PlusNet: FTTC broadband averaging 30Mbps speeds

PlusNet's trial of fibre-to-the-cabinet technology has produced average real-world download speeds of 30Mbps, the company has said.

In a blog post inviting more people to join the super-fast broadband trial before it ends "soon", the BT-owned ISP said ADSL customers who signed up to the trial before 25 January could get FTTC broadband at the same price "for as long as they like". Around 400 people are already participating, but there is "space for more to join", PlusNet's Adam Walker wrote.

"So, I guess you're thinking 'wow this is for me'," Walker wrote. "Especially if I tell you that the average download speed of our existing trialists is around 30Mbps! However, before signing up we must stress that this is still a trial and things can go wrong. We also need to tell you that this technology is not available to everyone and urge you to check for availability first via this link."

Walker noted that those participating in the trial would need new customer premises equipment to receive the fibre broadband, and said the ISP would cover installation costs. He also pointed out that those who want to participate should have high-speed 802.11n Wi-Fi in place.

"We are noticing that the vast majority of speed faults raised by our trialists are due to their wireless equipment not being able to handle the FTTC speeds," Walker wrote. "Basically the majority of people will be using wireless B and/or G standard hardware, this is fine for up to 8Mbps ADSL but is not capable of speeds of up to 40Mbps, so we only recommend using this service if you have wireless N standard equipment or plan to upgrade soon."

Customers on PlusNet's 'Value' package should consider upgrading to a tariff with a higher usage allowance, Walker added, as the ISP has "seen a massive increase in usage from our trialists".