Easynet Connect (BSkyB) has announced the extension of its high-speed dedicated leased-line quality broadband Internet service, EtherStream. The unbundled (LLU) service currently offers speeds of 'up to' 8Mbps but has been limited to businesses within a 2.5km radius of their local exchange.

The improvements mean EtherStream's reach can be extended to a whopping 4.5km, allowing it to reach a further 350,000 small and medium sized businesses (1.7million SMBs total). The service utilises copper bonded technology, which uses existing infrastructure and bonds multiple copper lines between the end-user and their local exchange:


Recent research from analyst house Quocirca found that 71% of SMBs would be unable to cope for longer than a day without an Internet connection, which demonstrates just how critical the internet has become in business.

The launch of Easynet's new service comes after the extensive testing of 1,400 individual PFP lines across the length of the UK for speed and reliability.