ADSLGuide reports that BTWholesale has announced the launch of a consumer 1Mbps BT IPStream (ADSL) product. Initial trials are expected to start this autumn.

It appears as if BT has timed the news to coincide with Telewests own 2Mbps announcement, although BTs 1Mbps service isn't likely to be ready until the end of 2003:

This 1Mbps product since it is likely to be part of the existing IPStream family may be a simpler product to upgrade to than switching to the 1Mbps and 2Mbps products recently launched by providers like Internet Central and Nildram.

Why? Because if handled correctly it should be a re-grade option, and hopefully the forthcoming trial will handle this scenario. The Office product ranges are due a trial for speed regrades, avoiding the cease/provide scenario that can result in a lot of time without ADSL.

As usual the pricing and final product details remain open to change and speculation.

In related news BTWholesale has announced that a further 102 local exchanges will be given broadband ADSL trigger levels.

BTs business broadband SDSL rollout will also continue into the following areas:

14th April: 28 exchanges in Greater London, Greater Manchester and parts of Yorkshire
19th April: 11 exchanges in Greater London
28th April: 17 exchanges in the West Midlands
12th May: 22 exchanges in Scotland

Finally a further 27 local exchanges have been given broadband ADSL enablement dates.