Cable internet to get faster

FINNISH boffins think that they will be able to get cable broadband connections to more than 100Mbps by next year. Currently such speeds are possible over fibre networks, but cost a lot of cash to build. Finnish broadband equipment maker Teleste told Reuters that its version of the technology allowed cable TV networks to use their current technology, which was cheaper.

Teleste said its its Ethernet to the Home product would hit the shops next year and would give consumers access to 100Mbps speed. Teleste is running a field-trial with cable TV service provider Essent in Netherlands, apparently it has not quite got to the 100Mbps speed yet.

A spokesman said that based on its research, the average home will need to be able to download 30 Megabits per second minimum soon. This is on the basis that just one TV program will need 10-20 Megabits per second to stream effectively. He said that the cost of connecting a home with the new ethernet-to-the-home technology can vary between 50 euros ($60.28) and 200 euros ($241).

Still it is making my 500kbps ADSL connection from Bulgarian Telecom look a bit flaccid. It seems. µ