Fujitsu hails PIA fibre optic broadband progress

Fujitsu has hailed the "strong progress" made on its fibre optic broadband trial, which makes use of BT's duct and pole network.

The Japanese technology giant recently connected the first end users in the Wirral Peninsula to its fibre-to-the-home technology, meaning it is the furthest-advanced participant in BT's Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) trial.

Andy Stevenson, chief executive of Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe, praised the work it has carried out as part of the pilot scheme, which tests how rival communications providers can utilise BT's underground ducts and telegraph poles.

"We welcome the imminent commercial launch of their products. I'm delighted to announce that the first of our trialists are now live on our trial network," he stated.

Mr Stevenson added the company has been "reassured" by the collaborative approach displayed by BT.

Fujitsu is planning to use BT's network of ducts and poles to extend fibre optic broadband to five million homes in rural locations across Britain.