Alcatel-Lucent technology 'could support e-learning'

New technology that could support the adoption of e-learning training in the UK has been announced by French telecommunications giant Alcatel-Lucent.

The VDSL2 Vectoring proposition enables the speeds of existing internet connections to be "dramatically" increased to 100Mbps or more, the company explained.

Announcing the launch, Alcatel-Lucent said several governments have already recognised the important role that universal broadband access has to play in driving the development of e-learning and other services such as e-health.

In order to meet the growing demand for these applications, many network operators have begun looking at ways to accelerate the reach and availability of their broadband services, the organisation said.

More than 1.25 billion households across the world are currently connected to copper broadband lines, meaning demand is likely to be high for technologies that provide effective ways for this infrastructure to achieve greater bandwidth.

Rob Gallagher, principal analyst and head of broadband and TV research at Informa, said the company's plan to make VDSL2 Vectoring commercially available is "very timely" as governments and internet service providers have expressed their desire to boost existing download speeds.

The technology will bring super-fast internet connectivity to "many more people", he claimed.

President of Alcatel-Lucent's wireline division Dave Geary said: "With our enhanced broadband portfolio, including VDSL2 Vectoring and recent innovations in next-generation fibre, operators can deliver new services and generate new revenue, quickly. Our objective is to help operators - and nations - 'get to fast, faster'."

The uptake of e-learning training in rural locations could also be driven by a ruling from Ofcom earlier this year that will force BT to significantly reduce the prices it charges for use of its broadband infrastructure away from the country's urban centres.

It is thought that the decision, which will only affect rural parts of Britain, will generate greater competition in the market and lead to cheaper prices for consumers.