Scaled-down DSL and subsidies combine for rural broadband

摘要

UK incumbent BT has embarked on trials of "mini-DSLAMs", scaled-down versions of standard ADSL equipment, to provision rural communities from exchanges where it would otherwise not be commercially viable to do so. The trials, which BT says could provide a blueprint for further rural broadband deployments, are due to conclude at the end of July and are being conducted at eight exchanges: two in Scotland, two in Wales, three in England and one in Northern Ireland. BT has committed more than ￡1 million (EUD 1.50 million) to the project, called Exchange Activate. Economic-development agencies or local councils are also contributing to the trial costs in each of the deployment areas. Brendan Dick, general manager at BT Scotland, says the business model involves enabling an exchange for ￡55,000 and selling wholesale capacity to an ISP. The ￡55,000 will provision 30 lines and cover set-up and operating costs for the first three years.