Be Broadband trials non-cable 50Mb connections

Be Broadband has attempted to steal some of Virgin Media's thunder by announcing it has successfully completed the first trials on a 50Mb connection.

The ISP already offers speeds of up to 24Mb, but it has been testing new technology in its central London Paddington exchange which can bond two connections which can double current speeds.

According to Be, member feedback has revealed real-world speeds between 30Mb and 45Mb. Wide trials of the service are planned through 2009.

Be Broadband said that it differed from Virgin in that its services will be available in non-cable areas, which means BT customers would get equivalent speed through standard BT phone lines.

Felix Geyr, managing director of BE Broadband, said: "If you want broadband around the 50Mb mark but don't want to go down the cable route, Be wants to offer you a real alternative."