Aberdeen Uni down in the sewers for broadband

The University of Aberdeen is using its sewers to roll-out a new broadband network for its students in the new academic year.

The university is using North Wales-based H2O Network's FS Focus System (Fibre Optical Cable Underground Sewer System).

The network will provide the University of Aberdeen with a high capacity link for the next 10 years, enabling students to access the internet in their bedrooms in halls of residence.

Garry Wardrope, network services manager at University of Aberdeen, said, "H2O's FS Focus System offers high bandwidth at a price model that makes sense. This, coupled with the innovative nature of the 'fibre via the sewer' network makes the overall H2O proposition an exciting one."

As existing networks become increasingly congested with more cable types, it has become difficult for network companies to find new pathways.

H2O Networks allows universities and other organisations to use the sewer network to set up their own secure IT and telecom network, rather than the traditional, disruptive method of digging up roads.

H2O says the deployment process is a least 80% faster than traditional methods, resulting in operational networks within weeks rather than months.