Virgin Media Launches Britain's Fastest Broadband Service

December 15, 2008 9:14 a.m. EST

London, England (AHN) - Virgin Media on Monday launches a new 50 megabyte broadband service expected to be the fastest in Britain. It is capable of downloading films in about three minutes and TV programs in 60 seconds.

But it comes with a costlier price tag at $77.16 (51 pound) monthly for new subscribers.

For households which will include a landline phone package, the new broadband service would just cost $53 (35 pound) monthly. If bundled as a triple play service which includes cable TV, the monthly subscription rate will be $99.95 (66 pound).

In a statement, Virgin Media chief executive Neil Berkett said, "As the first internet service provider to roll out next-generation broadband access, our 50Mb service represents the dawning of a new era of high-speed service in the U.K. 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."

The service will initially be available beginning 2009 in Warrington because of the large number of Virgin Media customers in the area.