NTL launches new broadband speeds

NTL has, as expected, ramped up the speeds available on its broadband internet service.

The cable operator has replaced its 300kbps service with 1Mbps; 750kbps goes up to 2Mbps; and its fastest 1.5Mbps service will become 3Mbps.

Pricing remains the same, but NTL is introducing a "usage allowance" for each tier of service. This "allowance" is 3GB per month for the entry-level 1Mbps service, and 1GB per day for the 2Mbps and 3Mbps tiers. The company does not describe this "allowance" as a cap, instead saying that NTL "reserves the right to contact customers who regularly exceed their daily usage allowance, where such excessive use impacts the quality of service for other ntl broadband customers." The company adds that before the "allowances" are enforced, they will put tools in place to allow users to monitor their own usage levels. Options for people who exceed their allowed usage will include upgrading to a higher tier, using the service for the remainder of the month at a lower speed, or being billed for the incremental usage above the limit - although no prices have been announced for that thus far.

The new speeds are now being advertised on NTL's website for new customers. Existing customers on the 750kbps and 1.5Mbps tiers of service will be upgraded automatically over the next few months, while those on the 300kbps service will need to upgrade manually by contacting NTL customer services either online or by phone.

An important note for NTL customers on the 750kbps service who access their broadband service via a black Pace cable TV box: you will be automatically upgraded along with other customers, but only to 1Mbps - the maximum downstream that the Pace boxes can provide. Customers who wish to attain the higher speeds will need to call NTL customer services to arrange to have their boxes swapped out - for free.