8Mbps broadband promised by Christmas

ISP Thus and BT are trialling a new broadband service that will offer 8Mbps connections straight to the home.

The first tests will begin in April and the company hopes to roll out the service nationwide by the end of the year. No details have yet been released on pricing, but Thus insisted that costs will only increase incrementally.

"Most homes currently have a maximum broadband connection speed of 1Mbps, but once subscribers can connect to more than 2Mbps it opens up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing users to download and stream applications with rich media content," said Nigel Stevens, product director at Thus.

"By playing an integral role in trialling 8Mbps ADSL we can ensure that we deliver a fully functional high-speed service ready for roll-out later in 2005.

"Target customers for super-fast broadband will include residential users wanting the additional speed to allow multiple users within the home, and businesses that have outgrown 2Mbps."

The tests are to determine the extent to which the signal deteriorates as the distance from the exchange increases. Thus said that it will not be able to guarantee 8Mbps to every home.

See also:

Broadband hits 43 per cent of UK net connections

Edging up slowly but surely  20 Apr 2005

Experts talk up voice over broadband

22m connections in Western Europe by 2008  19 Apr 2005

DSL and cable to offer 20Mbps broadband

Battle for home broadband centres on 'triple play' voice, data and video  14 Apr 2005

The price is right for UK Online customers

ISP slashes broadband to less than a tenner  12 Apr 2005

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