BT steps up SDSL rollout

BT plans to double availability of its symmetrical DSL, the broadband service that enables businesses to send very large files, web host and use applications like video conferencing.

The latest phase of SDSL development will bring business-class broadband to a total of 300 BT exchanges, with areas including parts of the M3/M4 corridor, Cheshire, Cardiff, north east England, Aberdeen and Exeter gaining access to the service.

Of the 150 new exchanges, BT Wholesale said it will roll out SDSL to 34 new exchanges by the end of July and a similar number by November, with live dates for the remaining 82 exchanges due to be set in September.

SDSL provides the same data transfer rates upstream and downstream, making it a desirable form of connectivity for media and design firms, teleworkers and remote offices that need fast transfer to send out large data files or web hosting.

"Service provider customers have told us where they have demand for symmetric broadband services from their customers," said Bruce Stanford, BT Wholesale products director.

BT Retail has been one of the first telecoms operators to sell SDSL through BT Wholesale's Business Broadband Advanced connections service, which costs from £170 per month depending on required bandwidth capacity.