Openreach has revealed plans to introduce a new symmetric 1 Gbps broadband service, which will be rolled out in April of next year. The service will be available in areas targeted by Openreach’s ‘Type C’ bid under the UK Government’s Project Gigabit initiative.
The new ultrafast service is designed to offer equal upload and download speeds, making it ideal for users who frequently upload large files such as videos, graphics, and software. This capability is expected to benefit content creators, gamers, and users of cloud-based applications by reducing latency and improving overall performance.
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“Last year, we successfully launched download speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps over our full-fiber network for Communication Providers (CPs), and we’re eager to continue enhancing the network’s capabilities,” said Matthew Sledge, Openreach’s Product Manager. “By introducing this new symmetric service, we aim to diversify our portfolio and provide our CP customers—and their end users—with a broader selection of competitive fiber products. Initially, we will deploy the service in selected Project Gigabit Type C areas to gauge demand and usage.”
As broadband data consumption grows, Openreach is looking ahead by engaging with CP customers on the next phase of its full-fiber network architecture, including technologies like XGS-PON, and seeking input on future speed requirements.
Customers interested in the 1 Gbps symmetric service will be able to utilize their existing Optical Network Terminal. Details on pricing and commercial terms will be released later.
This development follows the UK government’s recent announcement which outlined that it will provide GBP 800 million in funding to improve broadband connectivity for 312,400 hard-to-reach homes and businesses across the country, a project that Openreach will oversee.
Related: UK Government and Openreach to Modernize Rural Broadband Infrastructure
Openreach CEO, Clive Selley, voiced concerns over outdated planning regulations that require explicit permission from property owners for upgrades, which can create significant delays. Selley pointed out that Openreach submits around 300,000 permit applications yearly for street-by-street work, but the pandemic, global events, and economic challenges have slowed the process.
“To meet the ambitious targets set by the government, we expect the number of permit applications to double in the coming years, adding an unnecessary bureaucratic burden on all parties involved,” Selley stated. “A straightforward, cost-free solution would be to implement flexible permitting, allowing upgrades to be made across multiple streets simultaneously.”
Related: UK Network Operators Implement Landline Digital Upgrade Safeguards
