The Base package downloads at up to 2MB and has a 2GB monthly usage maximum. Sky has this free package aimed at anyone just wanting to surf and email.

The Mid package (£5 a month), has download speeds up to 8MB, and permits 40GB of usage. Sky offers this as ideal for downloading, uploading, and sending photos.

Lastly, the Max package (£10 a month), provides download speeds of up to 16MB, with unlimited usage (which is subject to a Fair Usage policy). This package is really for people who are into downloading video content (maybe movies or TV programmes). It’s a what you need if you want to get the best out of online gaming.

It’s all due to begin in August 2006. Professional installation will be an option. You can Pre-register with Sky.

You need to know this first

One important thing - the service will only work on upgraded phone exchanges (ones that can cope with it). That means (at least for a while) that just under a third of households could actually get the service.

Good news is that Sky is planning that (by the end of 2007) it will have increased the coverage to 70 per cent.

What about anyone who can't get the new service? Sky has Sky Broadband Connect (costs around £17 a month). It’s gives the same as the new Mid service.

19th July 2006