The Fibrecity ISP ( H2O Networks , i3 Group ), which is currently busy rolling out new 100Mbps FTTH fibre optic broadband services via underground sewers in UK cities (e.g. Dundee and Bournemouth), has called for all future next generation broadband access (NGA) services to adopt an open infrastructure approach.

Indeed they are already doing something similar by offering a "self service portal" to the first homes connected in Bournemouth. This enables people to easily and instantly select next gen services from a range of ISP and content operators. i3 Group describes its Opencity Media interface as being similar in approach to selecting iPhone apps or Google.


If 2009 was the year of broadband debate, then Fibrecity hopes that 2010 will be the year of actually building networks and has itself committed to reaching 750,000 homes over the next two years. It's probably no surprise that such words come hot on the heels of today's government consultation, which regards how the Next Generation Fund should be allocated.

Ofcom's recent 'Meeting the needs of next generation access' report hinted that the interface between infrastructure providers and ISPs could become a ‘cost bottleneck’ for consumers. Improving access to new technologies would certainly go a long way to easing such fears.