Virgin Media, the UK's leading broadband provider, has rolled out its ultra fast 50Mb broadband service in UK.

With nearly nine times(1) the average headline broadband speed, the service comes with a new DOCSIS3.0 modem, a wireless 'N' router offering the UK's fastest wireless connection, plus free anti-virus and anti-spyware software as well as unlimited downloads.  
 
While commenting on the roll out, Neil Berkett, Virgin Media's CEO, stated, “Today marks a historic moment, for both Virgin Media and the UK. As the first ISP to roll out next-generation broadband access, our 50Mb service represents the dawning of a new era of high-speed services in the UK and is just the beginning of what we hope to offer our customers over the coming years. This service will transform the way people interact and entertain themselves online and will provide a broadband experience that is truly world class.”

The service will not only allow users to enjoy massive video-rich entertainment and social networking websites, but it will also enable users to download an entire music album in as little as 11 seconds, a TV show in around one minute, a high quality movie in as little as 3 1/2 minutes and a high definition movie in around 15 minutes.

The increased bandwidth also means that multiple users can be on the internet at the same time without it affecting the quality or speed of their service.  

By the end of 2008, Virgin Media will have completed deployment of its coming generation infrastructure to 40% of the network. This will include areas in Scotland, the Midlands and South London. Roll-out to the rest of the 12.6 million homes covered by Virgin Media's fibre optic network is expected to be complete during the Summer of 2009.