BT Sets Goal of 100% Broadband

On Monday BT announced that 100% broadband coverage of every UK community is achievable by 2005 if industry and government pull together. This would put the UK in a position to lead the world.

BT currently makes mass market broadband available to more than 80% of households – more houses than are connected to mains gas – and the company is set to upgrade exchanges serving 90% during next year.

Robert Key M.P, who recently chaired a public meeting at The Guildhall in Salisbury to explain the initiatives under way to provide Broadband for all, has welcomed the news from BT that they will take broadband internet access to almost all communities by the end of 2005.

He said, 'It is very good news that BT have reacted to pressure from their customers and from Parliament. They got the message that if they did not invest, their market would be taken by other providers and other technologies. But - and it is a big 'but' - small villages and isolated buildings will still be left out in the cold. For example, Wylye will not be served by BT and will need to look for other solutions.'