Internet service provider Plusnet has launched its new super-fast fibre optic broadband service today (Tuesday, April 19th).

The firm has created two new broadband deals, both of which offer up to 40Mb download speeds and a free wireless router - worth £40 itself.

Plusnet hopes that the introduction of fibre optic broadband technology for its UK broadband bundle customers will completely change the way they use the internet.

The first package, Plusnet Value Fibre, offers 40Mb downloads and a 40GB usage allowance which is free to users between midnight and 8am.

It comes with a free wireless router and optional McAfee internet security support, which costs an additional £2 per month.

Plusnet's value package costs just £16.49 per month and comes with an 18-month contract term.

The Plusnet Extra Fibre broadband offer also has 40Mb downloads, but comes with a 120GB usage allowance and free McAfee internet security package.

Also on an 18-month contract, Plustnet Extra Fibre costs £21.49 per month.

Customers can even benefit from free Plusnet Fibre installation when they take on the firm's home phone and broadband bundle - which allows them to sidestep the usual £50 installation charge.

Ecstatic with the new service, Plusnet, the purveyors of simple, straightforward Yorkshire broadband, decided to launch its new fibre optic broadband with the help of Emmerdale star Roxanne Pallett - and a flock of racing pigeons.

Pallett released the 20 pigeons at 8am this morning from London's Potter's Field. The birds, each of which is backed by a leading technology journalist, will be racing back to Doncaster's Bloomhill Lofts.

The backer of the winning pigeon in the Plusnet Fibre Pigeon Race will get £300 to donate to a charity of their choice.

Plusnet's Chris Parr said "At the same time, we'll have Plusnet's download demon, Mr Parr @plusnet downloading as many episodes of Dr Who as he can in the time it takes the first pigeon to touch down at base."