An ADSL2+ network connection and installation of a second line in the home wiring of people’s homes are among some of the modifications that BT has in mind to assure a 2Mb broadband connection to 93 percent of the UK population.

These changes would leave only 7 percent of the broadband customer base in the UK out of the 2Mb-for-all scheme of the government, in contrast to the current 15 percent. Fixed-line broadband has many gaps which has left 1.5 million homes out of the 2Mb fray. Suggestions like employing satellite and mobile broadband to fill-up the breaks in coverage presented by the fixed line connections have been proposed, but BT’s claim appears to be the best so far.

However, it seems surprising that BT has volunteered to provide 2Mb connections after the government announced its intention to enter into negotiations with mobile broadband providers. These negotiations were to chalk out a deal that would be advantageous to all parties. The providers were promised a chunk of the broadband spectrum if they agreed to cover areas that fixed line broadband could not, which would mean that the government would be able to achieve its Digital Britain objectives.

These negotiations, which are being spearheaded by Kip Meek, the right hand man of the communications minister, Stephen Carter, have been criticized by BT, whose motives aren’t entirely unselfish. BT is of the view that an arrangement of this kind would turn out to be unhealthy for competition in the industry as it would be tantamount to giving away subsidies.

Whether the government succeeds in fulfilling its promise of 2Mb broadband connections for the whole of the UK within a span of three years, a promise which has its fair share of critics, is a question that can be answered only with time, but the situation is certainly getting interesting now. For latest news and product info, such as pay as you go internet dongle, refer to a dedicated mobile broadband site.