NTL is to begin field trials of ultra fast broadband next month in a bid to hit speeds of up to 100Mb.

The UK cableco, which has received the thumbs up to acquire Telewest and is still holding talks to buy Virgin Mobile, is hooking up with US outfit ARRIS to run the trials. The firms have already completed testing in the lab, but want to see how well the technology works in the real world.

Possible applications for the 100Mb service include super fast movie downloads and other content, security services such as closed circuit TV, and online gaming.

Using the ARRIS' FlexPath 100Mb technology, mega quick broadband services "can be delivered over existing cable networks using readily available home networking devices", the firms said in a statement. ®