O2 is primed to launch a super-fast broadband service, it has been reported.

The mobile phone operator will launch the fixed-line services a year after acquiring high-speed web firm Be in a deal worth £50 million, Thisismoney.com reports.

Be Internet's systems will allow O2 to offer a service boasting speeds to up to 24Mbps, compared with most rival internet service providers (ISPs) which offer speeds of around 8mbps using standard telephone lines.

The service is expected to be priced at around £24 per month, with existing O2 customers being rewarded with a discount.

At present the service's coverage would span around half the UK population, using the 800 BT exchanges in which Be has equipped.

Industry speculation has been rife that the delay of the launch of O2's fixed broadband service is down to a series to technological teething problems.