Point Topic predicts rapid fibre broadband growth

The number of fibre optic broadband lines in the UK is set to grow significantly within the next five years, according to Point Topic.

A new report from the broadband analysis firm claimed there will be over 10.5 million super-fast connections by 2016.

When combined with the volume of cable broadband lines, this means almost 60 per cent of customers will be enjoying speeds of at least 30Mbps by this time.

Tim Johnson, chief analyst at Point Topic, said the forecast is "risky and controversial", as it is tricky to predict the performance of technology that is expected to see rapid growth.

"If the forecast is correct, the number of super-fast lines will grow 50 times over between mid-2011 and the end of 2016," he remarked.

Earlier this week, BT announced it is speeding up its fibre broadband deployment, with two-thirds of homes and businesses across the country set to receive access to the service by the end of 2014.