Virgin Media is launching a broadband speed that the operator says is twice as fast as its competitors. The cablenet says its 152 Mbps top speed instantly becomes the fastest widely available connection in the UK.
At the same time it is moving its entry-level product up to 50 Mbps.
Tom Mockridge, Virgin Media’s chief executive officer, said: “Overwhelmingly people tell us the internet is a force for good. From daily life to the bigger aspects of society, culture and economic growth, digital is making a significant, positive difference to people’s lives. We’re supercharging our incredible network to ensure that Virgin Media customers can make the most of the online world.”
Peak internet use by Virgin Media customers has grown 55% in the past year and has increased by almost 1000% since the company’s rebranding from NTL-Telewest in 2007.
Over the next 12 months Virgin will increase broadband speeds for existing customers: 30 Mbps customers will be upgraded 50 Mbps, 60 Mbps to 100 Mbps and 120 Mbps can get 152 Mbps.
At the same time Virgin is introducing new whole-home parental controls technology, known as Web Safe, that allows the account holder to restrict access to types of potentially age-inappropriate websites.
