Broadband

UK consumers receive an average broadband speed of 3.6Mbit/s new Ofcom research reveals. This compares with an average maximum possible speed of 4.3Mbit/s across the UK.

ITV and Virgin Media announce a deal to make some of the nation’s favourite television shows available on demand to Virgin Media’s digital TV subscribers with ITV Player, ITV’s on demand catch up service.

The results from 804 respondents to ISPreview.co.uk's latest survey have revealed that over half (52 per cent) of all broadband connected Brits think their Internet Service Provider (ISP) is too expensive.

Nearly three quarters (71 per cent) of people have used time spent with friends or family, such as the Christmas to New Year break, to teach non-liners how to use the internet according to new research from Post Office Broadband.

Worried about missing your favourite TV show this Christmas? Have you tried catching up on your favourite shows by watching online? Over a quarter (28%) of people recently surveyed by BroadbandChoices.co.uk have made use of online TV, but this means a massive 72% of people still missing out.

At a time when every penny counts and households are looking to cut down bills, research from moneysupermarket.com shows almost 4.5 million households have been stung with hidden charges that line the providers' pockets with over £160m worth of extra revenue.

Last year the British public spent a staggering £3.5 million making international calls to wish their friends and relatives overseas a

Commenting on Virgin Media's new superfast next generation broadband offering, James Parker, manager of broadband at price comparison site moneysupermarket.com, said: "Virgin has taken the first steps to move Britain into the future with huge investment in its cable network; enabling it to offer the first broadband package of 50 megabytes.

As Virgin Media launches what is advertised as the UK's fastest broadband connection, Will Marples, communications manager at uSwitch.com comments on what the first 50Mb broadband connection means for consumers:

Michael Phillips, Product Director, BroadbandChoices.co.uk said:

Virgin Media, UK broadband provider, has launched its much anticipated ultrafast 50Mb broadband service. Giving customers nearly nine times the average headline broadband speed in the UK, the launch of the 50Mb service is a seismic leap forward for broadband access in the UK and the coming of age of Virgin Media's unique fibre optic cable network.

Parents who are buying computers for Christmas need to get up to speed with parental control software to help protect their children from online dangers, including cyber bullying and online predators, says the Which? Complete Guide to Protect Your PC.

BroadbandChoices.co.uk comments on the news that the BBC, ITV and BT are joining together to promote a common industry approach to deliver on-demand TV over broadband for consumers.

Monday December 8th 2008 was the biggest online shopping day this year with sales volumes up 18% and values up 14% as consumers flocked online to purchase their Christmas presents.

Michael Phillips, Product Director at BroadbandChoices.co.uk, comments on the new Code of Practice announced by Ofcom which takes effect on 5 December 2009: "We welcome the Code of Practice announced by Ofcom as we believe it is essential that customers are provided with as much information and clarity as possible on the likely speed of their broadband service.