Students to get broadband from the sewer

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A new high-capacity internet network will greet new and returning students at the University of Aberdeen at the start of the autumn term following a deal with H2O Networks.

H2O Network's revolutionary FS Focus (Fibre Optical Cable Underground Sewer) system will provide the university, which has 13,000 students and over 3,000 staff, with a high-capacity link for the next 10 years. The Focus system is a fast and cost-effective way to lay cable and link any location without the high costs and disruption caused by traditional cabling methods, and will allow students to access the internet in their bedrooms in university halls of residence.

The new development means that rather than the traditional method of digging up roads, the university can now use the sewer pipes to set up its own secure ICT network. The installation process is at least 80 per cent faster than traditional methods, resulting in operational networks within weeks rather than months.

Garry Wardrope, network services manager at the university said: "Making university life as rich as possible for our students is the main aim of everything we do. When embarking on our 'internet to room' project we wanted a cost-effective method that would offer the kind of bandwidth students demand when researching for course projects or writing their dissertations."

It has become difficult for network companies to find new pathways as existing networks become increasingly congested with more cable types. However, every city and town has ready-made ducts that can be used without causing disruption. H2O's approach provides for quick installation and unlimited bandwidth and the system offers a fixed term cost rather than bandwidth tariffs.

"While universities strive to provide students with the best learning environment possible, cost and pricing models will often dictate the choice made. With our Focus system we are offering high bandwidth via an environmentally friendly network, through a fixed low cost rental model. Our solution addresses all the issues affecting public sector purchasing decisions today", said Elfed Thomas, managing director of H2O Networks.

In March this year, Bournemouth Borough Council decided to use existing sewage pipes for connectivity and implement the Focus system. They were able to speed up installation by about 80 per cent and avoid digging up roads to lay the new network.

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