Satellite broadband provider Eutelsat has announced plans to offer download speeds of up to 10Mb by the end of 2010.

The firm has completed work on its KA-SAT satellite and transferred it to France for testing ahead of a launch later this year.

Subscribers to the firm's Tooway broadband service will then be able to access faster speeds via a small satellite dish and modem.

Steve Petrie from Tooway commented: "[Our] existing satellite broadband service already more than meet the government's Digital Britain target of a 2Mb service for all UK residents.

"KA-SAT will ensure that the broadband needs of UK rural residents continue to be met far into the future."

According to Eutelsat, consumers can access broadband-only services via Tooway, or if they choose, broadband TV bundles.