US-based Viavi Solutions has announced that Openreach, the network unit of British fixed line incumbent BT, has selected its OneExpert 580 xDSL field tester to support a G.fast pilot that will see ultrafast speeds provided to around 140,000 premises. Viavi noted that it has previously supplied over 15,000 units to Openreach, enabling technicians to efficiently install and repair broadband services. Further, the companies are said to have continually collaborated to enhance test procedures by adding StrataSync cloud-based asset and data management, as well as support for smartphone-based apps to facilitate technician workflow.
Commenting on the matter, Peter Bell, Director Network Portfolio and NGA Operations at Openreach, said: ‘We’re working with a number of leading suppliers and Viavi will help us to make sure we’re able to test and verify our network to a high standard. G.fast builds on our existing investment in fibre and we’re moving forward with our pilot which will see us bringing ultrafast speeds to around 140,000 premises across 17 locations by the end of March 2017.’