The first commercial rollout of BT's next-generation fibre-optic broadband solution is to commence in January 2010, according to the firm's managing director.

Bill Murphy said during an interview with CBR that its new 40Mb+ fibre-to-the-cabinet broadband service is hoped to reach 1.5 million UK homes and businesses by the mid-point of next year.

The managing director for BT Business also confirmed that the firm is continuing with the expansion of its high-speed ADSL2+ services to bring broadband speeds of up to 20Mb to 55 per cent of the UK population.

Mr Murphy said: "Key to any successful network rollout is to drive up connectivity and BT is keen to come out with a competitive offering.

"Take up to date for high-speed broadband services has been very good, and there is definitely a demand for speed."

BT recently began piloting new Broadband Enabling Technology in Inverness and Dingwall in Scotland to deliver broadband over longer distances.

It is hoped the technology can help to provide broadband services to rural areas up to 12km from an exchange.