Fujitsu, a Japanese hardware and IT giant, announced partnerships with UK internet service providers, including Virgin Media , TalkTalk and network developer Cisco, which will potentially lead to a development of a new superfast fibre optic broadband network.
The project could provide fibre to as many as 5m homes in rural locations and also serve as a rivalling alternative to BT Openreach.
However, in recent news BT has not shown a sign of fear about any projects, and even told off providers who wrote an open letter to Vaizey regarding BT’s charges for accessing its PIA, that they were spending “more time talking about this process than actually working on it”.
Nevertheless, according to recent reports, the new fibre network will be powered by Cisco’s technology while Virgin Media and TalkTalk will be able to access to the network to retails its next generation products.
It has been said that other ISPs were also welcome to use the infrastructure on wholesale terms.
The Government’s Communication Minister, Ed Vaizey, said:
“I am delighted that Fujitsu along with Virgin Media, TalkTalk and Cisco share the Government’s vision.
“The collaboration between these companies was exactly the sort of ambition and innovation the Government wanted to stimulate by removing barriers to broadband rollout. Fujitsu and their industry partners are pledging a substantial investment in the UK and it represents a deep commitment to the future success of this country.
“Creating this superfast broadband network will help improve the economic and social prospects of the homes and businesses where high-speed internet access remains just a dream.”
Some features of the Fujitsu Open Access Wholesale network
* In the vast majority of areas, Fujitsu will run fibre optic cabling directly to the home (FTTH), rather than to the local street cabinet. As a result, the Fujitsu network will be one gigabit (1Gbps) symmetric capable from day one with potential to go to 10Gbps and beyond.
* Fujitsu’s network will be truly open access to all ISPs offering the end customer an unrivalled choice of services over a single physical network connection.
* Superfast upload and download speeds can enable entertainment, remote healthcare, education and future government services without the need to travel. This future-proof infrastructure will shrink distances and will bring to rural Britain the services that the rest of the UK can enjoy today.
