Virgin Media has launched a new super-fast 50MB per second broadband service in the UK - more than twice as quick as its nearest competitors.

Virgin plan to have 40% of its network capable of upgrading to the new service by the end of the year, with the remainder to be completed by summer 2009.

Although the increased speed may tempt some businesses to upgrade, the cost may prove prohibitive for small firms - the first year cost is over £600 for the broadband, installation and free wireless router.