Virgin Media Business launches SMB-focused broadband services

Virgin Media Business has launched a new range of broadband packages aimed at SMBs it claims aren't benefitting from the uptick in the UK economy.

The cable firm lifted the lid on a number of packages which offer speeds of up to 152Mbps. The three new packages are: Red Value, targeted at "digitally aware" firms; Red Speed for "digitally enabled" companies and Red Performance for "digitally dependent" organisations.

Red Value offers companies up to 50Mbps broadband for 50 per month and comes with business unlimited calls and internet use. Red Speed offers connections of up to 152Mbps for 60 per month. Both packages charge a 50 installation fee.

Red Performance packages start at 500 per month and offer firms a 30-100Mbps managed connection with equal upstream and downstream speeds and capacity backed by a six hour SLA. All options come with two-month's free rental.

The packages also include online support via The Big Digital Skills Hub and The Digital Collection.

Virgin Media said one in four (24 per cent) SMBs say the current economic environment is their biggest barrier to growth, according to its own research. It added the recovery is "not filtering down consistently" to smaller businesses.

Mike Smith, director of SMB at Virgin Media Business, said both government and industry need to continue to work together in recognising that smaller businesses, in particular, are still finding the economy challenging.

"Small and medium-sized firms should be the fuel of our economy powered by simple, flexible technology," said Smith. "But we feel that industry and the Government need to look at ways it can provide more support and direct assistance to this group which is UK PLC's driving force."

"The UK's digital economy already accounts for 8 per cent of GDP more than any other G20 nation but we risk losing this competitive advantage if we fail to enable our SMEs to use technology better."

Pauline Trotter from market watcher Ovum, said: "It goes without saying that small businesses want value for money and reliability from their communications service provider."

"But many need so much more, since they do not typically have ready access to IT and ecommerce skills in-house. It's therefore good to see a focus on practical advice and business-grade support from Virgin in its new offers for SMB."