BT gets 5 millionth broadband customer

UK’s largest broadband internet provider, BT has reached another milestone when Elizabeth Patterson, a Chip shop worker of East Kilbride, Glasgow signed up on 9 December to become the 5 millionth customer of the ISP.

Following BT in the league table, now, are TalkTalk (4.12m), cable ISP Virgin Media (4.02m) and BSkyB (2.3m).

Last year, BT announced the launch of its fibre to the cabinet broadband network (Fttc) to provide faster broadband (up to 40Mbps) to 10 millions homes by early 2012, i.e., just in time for London Olympic games. The internet provider has already been offering fibre based broadband trials in selected areas such as Glasgow and Manchester.

This is BT’s most expensive investment so far (GBP 1.5m), however it would build fibre networks only to cover 40% of the UK homes. Chief Executive of BT Ian Livingston, has recently commented that the government susbsidy would help the providers to build fast broadband networks all across the UK, including the remote and rural areas.

BT said it has added over one million new broadband customers during the last 24 months.

John Petter, MD of BT’s Consumer Division, said

“We are thrilled to have passed the 5 million mark and it’s now full speed ahead for 6 million. Broadband has the ability to transform people’s lives and the fact that we are still showing strong take-up when there are more than 14 million ADSL broadband customers in the UK is testament to the unique benefits of being connected.”

BT has also revealed its plans to launch Project Canvas next year, which will enable the UK broadband customers to access video contents using online TV players like iPlayer and ITV Player.