Zen Internet launches up to 20Mb broadband service

Internet service provider Zen Internet has confirmed the launch of a new faster broadband service offering download speeds of up to 20Mb and upload speeds of up to 1Mb.

After investing in upgrades to its network in collaboration with BT's 21CN ADSL2+ broadband network, Zen successfully managed to test and trial these services over the course of the summer.

Now available to the public Zen is running a competition to win either a day driving supercars or relaxing in a spa. New customers signing up to the speedier service will be automatically entered into a prize draw with existing Zen customers having two chances to win the same competition, provided they sign up before the 27 November 2009.

New customers connected to a BT 21st Century Network (21CN) should be able to access the “up to 20Mb” broadband service straight away. Alternatively, if they're not on a 21CN enabled exhange their broadband speeds will reach up to 8Mb until the exchange is upgraded. The internet service provider is warning, however that the speed received will depend on the distance from the local BT exhange. Previous trials found, with this faster broadband package in tow, most users experienced download speed increases of 35 per cent, with some achieving the maximum 20Mb.

Speaking on the faster service, Andrew Saunders, head of product management and marketing at Zen Internet, explained: “Other internet service providers (ISPs), using the same technology, have been advertising download speeds of “up to 24Mb”. BT are, however, offering download speeds of “up to 20MB” and upload speeds of “up to 1Mb” for their new broadband services. Because we are using 21CN designed by BT, it makes sense we offer the same headline speeds.”

More information on Zen's 20Mb product is available to view through the Zen Internet website.