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The service is available through local loop unbundling (LLU) at 230 exchanges where telecommunications network provider EasyNet has installed its own DSL equipment. Although the downstream speed is a maximum 8Mbps, this does require that the connected household is within some 2km of the exchange. If not service will be provided at the best possible speed, whether 6Mbps, 4Mbps or even 2Mbps, although this is set as the lowest limit.

Upstream speed is 400Kbps, the contention ratio of 33:1 and on top of the £39.99 rental a one-off set up fee of £50 is charged. UK Online also offers a wireless Ethernet router for £69.99.

The company is hoping to add voice calls and TV/video on demand next year, precisely the sort of value-added services that high-bandwidth broadband connections make possible.

For more information and to check whether you are connected to an equipped exchange, visit www.ukonline.net/8000.

LLU is expected to take off in 2005, following the example of Bulldog which has been successfully unbundling exchanges for some time and offering service up to and including 4Mbps.