More BT customers to receive faster broadband speeds

Major internet service provider (ISP) BT is set to provide faster web access to nearly double the existing number of homes and businesses.

The company plans to expand next-generation technology throughout its copper wire network and provide greater connection speeds to 75 per cent of the UK's population, potentially offering more efficient use of VoIP solutions and quicker download times.

Speeds of up to 24 megabits per second (Mbps) are currently attainable through copper networks to around 40 per cent of business and homes, but this is to dramatically increase over the next 18 months.

Nearly all homes and businesses in the UK are connected to BT copper networks and although the technology delivers speeds of up to 8Mbps, this is dependent on a range of factors such as how far a user is from the nearest telephone exchange.

The firm recently announced investment of £1.5 billion in next-generation fibre optic networks, which help maximise the use of VoIP hardware.

BT faces stiff competition from rival ISPs such as Virgin Media in delivering next-generation broadband.