Virgin trials 200 Mbps broadband

Internet service provider (ISP) Virgin Media has launched a pilot scheme to provide broadband at 200 Mbps to a group of users in the UK.

Around 100 so called "lead adopters" in Kent will get access to the broadband speed, which is understood to be the fastest so far in the world.

This follows recent successful laboratory trials of the network technology, which uses a system called Docsis 3 to gain maximum efficiency from capacity in existing fibre-to-the-cabinet connections.

Lasting for the next six months, the trial will be used to test services such as 1080p high-definition television and 3DTV, before results are analysed for future planning.

Virgin Media's chief executive Neil Berkett said in a statement: "We're at the forefront of innovation and understanding when it comes to ultrafast broadband services and the 200 Mbps pilot will give us further insight into how true 'wideband' services might be used by consumers."

Last month, Japanese ISP J:com launched a 160 Mbps service, which is believed to be the highest speed currently available in the world as a consumer package.