BT Retail today kicked off a trial 2Mbps DSL service targeted at home users. The BT IP Stream Home 2000 consumer broadband service is four times faster than its current standard 512Kbps broadband offering.

Gavin Patterson, group managing director at BT's consumer and ventures division, said: "We are aware that our customers often have very different needs. To that end we are continuously reassessing our product offerings and investing in finding new opportunities.

"This trial period is designed to ensure that the basics are in place from the outset, and that we are confident of being able to deliver the best broadband experience when we launch early in the new year."

The trial is due to start on 29 November and will last for approximately eight weeks. Places on the trial are already allocated, but customers can find out more details about the proposed new service and register their interest at BT's website here.