Fibre optic company acquisition could generate faster fixing times

A company which provides high-speed internet access through fibre optic networks could be able to address technical problems more quickly with a new acquisition.

Cyclops, a firm which works in CCTV and UV lining, has been bought by broadband provider i3 Group (H2O Networks), meaning sewers laid with fibre cabling can be monitored more effectively and problems responded to more quickly.

The firm already has partnerships with several water companies, but these relationships could be improved now that fibre broadband experts will be more readily available to spot any issues.

Elfed Thomas, chief executive officer of i3, said: "H2O Services will substantially reduce operational costs for the water companies by assisting with the maintenance of damaged sewers through CCTV and UV lining repairs."

Sewers are used to lay fibre cabling and provide broadband connection speeds of up to 100 megabits per second in Dundee and Bournemouth, facilitating use of VoIP solutions and faster download speeds.

In other news, the European Union executive has begun a month-long consultation on the role that state aid should play in high-speed broadband roll-out.