ABI Research says bandwidth demand drives fibre broadband uptake

Fibre optic broadband uptake is being driven by demand for high-bandwidth applications, according to ABI Research.

Khin Sandi Lynn, broadband research analyst at the technology market intelligence firm, revealed fibre broadband adoption has grown "rapidly" in recent years.

"Consumers are becoming increasingly reliant on a number of data-intensive services such as high-definition online video services, IPTV and online gaming," she said.

The organisation pointed out some DSL network operators have already opted to replace their ageing copper lines with ultra-fast fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology in order to keep up with this growing demand from customers.

One telecoms firm to begin the rollout of FTTH broadband is BT, which launched a service offering download speeds of up to 100Mbps and maximum upload capabilities of 15Mbps in November 2011.

It is currently only available in a limited number of exchange areas, including part of Milton Keynes, Highams Park and Leytonstone in London, Ashford in Middlesex and Ilford in Essex.