Compare the latest 50Mb fibre optic broadband packages, deals and offers from Virgin Media. Virgin Media 50Mb cable broadband is rolling out across the UK and is due to be completed by summer 2009. Also known as Virgin Broadband XXL, Virgin offer the choice of a broadband only or a broadband and home phone package. To find out if you can receive Virgin 50Mb broadband in your area, type your postcode into your cable availability checker.
The days of dial-up internet are long gone; we have well and truly moved into the 21st century with the dawning of 50Mb
broadband. If you're looking for an internet connection perfect for multiple users, downloading, streaming footage across the web or even for gaming then look no further! 50Mb is the fastest broadband available in the UK today.
Currently the only provider able to deliver this connection is
Virgin Media through their
fibre optic broadband network. It doesn't come cheap, although prices for their internet deals are changing all the time. Typically, you'd be paying about three times more than Virgin's basic 10Mb connections to use the super-fast 50Mb lines, but Virgin do throw in some added extras for good measure such as unlimited downloads, PCguard Total security anti-virus, firewall & pop-up blocker and a free modem and
wireless router.
You'll also have access to unlimited online storage, ideal for backing up your treasured files and folders, and 100 free photo prints each and every month. A support team is available 24/7 who will help with any issues you may encounter with your internet connection, and up to 15 individual email addresses for your household will leave all the members of your family satisfied.
Due to 50Mb broadband only being available through Virgin Media you will need to be in an area that can receive
cable. Unfortunately this is not the case for all of the UK so for some people this impressive connection is simply not an option.
You can find out whether it's possible for you to be connected with the handy postcode checker on Virgin's website. The latest estimate is that 65% of the UK is connected, but if you aren't in a fibre optic cable area Virgin will still offer you a service through your
phone line - though it will be limited to 16Mb.
If you're in a fibre optic zone and are wanting to upgrade to 50Mb broadband there is not a lot you need to do. Your internet connection is delivered through Virgin's fibre optic network to 500m of the distance to your house and is then transported through the normal cable network to get to your computer.
This means you won't have workmen pleading cups of tea from you at all hours of the day as they dig up your drive to fit a connection; it's all already set up. All you'll need is a new modem and router which Virgin will send you for free when you sign up.
When only the fastest of the fastest will do this connection is certainly going to deliver results. With automatic backups, free photo printing, unlimited downloads and more Virgin is offering a good internet package with a lot of useful added extras.
Until another broadband provider is able to deliver internet at the same speed to give Virgin a run for their money the price of 50Mb broadband is set to stay high, so if you can't afford to fork out up to £50 a month you might have to wait a while to enjoy this technological marvel.