Virgin Media First To Demo 200Mb UK Broadband

Virgin Media has announced it will demonstrate to the public for the very first time its forthcoming 200Mbps broadband service at this year’s Ideal Home Show 2010.

As the sponsor of the show’s Ideal Home of the Future, Virgin will demonstrate the 200Mbps ultrafast broadband service it has been trialling in Kent since summer 2009, with additional trials just starting in Coventry.

Download an album in three seconds

Alongside the quad-play provider’s TV on-demand broadband service, its Ideal House will showcase the capabilities of the super-fast broadband connection, which it said will allow consumers to download a music album in just three seconds, an hour long TV show in 16 seconds and a high-definition movie in just three minutes 42 seconds.

Virgin Media will also use the show to showcase its 50Mbps fibre optic broadband, which it said was bringing the future of media to the home before anyone else.

Following demonstrations in its London stores, the company said it would also be showcasing a wide range of 3DTV content at the Ideal Home Show, using the very latest Sony BRAVIA 3D televisions, including the 3D-ready HX903 model.

It added that the futuristic house exhibit will also preview a number of other services heavily reliant on fast broadband connections, including its next-generation TV service using TiVo, as well as the option to move content from TV screens, to computer screens and even to mobile phones.

Ashley Stockwell, executive brand and marketing director at Virgin Media said: “Ultrafast broadband, like our 200Mb service, will enable a whole household to enjoy cutting-edge entertainment, not just via computers, but through an array of gadgets all over the home. By pushing the boundaries of broadband in the UK we hope to drive a change in the way Brits enjoy and experience digital entertainment and exciting new services.”

Virgin fights for market share

Virgin’s presence at the show is yet more evidence of its aggressive tactics to win greater broadband market share to meet government mandates and growing demand.

In addition to its Kent and Coventry ultrafast 200Mbps fibre broadband trials and plans to make a 100Mbps service available to its existing customers, the company also recently said it would try using telegraph pole infrastructure to extend its reach to more rural areas.

The Ideal Home Show is taking place this weekend, 20-22 March 2010, at Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre in London.