Broadband provider Virgin Media has launched a new competition that will entitle one lucky person to a year's free subscription to the company's flagship 50MB fibre optic broadband service.

Entrants living within the area covered by the internet service provider's high-speed network have to answer just one simple question - is Virgin Media due to launch 100MB broadband later this year?

The winner will get 12 months free 50MB broadband internet, free connection, installation and activation.

Once the 12 month free internet deal has expired, the price reverts to Virgin Media's standard tariff.

"We've invested billions building our fibre optic network and we're the only ISP that delivers customers the speeds they expect. It's the most advanced way to enjoy broadband," a Virgin Media spokesperson said.

"Other providers deliver their broadband through copper telephone wire, which means your speed gets slower the further you live from the phone exchange," they added.

The closing date for the competition is September 6th, 2010, and people can enter at www.futurecompetitions.com/virginmedia50meg/.

According to Virgin Media, the firm's 50MB broadband bundle has an average speed of between 44.4 and 46.5MB.