Internet service provider Plusnet has announced that it is upgrading its broadband speeds for existing customers.

The firm has confirmed it will be supporting BT's 21st Century Network initiative, which will see thousands of Plusnet customers benefit from improved download rates.

In a statement, Plusnet said: "We're starting in March with around 12,000 customers and continuing onwards with another 8,000 customers per month.

"Our aim is to have over 60 per cent of our customers connected on up to 20Mb speeds by the end of 2011, against the 15 per cent already on these speeds."

The 21st Century Network also offers lower latency than the 'up to 8Mb' 20th Century Network broadband service - making VoIP and online gaming more viable.

BT's 21st Century Network aims to transform the entire of the UK's broadband infrastructure, helping to create a new digital economy.