Rival ISPs 'unlikely' to change practices in response to BT's service expansion

BT's rivals are unlikely to introduce major policy changes in response to its plans to extend the reach of its fastest broadband service, according to a specialist website.

BT plans to extend its fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) high-speed service to 2.5 million homes, but ISPreview.co.uk says BT's rivals are already pursuing their own plans in relation to developing next-generation networks.

Mark Jackson, editor-in-chief at ISPreview.co.uk, said he believes other internet service providers will not change their policies unless there is a major new funding development, such as additional support being made available from the government.

Mr Jackson said: "BT's move is unlikely to encourage rival operators to invest in super-fast broadband any more than they already are. Most of BT's rivals are already using cost-saving methods."

He added that many companies plan to use urban sewer systems to lay fibre optic cabling to reduce the cost of establishing faster networks.

High-speed broadband can help deliver faster download speeds and more efficient VoIP solutions.

The expansion of BT's FTTP technology will be carried out within the £1.5 billion investment it announced earlier this year, according to the company.