BT predicts 90% fibre broadband coverage in five to six years

BT chief executive Ian Livingston has predicted fibre optic broadband will be available to more than 90 per cent of homes and businesses in the next five to six years.

Mr Livingston made the prediction while outlining the telecoms giant's vision of 'Broadband Britain' to prime minister David Cameron and his cabinet during a visit to BT's Adastral Park research headquarters near Ipswich.

According to the BT boss, the majority of UK properties will be able to access speeds of up to 100Mbps or above by this time.

The company launched its first up to 100Mbps fibre broadband product last month, rolling the service out to ten exchanges, including Chester South, Exeter and St Austell.

Mr Livingston said BT's investment and public funding can combine to strengthen the UK's position as one of the leading broadband nations in Europe.

"The government has been a great supporter in recognising that this type of infrastructure investment can drive the UK's long-term growth," he added.