100Mb Fibrecity project goes live in Bournemouth

Fifty homes in Bournemouth are now enjoying up to 100Mb fibre optic broadband thanks to the official launch of i3 Group’s (previously known as H20 Networks) Fibrecity project.

The first of fifteen towns set to get kitted up with super-fast fibre optic (FTTH) broadband, this innovative method for providing residents and businesses with download speeds of up to 100Mb has been made possible using a new network laid underground via an established sewerage system. Of course, as the pipes were already there to begin with there was no need to cause disruption by digging up the roads.

Other areas stretching across the UK are in store to get access to i3 Group’s new fibre network and it has been estimated, once the ball gets rolling, around 2,000 homes per week will be targeted.

Whilst engineers are still in the area, Fibrecity customers in Bournemouth are enjoying free connection and limited free service, although charges will be put in place as soon as the project moves onto its next area. It has been confirmed the same promotion will also be available when work starts on the second Fibrecity network in Dundee this summer.

Explaining the merits of the Fibrecity project and pointing out the potential drawbacks of BT’s recent fibre projects, Elfed Thomas, CEO and founder of i3 Group, commented: “Fibrecity is the only network that is building a national infrastructure to all homes, both new build and existing properties, that brings fibre into their living room. It does not at any point rely on the existing antiquated copper network like BT’s already outdated fibre to the cabinet network.”

It has been estimated that the Dundee’s Fibrecity network project will be completed by the end of 2010.