BT launches 40Mb Infinity fibre-optic broadband packages

BT has confirmed the details for its first ever consumer package on a fibre-optic, super-fast broadband network.

The BT Infinity service looks set to offer broadband customers download speeds of 40Mb and upload speeds of 10Mb for a monthly subscription of £19.99.

To begin with, only those living in areas upgraded with BT’s next-generation access (NGA) network will be able to sign up for this package, which goes live on Monday 25 January 2010.

Two different options are available on the BT Infinity service. First up is the cheaper Option 1 package. Priced at £19.99 per month this offers users download speeds of up to 40Mb, but slower upload speeds of up to 2Mb. However, data usage is capped to a maximum 20GB per month. Option 1 also comes complete with a free BT Home Hub, 5GB of online storage and 250 WiFi minutes but a £50 connection charge is required.

Alternatively, Option 2 (priced £24.99 per month) has faster upload speeds of up to 10Mb, but comes with unlimited data usage (subject to a fair usage policy). All of the other perks are included, but this package also bundles in unlimited WiFi minutes. Both packages are available on an 18-month contract.

On announcing the new product, BT Retail was pleased to be able to point out it’s managed to undercut rival provider, Virgin Media’s XXL fibre-optic service with a saving of £7.47 per month. It’s also been able to offer users faster upload speeds.

Speaking on the Infinity service, Gavin Patterson, chief executive officer of BT Retail, said: “The internet is essential to our customers’ lives and they are demanding more and more as richer and even more compelling services become available. BT Infinity gives customers the capacity and reliability they need in an instant and at a great value price they can afford.” He added: “We want to give our customers the best possible online experience and are committed to rolling out super-fast speeds across the UK.”

BT successfully trialled the Infinity service in Muswell Hill, Whitchurch and Glasgow Halfway and hopes the service will be made available to 4 million homes and businesses across the UK by then end of December 2010.