Just recently, there was a report underlining the wide variation in the internet speed throughout the UK. However, this might change
if Fujitsu has its way. The company, in collaboration with TalkTalk, Cisco and Virgin Media, is planning to introduce fibre optic cable internet across the country. It is also likely to cover rural areas, which means that the residents of the lesser towns do not have to remain stuck with sluggish internet connection.
Fujitsu is planning to lay 'Fibre to Home' network, so that you get symmetrical 1 Gbps bandwidth. Fujitsu is not the first company to have 1 Gbps dream, BT is already working on its own 1 Gbps project. BT is launching its project in 40 towns whereas Fujitsu is ambitious enough to target 5 million households. The project is aiming for top speed of 10Gbps or more.
Though, it may seem like both the companies are competing with each other, but in reality, Fujitsu will need BT to play its part for the successful execution of its project. Fujitsu has clearly stated that it would need BT to provide "access to its underground ducts and telegraph poles on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms." Here we hope that the two companies will be able to work it out for the welfare of the masses.
The government is also doing its bit to ensure that the UK is well connected. It has allocated £530 million for superfast internet connectivity. Fujitsu is also hoping to get a piece of this pie. In the unlikely scenario of the firm not getting the access to the funds, the future of the project would be in the jeopardy. The company is 'willing' to commit £1.5 billion to £2 billion of its own funds and would require £500 million in government aid. This would leave only £30 million to be allocated to other companies interested in carrying out similar projects. BT, which is spending £2.5 billion of own funds for its project, has already questioned the Fujitsu's 'willingness' to spend money out of its coffer.