iPlate aims to eliminate noise and boost broadband speeds
The iPlate from BT, not Apple, is a device that BT Wholesale hopes will improve broadband speeds for consumers around the country.
BT claims that household devices such as televisions and even simple lamps, can result in reduced broadband speeds when fitted with faulty or leaking power supplies. Electrical interference from such devices is said to create enough noise to degrade the performance of your line.
To help combat the issue, BT wholesale has been trialling an Interstitial Plate (iPlate) with approximately 1,000 customers and feedback has been positive. At a recent press event, BT demonstrated how a 3.8Mb/sec ADSL connection was slowed to a mere 700Kb/sec when a fluorescent lamp with a faulty power supply was switched on. By connecting the iPlate, the connection was restored to its normal speed.
So, what does this mean for us consumers? Well, we've often complained about BT's ageing network and though we're a long way from the 50Mb/sec speeds we all desire, BT seems adamant that the iPlate will improve existing broadband connections.
Most importantly, BT expects the device to launch within the next few months for approximately £10. Better still, the telecoms giant hopes that ISPs will offer the device to customers with connection problems for free.
