Hylas satellite set to boost broadband speeds

Plans to launch new satellite technology later this year could aid VoIP solutions and result in faster broadband speeds for many Britons, reports the BBC.

Hylas is being developed by technology firm Avanti and will utilise the Ka-band of radio frequency to produce a focussed beam from space that will have the potential to deliver broadband speeds of two megabits per second (Mbps) to millions of Britons.

The company is currently looking for a further £500 million of funding to help realise the project and achieve the launch on schedule.

David Williams, chief executive of Avanti, told the corporation: "Being able to reach a universal population with consistent speeds is one of the advantages of satellite. Satellite will feature as part of the solution to the 2Mbps universal service commitment."

In particular, satellite technology is being seen as a possible way to deliver broadband connectivity to more remote communities that lack proximity to a telephone exchange.

Steve Robertson, chief executive of BT Openreach, recently told the Guardian that he believes the government can reach its target of connecting every UK home to a 2Mbps service by 2012.