Virgin Media has been forced to backpedal after circulating an email promising 120Mb downloads to lower-tariff broadband customers.

The broadband provider recently announced plans to upgrade its 100Mb customers to 120Mb download speeds - the fastest available commercially in the UK.

Customers on the firm's 10Mb, 20Mb, 30Mb and 50Mb broadband deals will also see their speeds doubled as part of the network upgrade, reports the Register.

However, many customers receiving these broadband packages were sent the email incorrectly promising 120Mb downloads - when their maximum speeds will remain lower.

This has forced a somewhat embarrassing retraction from Virgin Media.

The company sent another email to non-100Mb broadband customers, informing them that the email had been sent in error, and they would be receiving more information about their own upgrades in the coming weeks.

Virgin Media said it was sorry for any misunderstanding that may have occurred.

"In the meantime, as part of our double speed programme we are delighted to confirm that 50Mb customers will actually be upgraded to 120Mb," the firm stated.

"This means even more Virgin Media customers will be able to take advantage of the fastest broadband speeds in the UK."