Ofcom warned over using sewers to upgrade broadband infrastructure

Proposals put forward by Ofcom suggesting that sewers could be used to deliver high-speed broadband will face significant difficulties outside central London, according to a fibre optic network firm.

Chris Smedley, chief executive of Geo, described the capital's Victorian sewer system as "ideal" for a fibre network but warned that infrastructure elsewhere may prevent delivery of a service superior to BT's local access system.

He said: "It's reasonable to anticipate that most of the sewer infrastructure near domestic areas will present far more challenges when it comes to the installation of optical fibre as opposed to commercial developments."

The smaller underground sewers in other locations across the UK could hinder attempts to roll-out next-generation broadband to consumers, Mr Smedley noted.

Consequently Geo emphasised that traditional road digs will play a crucial role in updating networks, as could other utility infrastructure.

Mr Smedley says: "It's also important for Ofcom to investigate the status of the duct networks owned by BT and Virgin Media."