The transformation of UK broadband into a next-generation network is set to continue, one market analyst has predicted.

Point Topic estimates that over four million homes will enjoy the benefits of high-speed, fibre-optic broadband by the year 2013.

While BT has a stated aim of connecting ten million households to fibre-optic broadband by the year 2012, Point Topic has deemed this unrealistic and says a figure of 4.4 million addressed is more realistic.

Point Topic's chief analyst Tim Johnson said: "This is probably the first moment when it has been possible to make a plausible forecast for fibre in the UK, based on some real plans and activity."

"It'll probably take a bit longer than that but there are [a] lot of other players coming into the market too."

Next year should see the first commercial fibre-optic ventures from BT, which has already set-up a number of pilots.