ISP Eclipse Internet (KCOM) has announced the launch of its new fibre optic ( FTTC ) based business focused Eclipse Fibre (50GB) and Fibre Pro (60GB) broadband packages, offering download speeds of up to 40Mbps (2-10Mbps uploads). The service will come with a 12Mbps guaranteed throughput speed and should go live on 12th April for existing users and 19th April for new subscribers.

Business prices start from £39.95 per month with an installation fee of £75, which includes an engineer visit. The move follows successful trials of the service with existing Eclipse customers. Eclipse is the latest UK ISP to launch FTTC broadband services after BT and AAISP .


Fibre-to-the-Cabinet technology ( FTTC ) delivers a fast fibre optic link to the operators street level cabinets, while the remaining connection - between cabinets and homes - is done using VDSL2 (similar to current ADSL broadband but faster over short distances) through existing copper cable; FTTC will initially deliver speeds of up to 40Mbps, rising to 60Mbps in the future (uploads will be in the 2-10Mbps range).

The prices appear similar to BT's business class FTTC products, though we have yet to see full package details. It's interesting to note that Eclipse has not yet announced any home products and so far appears to be targeting FTTC as a premium business service. Those interested in finding out more are asked to either register on the Eclipse Internet website or call 0800 156 0522.

UPDATE 20th February 2010

Added some extra details from Eclipse's website.