H20 Networks have begun work in Sheffield to bring broadband speeds of up to 100Mbps to Sheffield homes. The city-wide fibre optic network will run via the city’s sewers and will be laid in a 15Km ring around the city building on an existing network that serves flats and student accommodation.

H20 have already introduced similar schemes in Dundee and Bournmouth and there are further plans in the pipework to roll out fibre to several cities in the UK. H20 will only provide the infrastructure while service providers will be offering the broadband to consumers, although as yet no service provider has taken an interest.

Sheffield’s newtwork should be completed by the end of September.

Bt also announced that its £1.5bn fibre optic plans are to start with speeds of up to 40Mbps for 40% of homes by 2012. Trials have started in North London and Cardiff.