On-demand HD TV and gaming, and DVD quality film downloads, will be just some of the benefits of H20’s Focus system.

UK consumers could receive super-fast broadband speeds as soon as autumn 2008 through fibre optic networks installed in sewers.

Fibre network installation firm H20 Networks will select either Bournemouth, Dundee or Northampton to become the UK’s first ‘Fibrecity’, receiving speeds of up to 100Mbps.

H20 has shortlisted the towns because it has already installed its Focus (Fibre Optical Cable Underground Sewer) system to supply local council buildings in the areas.

Fast download speeds will open up a whole host of possibilities to the technologically savvy, including on-demand HD TV and gaming, super-quick DVD quality film downloads, online video messaging, and CCTV home surveillance.

H20 describes its Focus system as “a fast and cost-effective way to lay cable and link up any location without the high costs and disruption caused by traditional cabling methods.”

If trials are deemed a success, it could utilise the UK’s 360,000 mile, waste water network to provide all UK homes and businesses with super-fast connection speeds.

The development will bring the UK closer to its European counterparts, who are already streets ahead in terms of download speeds.

According to the Information Technology Innovation Foundation (ITIF), British broadband is amongst the slowest in Europe, with an average connection speed of just 2.6Mbps, placing it below countries including Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and Holland.

Finland topped the study, which takes into account 16 countries, with an average connection speed of 21.7Mbps – eight times higher than the UK average.

By Natasha Piscitelli