Sky has played down rumours that it will be implementing a new fibre-optic broadband network through green kerbside telephone boxes.

It had been widely reported that the company had carried out secret testing involving the bypassing of existing telephone exchanges through fibre optic cables, before diverting to the green boxes commonly seen in residential streets.

But a representative of the broadband provider has told ZDNet that there wouldn't be a "commercial launch" of any new network in the near future.

The spokesman commented: "We're the UK's fastest growing broadband provider and we're always exploring ways to give customers a better service.

"Our technical teams are working on a small-scale trial to explore the potential of sub-loop unbundling."

Reports suggest that Sky is eager to bring its broadband network up to speed with rivals BT, O2 and Virgin Media.