Networking News Feed 
0
Item:
£0.00
Subtotal:
Virgin Media is considering renting out its fibre optic cable infrastructure to third parties – including rival broadband firms, it has been claimed.
According to the Guardian, the company has drawn up plans "to open up its cable network to rival telephone and broadband companies".
The measures could be introduced to 18 months time and the paper states that the idea is a result of potential regulatory changes in the broadband sector.
Virgin Media has invested millions in its 50Mbit fibre optic broadband infrastructure and the decision to rent it out could ensure it recoups its costs far quicker.
However, the firm may have to upgrade its network if it is to accommodate third party broadband providers.
Meanwhile, Virgin Media is conducting trials of 200Mbit broadband in Ashford, Kent.
The new technology will double the fastest current broadband offering available in the UK.
"We are really excited to be embarking on this journey of discovery," said Neil Berkett, chief executive at Virgin Media.
Last Updated: 08/05/2009 18:00
0800 488 0000
0800 488 0001