A broadband test using telegraph poles by Virgin Media could help extend its reach to another million homes.
The British firm wants to transmit superfast broadband across telegraph poles to beat slower copper-based rivals, and is testing new technology in a Berkshire village.
The trial aims to deliver 50MB broadband alongside Virgin Media's TV service.
The company has already said it plans to extend its fibre optic network by 500,000 homes. Its underground network currently passes 12.6 million and it has identified more than a million homes across Britain which could benefit from transmission via telegraph poles.
"This unique trial will allow us to understand the possibilities of aerial deployment and may provide an exciting new way to extend next generation broadband services," said Neil Berkett, the firm's Chief Executive.
A change in planning guidelines currently being considered by the Government would be needed to enable large-scale overhead deployment.
Virgin claims it can aid a key aim by the Government to provide next-generation digital services to rural communities, with a combination of overhead poles and underground ducts.