The trial is designed to test the speed and reliability of new high speed broadband connections. It will give those who take part the opportunity to benefit from faster Internet connections and subsidised voice calls for the duration of the trial, which is scheduled to continue into the New Year.

Entanet is the only non-BT company to participate in the Birmingham trial of BT’s Wholesale Broadband Connect (WBC) service. Broadband users that are served by 10 exchanges around the city can take part in the trial, regardless of whether they are currently connected through Entanet or not. The exchanges covered are Burntwood, Castle Bromwich, Central, Chelmsley Wood, Edgbaston, Halesowen, Sheldon, Stechford, Victoria, and Wood Gate.

Business Development Manager for Entanet’s data portfolio, Carol Davies, says “We’re looking for trialists regardless of whether they’re currently connected via Entanet or not. The 250 places available to Entanet, BT Wholesale and BT Retail on the trial are being allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so you need to move fast if you want to be included.”

The trial will offer downstream rates of up to 24Mbps, whilst upstream rates are expected to be 448Kbps initially. However, there is also a possibility that higher upstream rates of up to 2Mbps will be available later in the trial. Lines may need to be tested for suitability before participation in the trial can be confirmed.

Existing broadband lines will not be affected by the trial, says Davies. Instead, a second PSTN line will be installed free of connection charge and rental. The WBC trial service will also be provided free of charge for its duration. “As well as Internet access, customers participating in the trial will also be able to make voice calls over their broadband line, with a maximum of £50 per quarter call allowance. Once the trial ends in mid-January 2008, customers that have an existing connection with Entanet will have the option of continuing to use the WBC service or reverting back to their former service.”

Entanet has strict deadlines to meet in providing application requests into BT and is eager to hear from potential participants as soon as possible. The final list must be completed by 2nd November, with an interim deadline of 26 October. The company has already provided detailed information to its own channel partners and invited them to include their customers in the trial. Both Entanet and non-Entanet customers interested in taking part can contact the company directly by email at 21cn@entagroup.com.