Virgin Media reports successful 1.5Gbps fibre broadband trial

Virgin Media has successfully deployed what it describes as the world's fastest cable broadband to trialists in London's Old Street area.

The service, which offers download speeds of up to 1.5Gbps and maximum upload capabilities of 150Mbps, is more than 240 times faster than the UK's average broadband connection.

An event is being held at the capital's TechHub venue today (July 22nd 2011) to celebrate the success of the trial, with attendees set to explore ways of making the most out of the next-generation broadband product.

Elizabeth Varley, co-founder and chief executive of TechHub, said its members are having "great fun" taking advantage of the "super speeds" offered by the service.

"Super-fast broadband is critical to continued innovation across the UK and Virgin Media's 1.5Gb trial is a great opportunity to explore the future potential," she added.

Sam Orams, co-found of BespokeBanter.com - one of the businesses involved in the trial - noted that while the majority of consumers do not need 1.5Gbps speeds, the technology is very useful for firms in the creative industries.