BT unveils plans for improving UK broadband

BT has promised to support a universal minimum broadband speed of 5-10 megabits per second and extend its superfast fibre networks as part of an investment plan to improve broadband in the UK.

The company, which is fighting calls from rivals for regulators to split off its national broadband network, laid out a list of future investments to bring faster Internet speeds to almost every home and business in the country. BT pledged speeds of at least 5-10 Mbps, although it said the move would be “subject to regulatory support”. The government has already said it wanted a universal broadband obligation to put internet provision in line with utilities such as water, gas and electricity. The company said “much of it” could be in place by 2020, depending on Ofcom's support. This level of broadband speed would be enough, for example, for people to use popular internet services such as high definition video.