It has been reported that the communications giant BT plans to share its underground network ducts with some of its rival broadband providers.

According to a recent report the communications giant BT is planning to share its underground networks with its rival broadband providers. The plans by BT will enable rival broadband companies to run their own high speed broadband services. It means that rival providers could provide higher speed broadband without the need to bother with the expense of digging up pavements.

The provider has been in talks with the UK communications regulator Ofcom since 2009 with regards to providing access to its underground ducts to rival providers. The company is expected to invest one and a half billion pounds into the provision of high speed broadband services.

The move means that a number of big broadband providers such as Talk Talk could get wholesale products from BT hat would allow them to provide high speed broadband at an affordable price for their customers.

Officials from BT stated: “We told Ofcom last year we’re willing to provide open access to our ducts and poles and we are working with them on how to achieve it. Other companies already have access to our exchanges, so we’re relaxed about providing them with another form of access as well.”

It is thought that the plans from BT will help to deal with the huge gaps that are seen when it comes to broadband coverage in the UK, which has seen many areas having to cope with limited or no broadband access. However, a BT official said: “It’s unlikely to be the silver bullet to get fibre to every home. BT is taking a considerable degree of commercial risk by rolling out fibre and it will be interesting to see if others are willing to join us.”

Surce - Global Telecoms Business