A device being offered for free to customers of major internet service provider BT could help people use VoIP hardware more efficiently, reports ISPreview.co.uk. The BT Broadband Accelerator - formerly known as the I-Plate - is a simple device that can be plugged in to domestic and business phone lines and reduces local electronic interference to produce faster broadband connection speeds.

Existing BT customers will only have to pay a small postage fee to get hold of the device, while non-BT broadband users will be charged around £8 for the product itself.

Broadband connection speeds can be affected by electronic interference generated by nearby devices such as stereos, televisions or other computers, but BT claims its new product can boost speeds by as much as 1.5 megabits per second.

The company recently announced a £1.5 billion investment in developing next-generation fibre optic networks across the UK and is currently testing the technology in nearly 70 towns and cities.

By Telappliant.