BT is doubling the speed of its broadband connections at no extra costs for business users. It said the Business Broadband Network speed hike, along with better service levels, showed its "continuing drive to give our business customers the tools they need to really harness broadband".

BT's Business Broadband Network products let companies connect up to 20 computers to a single broadband connection. Firms currently hooked up to BT's 512k and 1Mb services will automatically see their services upgraded to Network 1000 and 2000 respectively.

Firms already using BT's 2Mb service will see the cost of their service fall £30 a month to £100 a month.

As part of the upgrade - which will take place over the next couple of months - firms will also be given a service level guarantee (SLG) and advanced help desk support.

Duncan Ingram, BT's chief of Broadband and Internet Services, said: "High bandwidth is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for businesses. Doubling bandwidth, whilst not increasing price, is part of our continuing drive to give our business customers the tools they need to really harness broadband, giving them a clear advantage over competitors and enabling them to punch well above their weight."

In August, Wanadoo UK announced it was doubling the speed of its broadband service, offering punters the chance to hook-up to 1Mb ADSL for £17.99 a month. A similar upgrade for BT's residential customers is understood not to be in the offing. ®

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