BT Wholesale is to trial mesh radio technology in Wales as part of the monster telco's bid to broaden the availability of broadband in the UK.

Mesh radio works on the principle that a small radio antenna installed at each household or business, transmits on to neighbouring users to form a network or "mesh".

This approach does away with the need for large antennae or masts used to transmit to each individual customer in traditional point to multipoint wireless solutions.

Around 100 households will take part in the trial, which covers an 80km squared area around Pontypridd including Llantrisant, Beddau and Newtown Llantwit and surrounding villages.

The trial is due to last until the end of the year.

BT reckons this trial "shows [its] commitment to looking at ways of delivering broadband economically to more rural areas and extending the boundaries of broadband Britain."

Bless their cotton little socks.

Separately, BT's broadband registration scheme went live today.

The service should act as a barometer for demand in areas currently not served by ADSL. If enough people per exchange area commit to broadband then BT will upgrade it to DSL. ®

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