50 Mbps broadband could be available through copper wiring

Communications regulator Ofcom has now stated that in theory all homes could enjoy 50Mbps broadband speeds through copper wiring

There has been a great deal of talk over how to pull the UK into the 21st century when it comes to broadband speeds, and a lot of talk about the installation of fibre optic networks to allow consumers and businesses to enjoy these greater speeds. However, Ofcom has now stated that in theory everyone could have access to 50Mbps speeds though the traditional copper based network.
Ofcom stated: “Given the important relationship of distance to data rate, we based our model on information on cable lengths from a real network. We concluded that, in our idealised environment, capacities can further improve, compared to today’s deployments.”

The report went on to state: We found that if the upstream modem is hosted in the exchange, households within 2km of the exchange could, in theory, receive data rates above 50Mbit/s. If the upstream modem is moved closer to the customer premises and into the street cabinet, then almost 100 per cent of households are within 2km of the street cabinet and could, theoretically, expect a data rate of 50Mbit/s.”

However, the communications regulator was also quick to point out: “These results are theoretical and do not reflect what could be achieved in practise. Data rates experienced by end users depend not only on the distance between the customer premises and the exchange, but also on home wiring and interference at the exchange, cabinet, and in the home.”

It concluded “In the real world there are different providers with different equipment sharing the exchange, and perhaps the cabinet, and therefore impacting performance. Nevertheless, the real value of this study is to suggest an upper limit, given all technical progress possible, of 50Mbit/s, with fibre to the cabinet.”