Virgin unleashes 50Mb broadband

 

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Posted on 15 Dec 2008 at 12:32

Virgin Media has launched the UK's fastest broadband service at 50Mb/sec.

The service runs on Virgin’s new next-generation core network based on the EuroDOCSIS3 standard, which provides an increase in capacity to deliver speeds up to 200Mb. By the end of this year, Virgin Media will have completed deployment to 40% of the network, comprising areas of Scotland, the Midlands and South London. Roll-out to the rest of the 12.6 million homes covered by Virgin Media’s fibre optic network is expected to be complete during the summer of 2009.

The ISP anticipates that the accelerated service will help to meet demand for faster broadband speeds and greater bandwidth. Citing research conducted by YouGov, it says that more than half (53%) of UK internet users had started watching TV programmes or video clips online and that the average amount of data consumed by its subscribers has nearly doubled in the last 18 months and is predicted to quadruple by 2011.

The 50Mb service will allow users to download an entire music album in as little as 11 seconds, a TV show in around one minute, a high quality movie in as little as three and a half minutes and a high definition movie in around 15 minutes.

“Today marks a historic moment, for both Virgin Media and the UK,” said Neil Berkett, Virgin Media’s chief executive. “As the first ISP to roll out next-generation broadband access, our 50Mb service represents the dawning of a new era of high-speed services in the UK and is just the beginning of what we hope to offer our customers over the coming years.”

The new service will cost from £35 per month. For more information, including where the service is available, go to virginmedia.com/50. It includes a EuroDOCSIS3-compatible 802.11n router and is an unlimited service with no traffic management at launch, though an “acceptable use” policy still applies.

Author: Simon Aughton