Superfast broadband 'to be a theme of 2012'

Plenty of firms could be set to benefit from faster business broadband connections in 2012, as the UK continues to invest in the technology.

Virgin Media has joined BT in announcing a scheme for users to increase their current download and upload speeds.

Some four million subscribers – both residential and commercial – stand to benefit from the decision with broadband due to become twice as fast.

It means Virgin Media's most rapid internet offering will soon be 120 Mbps and comes shortly after BT confirmed it is to launch an 80 Mbps service.

Responding to the news, prime minister David Cameron said: "Rolling out superfast broadband across the country is a critical part of our plan to upgrade the UK's infrastructure and build a new and smarter economy."

Michael Phillips, product director at comparison site BroadbandChoices.co.uk, this week suggested broadband providers should be made to advertise their average speeds rather than their fastest ones.