BT's broadband-boosting iPlate goes on sale

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 2 Jul 2008 at 07:48

BT has started selling the iPlate, the small device that it claims could result in a huge speed boost for domestic ADSL lines.

The telecoms giant first announced the iPlate back in March, with BT boldly claiming that its tests showed the device could improve home broadband speeds by as much as 3Mb/sec.

The iPlate is designed to eradicate interference from the Bell Wire - the cable that used to make old-fashioned telephones ring, but now merely serves to create excessive electrical noise on the line.

Microwave ovens, central heating units, faulty television power supplies and even Christmas lights have all been found to create inteference in the home, with a knock-on effect on the reliability of the ADSL connection.

BT trialled the device with around 1,000 customers with connection problems earlier this year, and claimed to be impressed by the results. "We've seen huge increases in speed," claimed Ashley Pickering from BT Wholesale's broadband access solutions team back in March. "On average, it makes one and a half megs of difference."

At the time BT claimed the device would cost as little as £10 when it went on sale. However, the Vispa shop has begun selling the device for £17. (Thanks to PC Pro reader David Kitson for the tip-off.)

The self-install device is attached to the master telephone socket in the home, and could be fitted within a matter of minutes.