Superfast broadband should be 25Mbps or faster
Thursday 22 September 2011 10:23:18 by Andrew Ferguson

We highlighted what appeared to be a mistake or a change of policy with regard to what is considered superfast broadband by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), when covering news that superfast broadband might be extended to all the country, rather than the current 90% target. BDUK has now talked to ISPreview who had spotted this mistake also a couple of weeks ago, who were told that the glossary would be corrected, and it has been, listing at least 24 Mbps as the lowest connection speed for a superfast service.

Superfast Broadband – BDUK has defined Superfast Broadband as having a potential headline access speed of at least 20Mbps, with no upper limit. Typically, at a wholesale level, the underlying capability can be measured in gigabits. The retail market then takes this capability and delivers affordable propositions.

Extract from BDUK glossary prior to 22nd September

Superfast Broadband – BDUK has defined Superfast Broadband as having a potential headline access speed of at least 24Mbps, with no upper limit. Typically, at a wholesale level, the underlying capability can be measured in gigabits. The retail market then takes this capability and delivers affordable propositions.

Current BDUK glossary

The change may seem relatively minor, particular to people who are making do with connections of half a meg, but the crucial element is that it excludes ADSL2+ as a solution, since its maximum speed is 24 Mbps (although bonded ADSL2+ could still be used). For those living close to the exchange in cities, towns and villages around the UK with a direct exchange line this is a blessing, since with no street cabinet, FTTC is not possible, so some other solution will have to be sought.

The issue of superfast broadband for all is intrinsically linked to the rumours that the Treasury might undertake a £5bn capital spending programme, covering areas like roads, rail and broadband. At least with this clarification from the BDUK we know what the connection speeds of superfast broadband should be.