Broadband provider is running a pilot scheme of 200Mbps broadband in a number of households in Kent.
Virgin Media is testing new broadband technology which could make the UK into a world leader in internet access.
The firm is conducting trials in Kent of a 200Mbps service - four times faster than its current highest offering at 50Mbps. The connection is also faster than that seen in countries like Japan, which have traditionally been far ahead of the UK in terms of internet access.
Reports suggest that the new broadband has been tried out in Virgin Media laboratories for a number of weeks but has now entered public testing.
"We're really excited to be embarking on this journey of discovery", said Neil Berkett, chief executive officer at Virgin Media. "With the only true next generation network in the UK, we're at the forefront of innovation and understanding when it comes to ultrafast broadband services and the 200Mbps pilot will give us further insight into how true 'wideband' services might be used by consumers."
Virgin Media has had a fairly successful start to the year, increasing its number of broadband subscribers to 3,977,100 at the end of March, compared with 3,934,800 at the end of last year. The company blamed its attempts to market 50Mbps broadband, along with the poor economic climate, for the slowdown in growth.
