Fibre cables have 'slow uptake' in Cardiff

Date: 10/3/2011

Despite being one of the UK's most well connected destinations in terms of fibre-optic cables, homes and businesses in Cardiff are slow to adopt the new super-fast system.

According to BT, Openreach has spent millions on upgrading the Welsh capital's internet services so the lines can transfer speeds of up to 40mbps, with download rapidity recorded as being 31mpbs and above.

However, despite Cardiff's general reluctance to join the fibre revolution, nearby Whitchurch has seen a seven per cent adoption rate within 18 months - which is said to be one of the highest take-ups to date in the UK.

Richard Hall, Openreach deployment director for Wales, said: "[Places] across the UK are clamouring for fibre broadband and look at Cardiff with envy. It would be a shame if the city proved reluctant to be a digital leader."

A new infrastructure of speedy fibre-optic cables is soon to be laid in Crawley, after it was announced the town is to receive BT's new super-fast service.

Posted by Jason Page