Sky is today connecting its first customer to its new ultrafast fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband network in York. Ultrafast broadband customers will be able to receive broadband speeds of up to 940 Mbps, almost 500 times faster than the existing service obligation, making York the first ultrafast city in the UK.

In partnership with TalkTalk and CityFibre, Sky is building the state of the art, FTTH network to test the potential for the technology and the response from customers. This will be the first time anywhere in the UK that customers have true choice to opt for ultrafast services. Unlike the BT Openreach network, the network is based entirely on the latest fibre technology and has no reliance on copper lines between the street cabinet and the home.

The increased downloads speeds offered by ultrafast broadband mean that customers can download an HD movie in less than 30 seconds. In addition, the pure fibre network will bring greater stability and reliability than standard fibre broadband. Even when several people in the household are using the same connection, it will never slow down.

Lyssa McGowan, Director of Sky Broadband, said: 'Sky is the first broadband service provider in the UK to offer guaranteed broadband speeds. We are proud that these products will be available to our customers in York on our ultrafast and ultra-reliable gigabit network. As Ofcom continues its review of the broadband market, we believe that trials like this are a valuable demonstration of the alternative technologies now available. With the right conditions for investment and innovation, consumers and businesses could benefit from more ultrafast connections across the UK.'

For further information, please contact:

Media:

Eleanor Mills

Telephone: +44(0)20 7032 6615

Analysts/ Investors:

Edward Steel

Tel: +44(0)20 7032 2093

About Sky

Sky is Europe's leading entertainment company, serving 21 million customers across five countries: UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Italy. We offer the best and broadest range of content, deliver market-leading customer service and use innovative new technology to give customers a better TV experience, whenever and wherever they choose.

Sky has annual revenues of over £11 billion and is Europe's leading investor in television content with a combined programming budget of £4.9 billion. The group employs 30,000 people and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (SKY).


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