Broadband News
Virgin Media launches faster 7.2Mb mobile broadband
Tuesday, 01 December 2009
By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk
Virgin Media Mobile Broadband (www.Virginmedia.com) has boosted its mobile broadband speeds to 7.2Mb.
The new up to 7.2Mb mobile broadband USB modem stick is now available on either of Virgin Media’s mobile broadband 1GB or 3GB packages, as well as both of its contract lengths; the two month flexible tariff, or the longer 18 month plan with a free dongle.
Graeme Oxby, executive director of mobile at Virgin Media, said: “We’re thrilled to be offering this faster mobile broadband to our users. If you’re not at home or near a wireless connection, mobile broadband is the best way of staying connected on the move and we’re delighted to be making this a speedier, more pleasant experience for our customers.”
However, recent research has shown that mobile broadband speeds only average around 1Mb - despite a number of network upgrades over the past year. For example, when Vodafone Mobile Broadband (www.Vodafone.co.uk) upgraded its network to speeds of up to 14.4Mb in selected areas earlier this year, it advised customers that they could “expect to see typical speeds of anything between 1Mb and 4Mb with a practical maximum speed of 10.8Mb”.
Michael Phillips, Broadbandchoices.co.uk product director, said: “While it’s great that more mobile broadband providers are upgrading their networks, customers should not expect to receive these advertised speeds. Various factors, such as the distance from your local mobile phone mast, large numbers of users on the network and even trees that are blocking your signal, can all affect your download speed.
“If you're looking for a new mobile broadband package, make sure that you compare coverage and run a postcode search before signing up,” he advised.
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