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Already available to buy online for around £10, the interstitial plate, to give it its full name, is now being distributed to ISPs. Tests indicate that it can boost broadband performance by as much 4Mb/sec, though the typical improvement was around 1.5Mb/sec. BT says it can also improve the stability of a connection.

The plate works by replacing circumventing wiring within the BT wall socket that was once required by old-style bell telephones but now serves only to pick up electrical interference created by TVs, lights and other electrical equipment in the home.

“Most consumers are unaware of the impact that faulty TVs, fluorescent lighting and home wiring can have on their broadband performance,” said Cameron Rejali, managing director, products and services, BT Wholesale. “The I-Plate can help solve this, depending on the level of electrical interference within the home, delivering faster speeds, greater stability and bringing high quality IPTV to more consumers.”

BT notes that I-Plate requires a BT NTE 5 master socket and extension wiring, which is installed in around 70% of UK homes.