Business broadband speeds of 300Mb promised 'by next spring'

Telecommunications firm BT has moved to promise business broadband users in some parts of the UK that they will enjoy speeds of up to 300 Megabits per second (Mbps) by next spring.

It means Britain will undergo an "ultrafast" revolution over the next 12 months, as the company's typical current offering is approximately 40 Mbps.

In fact, the majority of the nation enjoys significantly slower internet than that, with the average speed said to be only 7.6 Mbps. But from spring 2013, that is all set to change.

BT has recently announced a rise in its profits to £628 million, up by 18 per cent in the three months to December 31st. This may have provided it with the necessary cash to launch an overhaul of the UK's broadband infrastructure.

Openreach will be responsible for the work, which will see hi-tech fibre cables implemented between the country's homes and businesses and special cabinets in streets.

Firms that are not with BT currently should not worry about missing out, as it is said that the technology will be made available to other broadband providers such as Sky.

During the recent three-month period in question, a total in excess of 250,000 homes and businesses joined BT's network for their internet connection, with BT Retail winning approximately 56 per cent of these.

Small companies have been advised they are the most suited to the new fibre technology. However, it will only initially be rolled out in parts of the country where demand is highest and superfast business broadband already exists.

The Sleaford Target this week reported that some parts of Lincolnshire are also looking forward to a broadband boost in the coming months. It said that 90 per cent of premises in the county have been promised speeds of at least 24 Mbps by 2015.