The average residential broadband speed in the United Kingdom is 5.106Mb. Business users can benefit from broadband packages that boast speeds of up to 20 Mb but the imminent roll-out of fibre optic broadband will see speeds of up to 40Mb being achieved. This new, super fast broadband will be delivered to homes and businesses via a fibre optic network. Fibre optic cables are made from glass and plastic, materials which are capable of transmitting information at a much faster speed than their traditional copper counterpart. Super-fast broadband will bring with it many benefits for businesses throughout Great Britain. With super-fast broadband, businesses will have faster download and upload speeds. This will positively change the pace at which business can be carried out, making it possible to do even more within the same timeframe. Being able to download and upload at faster speeds means you can access, back-up and share information much quicker than ever before. Quick access to information enables business workers to go about their routine tasks more swiftly, potentially increasing productivity and reaping all sorts of rewards for different types of businesses. With current business broadband speeds peaking at 20Mb, fibre optic packages with speeds of up to 40Mb mean the bandwidth could be as much as doubled. This allows large files to be shared with the utmost of ease and important documents and programmes can be uploaded twice as quickly. Fibre optic broadband will result in faster internet browsing, including the streaming of high-definition (HD) video. This means the same information can be accessed but much more quickly. Video conferencing held over the internet will be improved too with clearer images and sound and eradication of time delay. Other business services, such as hosted applications, will also benefit from Britain’s fastest broadband. Availability of additional bandwidth will improve the performance of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) making uploading and downloading of files more efficient and making working from home easier and more secure. Businesses that offer virtual services, such as a virtual PA, will benefit hugely from speedier broadband and the pace at which the business performs will pick up considerably. All sorts of businesses will be able to lower call costs by taking advantage of VoIP delivered over fibre optic networks. Business productivity can also be increased as it will be possible to carry out more activities simultaneously. Fibre optic broadband users will be able to download, upload and surf the internet, all at the same time. Faster collaboration between users will also be possible, helping to streamline all varieties of different business functions. When the time comes to switch to fibre optic broadband you should not have to upgrade computers for any changes to take effect. Therefore, the whole process should be quick and easy, with no interruption to business services.