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Virgin Media targets families with ultra-fast 50Mb broadband service

Following successful trials throughout the year, Virgin Media finally launched its fast 50Mb broadband service to over 12 million homes in the UK.

The 50Mb broadband service will cost £51 per month stand-alone, or £35 per month when you take out a Virgin Media telephone line (for £11 per month). Currently, Virgin Media is offering the service with no traffic management (limiting speed after excessive usage) and unlimited downloads.

Virgin Media is aiming the service at families, or households where the broadband connection is shared. The company cited research from YouGov, which found that 71 percent of UK homes now have two or more PCs/laptops or games consoles connecting to the Internet.

It also found that average data usage by Virgin Media customers has risen 81%, from 4.7 GB to 8.6 GB per month over the last 18 months.

Neil Berkett, Virgin Media’s CEO, said: “Today marks a historic moment, for both Virgin Media and the UK. As the first ISP to roll out next-generation broadband access, our 50Mb service represents the dawning of a new era of high-speed services in the UK and is just the beginning of what we hope to offer our customers over the coming years. This service will transform the way people interact and entertain themselves online and will provide a broadband experience that is truly world class.”

Although rollout is still continuing, the 50Mb service will be available to 40% of the cable network by the end of 2008, including Scotland, the Midlands and South London. Complete rollout is expected by summer 2009.