Internet service provider BT has been revealed as the network operator which is leading the way in the roll-out of fibre optic broadband across the UK.

According to new research from Point Topic, lesser known operators initially went ahead of BT, but the company was responsible for 1,250 of the 3,000 connections installed in the UK by the end of 2009.

A number of them were installed due to the firm's Fibre to the Cabinet trials in Muswell Hill and Whitchurch, as well as the use of Fibre to the Premise (FTTP) facilities in Ebbsfleet.

FTTP is believed to account for more than half of all next-generation installations across the UK, particularly as it has been favoured by alternative network operators.

BT recently announced the launch of its Infinity fibre-optic broadband service, as well as a similar package for business customers.

Connection speeds of up to 40Mb are available both through platforms.