ISPs offer business-focused 24Mbit/s broadband deals

Heart Telecom and Star are touting 24Mbit/s business-focused broadband packages

UK enterprises have been given several new broadband options after two internet service providers, Heart Telecom and Star, unveiled new 24Mbit/s business-focused packages.

Star's ADSL2+ service is available with no download limits, although there is a fair usage policy in place. The subscription costs from £39.99 per month with no set-up fee, and Star promises round-the-clock management and support, and up to 16 static IP addresses.

"Whilst there are other providers offering a range of high speed broadband services, Star's is the first which is dedicated to UK businesses," said Hugo Harber, head of convergence and network strategy at Star.

"It's an important distinction which means that the customer not only gets access to the fast speeds available over the network, but has the reassurance of support from a team who understand their specific business requirements and can respond quickly whenever they are needed."

Star is launching the service on BT's next-generation network in stages across the UK, but it should be available to around 40 per cent of the country by next month.

Heart Telecom's new package, meanwhile, starts from £26.48 per month, and is aimed primarily at home offices and small businesses. It too features unlimited downloads, as well as unlimited web space, a fixed IP address and up to 1Mbit/s upload. The package also includes analogue line rental and call packages.

"With the current credit crunch affecting every industry, businesses should be looking to get better deals from their suppliers," said Stephen Halstead, managing director of Heart Telecom.

"Our broadband service addresses that gap with speeds of up to 24Mbit/s, unlimited download options and fixed static IP addresses."

Both companies stress that 24Mbit/s is the theoretical maximum that can be achieved, and that actual speeds will vary depending on distance from the exchange and quality of the line.