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NewNet plans to introduce its LLU-based ADSL2+ service in Portsmouth before extending it to cover most of the country. In reality 24Mb/sec services peak at around 22Mb/sec, and only then if you are located within sight of the exchange. And once you are more than 3km or so away, speeds drop to the level of standard DSL services.

But in urban areas, where exchanges are concentrated,

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the technology can deliver the higher speeds to large numbers. It is perhaps surprising therefore that since Be, now part of O2, introduced 24Mb/sec services to the UK in 2005, other ISPs have shied away.

Those that will be relying on BT's ADSL2+ implementation are unlikely to be introducing services for well over a year, a fact not lost on NewNet's founder and CEO, Peter Coates-Buglear.

"We are rolling out in Portsmouth first as it is on our doorstep," he explains. "Other areas will follow. We plan to cover as much of the country as possible - 50 exchanges over the next two years. We are starting in areas where we have most customers. The Portsmouth 24Meg service is 18 months ahead of BT and will enable customers to connect directly to our 10Gigabit High Speed UK network."

NewNet "24meg broadband" will cost from £11.49 per month. Business services will also be available.