BT serves up broadband-boosting iPlates for free

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 5 Aug 2009 at 11:36

BT is offering its broadband customers a free iPlate, the small device that can significantly boost the speed of ADSL connections.

Click here to read our verdict on the iPlate

The iPlate - now nattily redubbed the BT Broadband Accelerator - is a small screw-in plate that fits over the main telephone socket in the house.

The device effectively bypasses the bell wire, which attracts electrical interference in the house and can vastly hamper the speed and reliability of ADSL broadband connections.

In PC Pro's tests, the iPlate boosted the speed of two ADSL connections by 63% and 53% respectively.

BT suggested that ISPs would give away the device when it first unveiled the iPlate last March. Now the company is staying true to its word, by offering all BT Total Broadband customers a free Broadband Accelerator from its website. Customers only have to pay a £1.20 postage fee.

The device is only intended for houses where the router is connected to an extension phone line. It's also unnecessary with certain socket face plates.