Posted: 15th Oct, 2008 By: MarkJ
H2O Networks today announced that work has finally begun on the rollout of its next generation fibre optic (Fibrecity) network in the BH10 and BH11 (Bournemouth) postcode areas. The network will be capable of delivering broadband speeds at up to 100Mbps.
Homes and business owners in these areas only have a limited time to opt in and give their permission if they are to become part of the Fibrecity for free. An opt-in campaign has been underway for a couple of months and Fibrecity has already had a great response.
H2O has also attracted significant investment from equity partners and Bournemouth Fibrecity alone will be funded at a cost of £30 million:
"We are leading the way where other, far bigger organisations have failed to deliver," said Elfed Thomas, CEO, H20 Networks. "It is clear that private sector funding of these next generation networks is imperative to ensure that the UK is brought swiftly into the 21st Century as more and more of our businesses and homes use media rich services including video and IPTV which require large bandwidth."
The way the Fibrecity network is installed is very quick and simple causing minimal disruption to the street and homeowners. The fibre optic cable is to be laid via the sewer network, but to connect each address, Fibrecity will cut a Micro Trench of 20mm wide and 60-150mm deep to each property that has opted in.
The fibre will then be taken to the front of the property where a small box, about the size of an A5 piece of paper, will be fixed to the outside wall. No work will be carried out inside the home by Fibrecity.