Telecommunications giant BT has confirmed plans to expand the availability of its copper-based next generation network in the UK.
Through its Wholesale division, the company plans to double the current footprint for the service, which means that around 20 million homes and businesses could have resilient internet access through the platform by 2011.
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It is hoped that the move – along with a reduction in the price that BT charges communications providers to use the network – will let more people enjoy broadband speeds of up to 24Mbps.
Cameron Rejali, managing director of products at BT Wholesale, said the announcement was "further evidence" of the company's efforts to improve broadband coverage in the UK.
He added: "We are helping communications providers deliver faster speeds to more customers, essential benefits in the tough economic and competitive environment we face today."
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Earlier this month, BT announced it is piloting new technology designed to carry stable broadband services across longer distances.