Abica joins FTTC trial through Glasgow's Halfway Exchange

The trial of fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) technology being organised in Glasgow through the Halfway Exchange by BT has welcomed the involvement of telecoms firm Abica.

FTTC technology involves running next-generation fibre optic cabling to street-level cabinets, where it is linked to existing copper wiring for the final few feet to individual properties, delivering faster broadband speeds to consumers and possibly helping boost VoIP hardware.

Speeds of up to 40 megabits per second are available and BT has invited local operators to participate in the trial free of charge until March 31st next year.

David Munro, joint managing director at Abica, said: "The increase in both download and upload speeds with FTTC is remarkable and the product will at last start to realise the full potential of broadband."

BT is also experimenting with fibre-to-the-premises technology, which involves running fibre cabling directly to individual properties.

The internet service provider is investing £1.5 billion in next-generation broadband networks.