In the UK, Virgin has issued the tempting promise that it will be capable of delivering 100 to 150Mbps broadband well before rival BT completes its fiber network. But just because it does doesn’t mean it will, since for the moment the company can see no return in it.
Currently, Virgin offers a top speed of 50Mbps. But is saying it will have broadband of 40-60Mbps when its fiber network is rolled out by 2012.
However, Virgin Media’s chief executive Neil Berkett told the BBC:
"As we work with application providers, and content providers… there will be a natural point where we upgrade from 10, 20 and 50Mbps to something more.
"If BT were to meet the time frame they have suggested – of finishing by 2012 – I would see us as having much, much faster upstream speed, running at a minimum of 100Mbps downstream and possibly more. You can see a real opportunity there."
Virgin expects to begin rolling out faster speeds next year. Its network reaches half the homes in Britain, and it’s possible that it might open its network to other ISPs.
"Wholesaling is not off our agenda but right now it is not a priority for us."
"Who knows, by the time BT have rolled out their next generation network we may be in position to explore wholesale."
