ADSL to catch up with Virgin's 50Mb/sec broadband

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 16 Dec 2008 at 17:01

Be Broadband is playing catch-up with Virgin's cable network with 48Mb/sec ADSL services coming next year.

Virgin yesterday launched its 50Mb/sec service, giving it a massive speed advantage over the ADSL providers.

However, Be Broadband claims it will be able to close the gap early next year, following successful trials of its bonded broadband.

The trials saw two ADSL2+ lines running at up to 24Mb/sec bonded together to create a single high-speed connection.

Be claims trialists on the London Paddington exchange saw actual throughput of between 30-45Mbits/sec. At such speeds, you'd be able to download a music track in about a second.

"We want to push the limits of high-speed broadband," claims Felix Geyr, managing director of Be Broadband. "If you want broadband around the 50Mb/sec mark but don't want to go the cable route, Be wants to offer you a real alternative."

The big question is whether Be will be able to beat Virgin on price. The cable providers 50Mb/sec service costs a minimum of £46 per month, making it one of the most expensive broadband products on the market.