BT to launch pilot scheme for FTTP for blocks of flats

BT is running a pilot broadband access scheme for residents and landlords of apartment blocks that are within Openreach's fibre broadband footprint.

The aim is to help BT target the right people who have to authority to grant permission for the company to install the fibre to the premises services. BT is looking for around 1000 buildings to take part in the pilot, with both residents and landlords being able to register their interest.

This latest imitative follows on from a similar pilot scheme in Canary Wharf, London.

Participants will be able to access BT's fibre optic broadband services and initially receive downstream speeds of up to 100Mbits/sec. But the communications company said these will rise to give users the option of up to 300Mbits/sec in the spring of this year.

Mike Galvin, Openreach Managing Director for Next Generation Access, said: "We are keen to extend the benefits of our fastest broadband services to those living in apartments. Through our registration scheme customers are clearly showing us they now seek these higher speeds and see the provision of super-fast broadband as a significant benefit.

"We are factoring customer demand into our future deployment plans but are also keen to partner with landlords and involve them in our plans."

Buildings will need to be located within BT's existing fibre footprint, and will be chosen according to a combination of registered demand, the co-operation of landlords and the economics of deployment. Technology and network topography factors will also be taken into account BT said.