BT quadruples broadband speeds for free

BT today promised to "transform" its retail broadband services by doubling or quadrupling existing connection speeds without raising tariffs. The move will offer the telco's 1.4 million retail broadband customers a minimum connection speed of 1Mbps.

Most consumer and business customers will have their speed increased to 2Mbps, as much as four times faster than current speeds. Those with BT Broadband Basic will have their speeds increased from 512Kbps up to 1Mbps.

Ian Livingston, chief executive at BT Retail, said: "Today we are offering customers up to four times the broadband speed without charging a penny more, allowing customers to get even more from their broadband services for entertainment, education or communication."

BT said that the higher speeds will pave the way for the delivery of improved services such as video over broadband.

"The internet is no longer simply about surfing the web or checking email. More and more people are enjoying online gaming, on-demand music and video," said Livingston. "BT is bringing applications of the future, such as video telephony, within reach of all our customers today."

According to Livingston, the announcement will also help businesses conduct online trading and teleworking more cost effectively.

"We fully appreciate the critical nature of broadband for business so, in addition to 2Mbps as standard, we are introducing a service level guarantee on our premium business product," he said.

The speed boost will become effective for consumers signing up after 17 February, and for business customers taking out a contract after 1 April. Migration of existing customers will start from the same dates.