16 December 2008
Virgin Media has officially launched its super-fast broadband service, which it claims will offer speeds of up to 50 megabits per second.
The company said users will be able to download music in seconds and movies and television programmes in minutes.
Subscription to the service will be available for £51 a month, or £35 for those signing up for a landline phone at £11 a month.
Virgin is now at the top of the table for speed among UK internet service providers. Be Broadband is its closest rival, offering a 24mb service for £17.50 a month.
Commenting on Virgin's super-fast service, Will Marples, communications manager at uSwitch.com, said: "Virgin Media has laid down a gauntlet for its competitors and we really hope that these providers will rise to the challenge."
Ofcom recently launched a new voluntary code of practice for internet service providers which requires them to be more transparent about the speeds their customers are likely to enjoy.
Consumers who want to see faster speeds or cheaper monthly subscription costs can compare broadband deals online now.