The next generation of Super Broadband DSL is just around the corner, even for the UK's existing copper-wire network, according to Swedish Telecommunications giant Ericsson. The company is achieving 500Mbps transmission rates over copper cabling by using new "crosstalk cancellation" VDSL2 (Very High Bit Rate DSL 2) based modems to reduce noise interference.

Vectoring technology also decouples the lines in a cable (from an interference point of view), substantially improving power management, which can reduce power cosumption. The demonstration showed aggregated rates of above 500Mbit/s at 500m, bonding six lines. Super-fast broadband, allowing you to download entire films in less than minute, is coming to the UK.

The data rate is many times faster than the fastest ADSL2 services currently on offer in most countries. With products using the technology likely to be available within months, you may be able to add new broadband services such as video-on-demand over IPTV networks to your Christmas wish list.