Nortel Network's chief technical officer has concluded that operators will need to offer faster broadband ADSL services or risk rival cable technologies taking the lead. Online video technology is likely to be a key reason for faster speeds:

Speaking in London on Monday, Nortel's Greg Mumford predicted that broadband services would grow significantly faster over the next few years, as pressure grows from users demanding more innovative features.

"Wireline providers will look to protect themselves from cable companies who offer video services, which will mean DSL speeds will rise to 20Mbps," predicted Mumford at an event launching Nortel's new multiservice provider edge (MPE) range of routers.

Cable companies have a significant advantage over more established telcos -- they can offer a wider range of services down their network. For example, NTL and Telewest both sell a 'triple-play' of telephony, television and Internet access to their customers, while BT's existing retail services are restricted to just running phone and Internet services over its copper network.

Bulldog is already preparing ADSL2/2+ technology for later in the year, although no further UK operators have expressed any specific plans toward faster ADSL.

Meanwhile our recent article into the future of broadband found that some providers do not yet see an immediate need or drive for faster consumer options above 2Mbps. More @ ZDNet.