Sky fibre broadband service set for commercial launch

Sky is set to become the latest internet service provider (ISP) to enter the UK's fibre optic broadband market.

The satellite broadcaster is poised to go head-to-head with the likes of BT and Virgin Media when its first fibre-based service hits the market in April.

It will initially be available to around 30 per cent of households across the UK and will offer subscribers download speeds of up to 40Mbps. The product can only be chosen in conjunction in a bundle with Sky's TV, Talk and line rental services.

Since launching in 2006, the ISP's broadband deals have increased in popularity and now make up 17 per cent of the UK market, while 29 per cent of Sky households now take all three of broadband, landline and TV.

The news comes shortly after rival provider Plusnet revealed a number of changes to its fibre optic broadband product portfolio, with three new packages set to be launched on a trial-only basis from Wednesday (February 1st 2012).