Virgin Media launches mobile broadband service

VIRGIN%20MEDIAVirgin Media has launched a mobile broadband service for laptop users, in a move that is set to rival operators 3, Vodafone, O2 and Orange. Its first deal will offer users a free USB modem and 3GB of data every month for £15.

The company’s broadband service will be available on an 18-month contract. An “online usage calculator” has also been created to help its customers choose the right package.

Virgin says 3GB is big enough for 2,000 emails, 100 hours of web surfing, 200 music tracks and 100 two-minute tracks.

Virgin Media chief executive, Neil Berkett, says the company is “perfectly placed” to offer advice on the best packages across a range of gadgets and speeds. He claims Virgin Media already offers the UK’s fastest broadband over the fibre optic network.

Mobile broadband allows users to connect to the internet through the mobile phone network by plugging a USB modem into a laptop.