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Network access provider Openreach (BT) has notified UK broadband ISPs that they will launch their new Ethernet Access Direct (EAD) v2.0 and complementary Cablelink Service Connect (CSC) products on 18th December 2026. Both are used to supply high-capacity business data links, potentially reaching speeds of up to 100Gbps in the near future.
Just to recap. EAD is one of the operator’s most familiar Ethernet services and provides point-to-point data connectivity between sites (leased line). The service can currently be used to build and extend customer networks, develop new infrastructure, and meet network backhaul (capacity) requirements at data speeds of up to 10Gbps.
As previously reported, the future EAD 2.0 product is expected to support various improvements, such as new intermediary speed tiers (e.g. 2Gbps, 3Gbps), lower port costs, lower space and power costs, greater resilience, the ability to remotely upgrade bandwidths (assuming ISPs have the right optical kit installed) and it will seek to adopt a passive demarcation device with an inbuilt reflector (they currently use an active NTE that needs power).