The UK's big two broadband providers' current plans will leave around four million homes and businesses without fast broadband access – but one other player is looking to connect another million.
BT and Virgin Media's plans will see around two thirds of the UK's homes and business premises get access to broadband at a minimum speed of 2MBPS.
However, there is considerable overlap between the areas they plan to cover, leaving millions of companies and households – mainly in rural areas – with only slow connections, or no connections at all.
Access to fast broadband internet is critical for small businesses, particularly those outside urban centres, which are much more dependent on e-commerce for sales.
When a small company builds a website without the necessary network connections, it will not perform as well.
Many will therefore welcome Vtesse Networks' plans, outlined at a conference in Cumbria – where the company is hoping to run a pilot scheme in association with Broadband Delivery UK next year.
