Muswell Hill residents call for FTTC re-think

A trial being conducted by BT in Muswell in London using fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) technology is to be re-considered following concerns from residents.

The FTTC technology involves running high-speed broadband services in fibre optic cabling to street cabinets and then connecting from here to existing copper wiring in users' individual homes, but the size of the cabinets has caused problems in the neighbourhood, reports the Muswell Hill Journal.

Most of the 20 cabinets installed by BT will be removed and Haringey council will formulate different plans with the major internet service provider.

A spokeswoman for the council told the paper: "It would have been better if BT had sought advice on a better design before the boxes were installed."

John Crompton, treasurer of the Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Association, said local residents are eager to take advantage of the faster broadband speeds on offer and so are anticipating a new agreement between BT and the council.

BT is also experimenting with fibre-to-the-premises technology, which connects fibre optic cabling directly to individual homes and could encourage more people to use VoIP hardware.