Virgin to offer 50meg Broadband

Virgin Media is now able to offer broadband speeds of up to 50Mb across part of their network, with a full rollout by Summer 2009.

The 50Mb service will allow users to download an entire music album in as little as 11 seconds, a TV show in around one minute and an HD movie in around 15 minutes. The increased bandwidth also means that multiple users can be on the internet at the same time without it affecting the quality or speed of their service.

The launch of 50Mb is part of a massive investment in Virgin Media's network and more than doubles the capacity of the original build of the UK cable network, creating the potential for speeds of 200Mb.

Using the latest state of the art hardware, the 50Mb package comes with a new DOCSIS3.0 modem, which is a wireless 'N' router offering the UK's fastest wireless connection. Virgin's broadband also comes with free anti-virus and anti-spyware software as well as unlimited downloads. A typical family will be able to get the new ultra-fast service for as little as £35 a month.

Rollout of 50Meg broadband is expected to be completed by Summer of 2009.

More details on Virgin Media's broadband service can be found at www.virginmedia.com

Virgin and BT may run with Phorm

It looks like Virgin Media could start running the controversial Phorm service, according to reports in The Guardian.

Phorm is a service that's being considered by BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk. BT's already trialed it for a possible launch, and indications are that Virgin may wish to use it for their broadband service.

The reason that Phorm's so controversial, is that the service analyses what users are doing online, so that appropriate advertising can be served back at them, and many aren't keen on the idea of a third party getting access to information on what they browse online.

More information: The Phorm Controversy

Power Saving Meter price drop

Worried about your electricity bill? Who isn't!

You might want to consider getting yourself an Energy Meter. This clip safely to your home's incoming mains supply, and let you track how much electricity you're using.

We've just seen online retailer Ethical Superstore drop their prices for the three leading energy meters in the UK, meaning you can now get a meter for your home for under £30.

You can now get the Efergy Meter for £34.21, the Owl Electrisave for £29.31, or the stylish Wattson for £97.82.

Our podcast team has released a podcast covering these energy meters - To find out more about these meters, to see pictures, or to listen to the review, go to http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/energymeters.html

Phone for under £3, if you're quick

Bag a phone for less than £3: Prices for pay-as-you go phones continue to tumble, and now, Carphone Warehouse has a phone on offer for just £2.88 - madness when you consider how much these things take to make.

The Motorola W180 has a colour screen and an FM radio. Granted, it's not the most advanced of phones, but it's easy to use - and it's a steal at this silly price.

At the time of writing, the W180 available for just £2.88 on Orange. You do have to buy £10 of credit to be able to use the phone.

Available for a limited time only from Carphone Warehouse.

Facebook Phone Reviewed

The INQ1 "Facebook Phone" is now available, and our early review is now online.

Much, much cheaper than the likes of the iPhone, this is an Internet-enabled and well-built mobile that neatly integrates Facebook, Windows Live Messenger, Skype, email and camera into one. It can also be used as a laptop modem.

Facebook integration has been done very well - Facebook status is linked into Contacts, and yopu can take a photo and upload it to Facebook.

Available for under £80 on PAYG or from £15 a month contract - you can get this from www.three.co.uk.

More on our INQ1 review page