Press & PR

The UK's telecoms network has held back broadband speeds in the past, but it has been suggested this is set to change with upgrades planned for the future.

While BT is planning improvements to its outdated network structures, a summit called by the minister for competitiveness Stephen Timms is looking at the possibility of introducing super-fast fibre optic cables to give broadband a further boost.

"We need to be discussing how we can put this new network into place, because delay could be a barrier to the future success of our economy," cautioned Mr Timms.

This viewpoint was echoed by a spokesperson for the Internet Services Providers' Association, who said that the traditional telephone network within the UK has been used for internet connectivity.

He explained that this was due to the UK being "one of the first industrialising and technologically adopting countries in the world", but added that changes are on their way which "will drive improvements in network performance".

Heavy telephone users could benefit from these faster broadband speeds by taking up an internet call plan with leading internet phone company Vonage, with prices starting at £5.99 a month for unlimited free calls to the UK and Ireland.