ah well, we’re sure they’ll make things better out just like the mature professionals that they’re. Full PR after the break.
London, 13 April 2011 – Fujitsu, one of the crucial world’s largest technology and communications companies, today announced plans to work in collaboration with Virgin Media, TalkTalk and Cisco to deliver next generation internet services to five million homes in rural Britain.
The collaboration and subsequent Fujitsu build of a brand new superfast, fibre optic broadband network is a ground breaking and innovative alternative to BT Openreach and give a possibility for any community or local authority trying to access a proportion of the £530 million earmarked by the united kingdom Government to drive investment in superfast broadband in rural communities.
The Fujitsu open access wholesale network will probably be underpinned by Cisco’s world leading technology. Virgin Media and TalkTalk intend to access wholesale products via this network as a way to retail next generation services to customers in remote parts of the united kingdom. The network can be open to other service providers on wholesale terms.
Fujitsu’s vision builds at the company’s extensive experience in both managing telecommunications networks and in building next generation “Fibre to the house” (FTTH) networks.
The proposals will provide future-proofed connectivity to five million households and beyond that may rather be unlikely to profit from commercial investment in next generation digital networks. Specifically, the collaboration has the prospective to remodel rural broadband within the UK in some of important ways:
Within the overwhelming majority of areas, Fujitsu will run fibre optic cabling on to the house (FTTH), instead of to the local street cabinet. Consequently, the Fujitsu network shall be one gigabit (1Gbps) symmetric capable from day one with potential to visit 10Gbps and beyond.
Fujitsu’s network shall be truly open access to all ISPs offering the tip customer an unrivalled number of services over a single physical network connection.
Deployment across a variety of underground and overhead infrastructure implies that the Fujitsu network architecture is entirely independent of existing street cabinets. This model enables public investment to be targeted in areas where broadband provision is poorest.
The collaboration will actively support the involvement of area people broadband groups, enabling dynamic and versatile solutions in rural communities for the primary time.
Superfast upload and download speeds can enable entertainment, remote healthcare, education and future government services without the necessity to travel. This future-proof infrastructure will shrink distances and can bring to rural Britain the services that the remainder of the united kingdom can enjoy today.
The plans rely upon the remedy imposed by the regulator Ofcom, on BT Openreach, to give access to its underground ducts and telegraph poles on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms.
Communication Minister Ed Vaizey said: “Superfast broadband is already helping businesses grow and improving the lives of these ready to access it. But many rural and tough to succeed in areas are missing out. The entire of the united kingdom ought to be ready to share within the benefits of broadband and we’re determined to make that happen by the tip of the Parliament. This is the reason the govt. is investing over £500m in taking superfast broadband to everyone.
“i’m delighted that Fujitsu along side Virgin Media, TalkTalk and Cisco share the govt’s vision. The collaboration between these companies was precisely the kind of ambition and innovation the govt. desired to stimulate by removing barriers to broadband rollout. Fujitsu and their industry partners are pledging a considerable investment within the UK and it represents a deep commitment to the longer term success of this country.
“Creating this superfast broadband network can help you improve the commercial and social prospects of the houses and businesses where high-speed internet access remains only a dream.”
Duncan Tait, CEO of Fujitsu UK and Ireland said: “There’s a unique opportunity for the united kingdom to re-establish itself as a global leader by having the area’s most advanced fibre network. If done correctly it is a key vehicle to accelerate recovery inside the UK and produce genuine option to generations of communities starved of participating fully within the UK economy. We believe our approach, in collaboration with these major industry leaders, will provide a future proofed network for a minimum of the subsequent 20 to 30 years.”
Virgin Media’s CEO, Neil Berkett, said: “Virgin Media’s involvement on this ground breaking project is a part of our on-going drive to rapidly create a step change within the UK’s digital evolution. Fujitsu’s vision and global expertise provides a chance to alter the sport on the subject of broadband provision in parts of the united kingdom which are otherwise being left behind. Now we have a once in a life-time opportunity to make the ambition of a digitally-enabled society a reality beyond the rustic’s cities and towns.”
Dido Harding, CEO, TalkTalk Group said: “TalkTalk believes that prime-speed internet access mustn’t ever become the preserve of the few. Fujitsu’s investment will stimulate competition and permit us to deliver affordable products to the widest possible range of families and small businesses in all parts of the united kingdom. Furthermore, accessing a Fujitsu network will let us extend our superfast broadband footprint while complementing our existing FTTC strategy.”
Cisco UK & Ireland’s CEO, Phil Smith, said: “Cisco is targeted on driving the perfect superfast broadband in Europe to communities, towns and cities. We’re committed to economic development, digital inclusion and improved public services consisting of health care and education. Fujitsu’s strategy to building an open-access wholesale platform promotes innovation and competition around the UK. Underpinned by Cisco’s next-generation technology, this partnership has the chance to revolutionise the digital agenda for rural Britain.”
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