Telewest to 'blow users away' with uber-broadband

Telewest is signing up users for a 2Mbps broadband connection, which the UK cable company claims will give them a "mind blowing" internet experience.

The service will cost £55 per month for people who don't also sign up for Telewest's telephone service, or £50 per month for those who do.

The launch follows a successful trial of the service earlier this year, and means that Telewest customers can choose from a 512Kbps, a 1Mbps or a 2Mbps internet connection.

Chad Raube, director of internet services at Telewest Broadband said in a statement: "High-speed surfing is like all good things in life - once you've had a taste you want more.

"While BT and other major ADSL providers offer a one-size-fits-all service, we recognise people have different needs and provide a menu of cable services to suit."

Until BT lowered its wholesale broadband prices in the spring of 2002, Telewest and NTL were able to offer much cheaper high-speed internet access than most ISPs that sold ADSL, which runs over BT's telephone network.

Today, though, prices across the sector are more similar and speed is rapidly becoming a battleground for broadband service providers. BT will make a 1Mbps wholesale broadband service available later this year, something which other ADSL operators already offer.

Bulldog, though, leads the way with a 4Mbps service.