BT has chosen 25 companies to trial symmetric digital subscriber line (SDSL) technology, a low-cost alternative to leased lines.

Ignite, BT's broadband data division, advertised for trialists in August. The trials are now scheduled to take place in March next year.

SDSL is similar to asymmetrical DSL (ADSL). However, unlike ADSL services, which provide high-speed data downstream and a slower upstream speed, SDSL allows the same rates of traffic in both directions. These speeds will be either 500Kb, 1Mb or 2Mb per second in BT's trial.

According to BT, SDSL services are better suited to small and medium-sized businesses that send high volumes of data traffic or that want to use voice over IP for voice calls between offices. SDSL is seen as a cheaper alternative to leased lines and is aimed at businesses which want to use web hosting services.

BT will offer two types of service: BT Datastream Symmetric, which connects end users to BT's broadband network; and BT Broadband point-to-point private circuits, which connect end users to each other via BT's broadband network.

Included among the 25 companies are broadband internet provider XO Communications (formerly known as Concentric) and ISP PlusNET. BT's broadband ISP BTopenworld is also expected to participate in the trials, although this has yet to be confirmed. The other participants can chose whether or not to go public.

Axel Lagerborg, director of UK product marketing at XO, said: "We believe in seeking out the most appropriate technology solutions for providing high-quality broadband services. Our involvement in the SDSL trial will allow XO to fully evaluate how the technology can benefit our customers."

BT said the trials, which were due to begin in December, are now expected to start in March or "possibly later". According to BT, the delay is due to one of its equipment suppliers, Fujitsu, suffering supply chain problems.

With the delay to the trials, which will run for around three to four months, the planned commercial offering date of mid-2001 is almost certainly to be much later.

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