BT and Fujitsu only remaining candidates for BDUK funding?

BT and Fujitsu are thought to be the only network operators left in the running to secure funds from the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) framework.

Established to achieve the government's goal of delivering the best super-fast broadband network in Europe by 2015, BDUK was given £530 million of public money to allocate to local projects across Britain.

English local authorities and the Welsh, Northern Irish and Scottish administrations will use this cash to attract a private sector partner to conduct the necessary infrastructure installations and upgrades.

Originally, nine firms were in the running for the framework, but all except BT and Fujitsu look to have pulled out, reports Br0kenTeleph0n3.

Among the communications suppliers confirmed to have quit the initiative are Geo Networks and Vtesse Networks, while cash-strapped Cable & Wireless Worldwide is believed to be the most recent company to exit the process.

Earlier this year, Fujitsu pulled out of the race for BDUK funding in Wales, leaving BT as the only candidate.

In a statement to PC Pro, Fujitsu explained it felt the risk levels in the Welsh government contract were too high, leaving the company with no option but to voluntarily withdraw.