An executive at the BBC has advised that in order for universal broadband connectivity to be achieved on the more remote parts of the UK something other than wireless technology will be required.

There are currently a number of rural locations throughout the country where it has been deemed uneconomical to lay fibre optic cabling and in these areas the government has said that it will be looking at using wireless networks to achieve it goal of universal connectivity.

A report from eWeek Europe, however, has reported that the group strategy director at BT, Dr Tim Whitley has advised that using wireless technology may not be entirely suitable for a number of reasons.

The reliability of wireless networks as a replacement for fixed line connections may not be good enough for many users and the bandwidth required to cover an entire community may not be achievable said Dr Whitley.

He advised “The Digital Britain report says there will be a role for wireless, but the degree of that role is critically linked to what the services are.”

Although it was likely that using wireless networks was not the best answer for the government Dr Whitley did agree that using this type of network could allow for a higher quality solution to VoIP and would possibly offer higher speed download facilities.

One of the other options being considered is the use of satellite technology, although until this service becomes more widespread throughout Europe it is likely that at the moment the prices for this kind of technology will remain high and will therefore not be a viable option for the government in terms of cost effectiveness.

The recent announcement by the government to provide a minimum broadband connection of 2Mbps to every home in the UK by 2012 will be a difficult goal to achieve but experts believe that with the use of multiple technology like wireless and satellite it will be possible.

Source – Telappliant