Industry news

Broadband to run through the sewers

Fibre networks delivering super-fast broadband could soon be run through the pipes of water and electricity companies.

Ofcom is undertaking an investigation of the ducting network in the UK, which could mean more companies offer broadband through the sewerage system - a trend already apparent in France.

Ed Richards, chief executive of Ofcom, explained: "We must be sure we are not missing a trick here. We know that lots of the costs are in the civil engineering and this is civil engineering of a very similar kind."

Some companies are already offering a super-fast service through sewers, although Ofcom will investigate further options of duct-sharing between broadband companies.

Meanwhile, research by e-Media revealed that more broadband bandwidth is needed by companies to serve remote workers, who can pose a security risk but who are the least likely to misuse company networks.