Tommy
25th March, 2009, 09:43 PM
Virgin Media trumps BT Broadband announcement
Virgin Media has announced new broadband speeds that more than quadruple those planned by BT.
The company claims its new cable network is able to provide users with broadband speeds of up to 200meg - following BT's statement suggesting 15meg upstreaming on its proposed 40meg offering.
It was announced by the latter this week that it's fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) network would initially be launched to connect with 500,000 premises across the UK in a number of regions including Greater Manchester, London and Belfast. The group also stated this could rise to 60meg.
However, Virgin currently offers a 50meg service potentially covering half of the UK once the right technology is fully rolled out and now claims to be able to more than match the current plans of its rival.
Neil Berkett, chief executive officer of Virgin Media, said: "If BT were to meet the time frame they have suggested - of finishing by 2012 - I would see us as having much, much faster upstream speed, running at a minimum of 100Mbps downstream and possibly more."
Commenting on both, the thinkbroadband website has noted the announcements are largely inconsequential at this time as there is currently no business case for either 100 or 150meg products in the market as it stands.
"The headline speed may not be so useful, but the incremental increase of the lower speed products may be of more use, particularly when fibre to the cabinet reaches those in more rural areas who are still on lower speed products," the site adds.
Tommy
More details emerge on BT's 'super-fast broadband' plans
People looking for the right broadband package to suit their needs can benefit from enlisting the help of online comparison websites to secure the best deal, a report has claimed.
According to journalist Andrew Ellson, writing for the Times, the range of different options and pricing plans on the market can make it difficult for consumers looking to get connected.
However, he claimed that visiting online comparison websites could help buyers to identify the right service for their needs and ensure they get the best price available.
By totting up roughly how much they are likely to use the internet and entering their location in the UK, consumers can use the sites to compare the most relevant deals and secure an affordable price.
Mr Ellson pointed out that those who are new to broadband might wish to consider the cost of the technical helpline for each provider, as well as watching out for any hidden charges or download caps.
He added that the range of competition in the market means that most providers now offer speeds of at least 2Mbps as standard, which are suitable for the needs of most broadband users.
"You only really need the superfast connections if you are a heavy downloader of films or want to play games online," Mr Ellson wrote.
His advice comes after Lisa Bachelor, a journalist at the Observer, claimed that some Brits could save as much as ?100 a year by simply switching broadband provider, with the increased market competition resulting in lower prices across the board.
Virgin Media has announced new broadband speeds that more than quadruple those planned by BT.
The company claims its new cable network is able to provide users with broadband speeds of up to 200meg - following BT's statement suggesting 15meg upstreaming on its proposed 40meg offering.
It was announced by the latter this week that it's fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) network would initially be launched to connect with 500,000 premises across the UK in a number of regions including Greater Manchester, London and Belfast. The group also stated this could rise to 60meg.
However, Virgin currently offers a 50meg service potentially covering half of the UK once the right technology is fully rolled out and now claims to be able to more than match the current plans of its rival.
Neil Berkett, chief executive officer of Virgin Media, said: "If BT were to meet the time frame they have suggested - of finishing by 2012 - I would see us as having much, much faster upstream speed, running at a minimum of 100Mbps downstream and possibly more."
Commenting on both, the thinkbroadband website has noted the announcements are largely inconsequential at this time as there is currently no business case for either 100 or 150meg products in the market as it stands.
"The headline speed may not be so useful, but the incremental increase of the lower speed products may be of more use, particularly when fibre to the cabinet reaches those in more rural areas who are still on lower speed products," the site adds.
Tommy
More details emerge on BT's 'super-fast broadband' plans
People looking for the right broadband package to suit their needs can benefit from enlisting the help of online comparison websites to secure the best deal, a report has claimed.
According to journalist Andrew Ellson, writing for the Times, the range of different options and pricing plans on the market can make it difficult for consumers looking to get connected.
However, he claimed that visiting online comparison websites could help buyers to identify the right service for their needs and ensure they get the best price available.
By totting up roughly how much they are likely to use the internet and entering their location in the UK, consumers can use the sites to compare the most relevant deals and secure an affordable price.
Mr Ellson pointed out that those who are new to broadband might wish to consider the cost of the technical helpline for each provider, as well as watching out for any hidden charges or download caps.
He added that the range of competition in the market means that most providers now offer speeds of at least 2Mbps as standard, which are suitable for the needs of most broadband users.
"You only really need the superfast connections if you are a heavy downloader of films or want to play games online," Mr Ellson wrote.
His advice comes after Lisa Bachelor, a journalist at the Observer, claimed that some Brits could save as much as ?100 a year by simply switching broadband provider, with the increased market competition resulting in lower prices across the board.