10Gbps Home Internet

Broadband operator Hyperoptic is testing broadband speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) in a UK home using an existing ISP network.

21:11 19 March 2018

Dana Tobak, the company’s chief executive, said that the test is about proof-of-concept, adding that it is being carried out “to push the limits of what’s possible for residential broadband.”

 

Ms Tobak added that faster speeds are needed to support 4K media services, gaming and internet of things (IoT). 100Mbps, which used to be what consumer demands, has become the minimum many consumers are looking for right now, she says.

 

Ofcom boss Sharon White welcomed the move saying that faster and more reliable broadband connection is becoming more necessary adding: "We're seeing real momentum behind full-fibre, with bigger and bolder commitments from companies of all sizes to build broadband that can support the UK's digital future."

 

Seeing the importance of the service, Ms Tobak added: "While other players are just considering how they can upgrade their infrastructure to enable gigabit speeds, we are already working on a path to 10Gbps consumer broadband,"

 

Meanwhile, Matthew Howett, principal analyst at Assembly said: "While this announcement is not a new investment, it goes to show the potential full-fibre technology has and what is possible once the fibre has been laid. Of course the challenge now is to convince consumers of the need for these vastly higher speeds today and crucially to get them to part with the cash and pay a higher monthly bill."