Copper connection 'to reach 40Mbps'

Speeds of up to 40Mbps are to be provided over existing copper networks, an ISP has announced.

Easynet Connect is to begin a trial with small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are in a 1km radius of the company's 1,200 exchanges.

The service will use the same Layer 2 Ethernet backbone as the Easynet's 20Mbps service but by sending data at higher frequencies, symmetrical connection speeds of 40Mbps will be achieved.

According to the company, the service will provide large benefits for SMEs which would not have been able to pay the costs of a fibre or leased-line connection.

"Achieving 40Mbps proves that with the right technology and innovation, copper-based networks can deliver the quality of internet connection which UK businesses demand and deserve," said the company's managing director, Christ Stening.

In August, communications watchdog Ofcom said that every business and home in the UK could theoretically get speeds of 50Mbps through the existing copper network.