Although such high speeds are common in countries such as South Korea, this is the first time that the UK has seen such speeds. BT said it would equip the center’s internet cafe with computers including 12 iMacs with the latest Intel Core Duo processors and an Xserve server by Apple. Cisco is providing the switching and VoIP technology, while the headsets are provided by Sennheiser.
The Satellite Earth Station is situated on 160 acre site on the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall, and it attracts more than 80,000 people. Speaking to Computer Business Review, a BT spokesperson confirmed that BT will connect the site to its global IP network, and said visitors will be able to use the superfast internet connection free of charge.
Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station is the largest station of its type in the world, with 61 antenna dishes handling thousands of international phone calls, TV broadcasts, and data. It is also actually located in a Site of Special Scientific Interest containing some of the rarest plants in the UK.
The ultra fast broadband connection is one a number of new initiatives BT is currently working on. Another initiative is its IPTV service, known as BT Vision, which is set for launch this autumn. BT has signed up numerous content deals with a range of content providers including the BBC. It has also announced that BT Vision will host a range of adult entertainment services alongside television, sports, and music content.
