Virgin Media has launched a broadband service for laptop users on the move that it claims will compete with offerings from Vodafone, Orange, O2 and 3.

Virgin will supply users with a free USB modem when they sign an 18-month contract for the Mobile Broadband service. Users then plug the modem into their laptop to ensure they remain connected.

Like other offerings on the market, users will be charged £15 a month for 3GB of data, which Virgin said is enough for 2,000 emails, 100 hours of web surfing, 200 music tracks and 100 two-minute videos.

"Virgin Media already provides the fastest broadband in the UK over our fibre optic network and now customers can enjoy our broadband at home and on the move, " said Virgin Media chief executive Neil Berkett.

Virgin Media customers signing up for an XL home broadband package will get the first three months of Mobile Broadband free.

The launch of Virgin's mobile broadband follows news of a new scheme launched by the GSM Association aimed at promoting cellular networks rather than Wi-Fi for mobile internet access.