Easynet, the pan-European corporate network provider, today shifts the boundaries for enterprise networks as it launches EtherStream™ in the UK.

The groundbreaking new service uses Ethernet in the First Mile technology to deliver symmetrical, uncontended speeds of up to 24Mbps. For the first time, businesses can experience vast capacity using an existing cost-effective copper network.

Successfully launched by Easynet in the Netherlands in 2005 and now available in the UK, the service is the latest addition to Easynet’s innovative product portfolio.

This new cost-effective Wide Area Network access dramatically increases the availability of world class, resilient infrastructure services. EtherStream will drive convergence and will make new applications a reality for the many thousands of businesses previously restricted to the expense of upgrading to fibre

Enterprises with multiple locations can use EtherStream to create an MPLS VPN at European level. Any growth in bandwidth demands can also be met without costly upgrades or complicated migration processes.

EtherStream will shortly be available at 200 exchanges across the UK – reaching 60% of all UK businesses – with this set to expand significantly to provide UK-wide coverage. Easynet has signed EtherStream customers in the Netherlands including Hitachi and LG.

A UK company that has benefited from the service is the Ambassador Theatre Group.

Ambassador Theatre Group is well positioned to respond quickly to its customers’ changing requirements. IT director Vin Govender has brought the dynamic Group – owner of 24 theatres, including the historic Donmar – into the next generation of networking. The Group has introduced an innovative ticketing system, streamlining the theatres’ internal systems and enabling theatre goers to manage their entire bookings online. EtherStream enables this entire new system.

Vin explains, “It’s essential for us to evolve with the changing needs of our customers. They need to be able to source information on plays and casts, make bookings and find theatre facilities and directions, instantaneously. Huge amounts of data are required to travel around the company to meet this need.

Using EtherStream means we can work collaboratively, seamlessly integrate systems to share information, and enable better use of our networking expenditure”. He continues, “Fibre was not an option for us, due to the nature of our historic buildings. EtherStream has given us another – better – option”.

David Rowe, Easynet’s chief executive officer said: “EtherStream is revolutionary - vastly increasing the capabilities of enterprises without the need for a large investment, or the disruption of a change in infrastructure. It’s been a resounding success in the Netherlands. Easynet pioneered Local Loop Unbundling in the UK and was the first to offer a credible alternative to BT’s Wholesale offering.” He continues, “Once again, we’re leading innovation in the data network market, and demonstrating our commitment to delivering unique, cost-effective managed networking services to enterprises”.