TalkTalk begins ultrafast broadband trial

UK internet service provider TalkTalk has begun trials of its new ultrafast broadband packages, which will see it utilise Openreach’s (BT) gigabit-capable Fibre-to-the-Premises network for the first time.

The provider has invited some existing TalkTalk customers to partake in the 6-month free trial of the “Future Fibre Broadband” package. The package includes guaranteed speeds of 100 Mbps, possible speeds of 300 Mbps, as well as free set up and no obligation to continue with the package once the trial has ended. TalkTalk has also confirmed that customers involved in the trial will be offered its TT Wi-Fi Hub.

Currently, TalkTalk customers can access ultrafast, 100 Mbps speeds through the provider’s hybrid-fibre G.fast package from Openreach, which covers around 2.5 million UK premises. It also has limited FTTP deployments in some Northern areas, including York, Harrogate and Knaresborough, through its independent network FibreNation, although reports suggest the company is in talks to sell this network to CityFibre.

TalkTalk promised last month to launch a range of ultrafast broadband packages “before the end of the calendar year”. It has also been indicating a willingness to expand its full-fibre offering by tapping into Openreach’s FTTP, which covers an additional 2 million premises, and this seems to be happening with the Future Fibre Broadband trial.

TalkTalk Fibre For Everyone Director Guy Miller said: “TalkTalk has long been a champion of full fibre so customers can benefit from faster, more reliable services. Following our successful rollout of fibre to the premises in York through FibreNation, we are delighted that we are now bringing better connectivity to more customers using the Openreach network.”

Reports also suggest TalkTalk will look to offer a package utilising Openreach’s 115Mbps tier, while it also plans to offer new 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps products to customers, going live next year.