However, Virgin also offer an ADSL package for those people unable to receive cable services, which is currently around half of the country. Previously this service hasn’t offered anything special – it’s had the same 8-16 Mbps cap and BT line rental requirements as most other UK ADSL packages, but all that has changed this month.

Customers in range of the companies LLU network will now be able to achieve potential speeds of up to 20 Mbps, putting the maximum available connection in line with the ‘medium’ package on the Cable side. For the first time ever, the company will also be offering ADSL customers the chance to rent their phone line through Virgin rather BT, something that was previously only offered to their cable customers.

Achieving the best speeds is, as always, unlikely unless you live very close to your local exchange, so few people will find the 20 Mbps ADSL service as fast as the 20 Mbps cable service offered by the same company. However, it’s a good move and one that makes Virgin an attractive option even if you can’t get cable in your area. Currently, customers can get the 20 Mbps connections and line rental for £26 a month which is quite a lot cheaper than BT line rental and an equivalent speed connection from many other ADSL companies.

There’s been plenty of talk as far back as 2006 that the broadband market is now saturated, and that everyone who wants to have a broadband account has now purchased one, give or a take a few stragglers or those only recently connected to an ADSL or cable service. However, a popular online comparison site has found that around 30% of its visitors are still first time broadband buyers who have never had a high speed net connection before.

There’s also news this week that research published by telecommunications regulator Ofcom that around a fifth of all adults who aren’t already online are likely to be signing up in the next six months, either through fixed line ADSL or the ever popular mobile broadband services offered by companies like Vodaphone and 3.

The question is, with so many new users coming online every month, are these new users finding out the right information at the point of sale? Here’s the rundown of three top providers according to the poll:

· Virgin Media state that they are just ‘faster’ than its three biggest competitors, which is true enough but doesn’t describe much of the service as a whole or provide any differences between their cable service and normal ADSL.

· BT let’s visitors compare deals with 4 other providers

· TalkTalk makes selective attacks at some of its rivals who offer specific services that TalkTalk can beat them on.

Considering all the big names are intent on fighting each other over services that many new users don’t even understand it’s no surprise that many people find their first broadband choice confusing and wind up with a contract that’s far from the best value around.

Another problem is that unlike going to the local shop and comparing the prices on a range of products, consumers cant browse through different broadband services easily – especially those who don’t really understand what the internet has to offer.

This is where broadband comparison sites really come in handy. They provide new users with a virtual high street, laying out all the potential deals to customers with no pre-conceived motives of a sale. When users compare broadband they can find out exactly what they’re getting and how it compares to every other deal – not just the deals that the provider thinks they can beat on features.

“One our most important features is our strict independence from online providers. We’re dedicated to bringing the facts of every deal out there – good or bad,” Said Charles Johnson, Marketing Executive of UKCheapBroadband.

“We try to appeal to new users by offering up as much genuine and original information as possible on just about every aspect of the online world, from exactly what providers mean they say ‘high speed broadband’ to how to protect yourself online with security software. Providing transparent and helpful information is our number one priority.”

Although users want the service they receive to be of a higher quality, many of them don’t actually know much about their service. Around a third of users are not sure of the originally advertised speed of their broadband package – one of the most important things to consider when choosing a broadband service.

The survey showed the disparity between average advertised speeds and real life speeds as being nearly double, with the UK average speeds of 4.2 Mb a far cry from the average advertised connection of 8 Mbps.

The survey was conducted by broadband site uSwitch. Communication officer at the site, Jason Glynn stated: “The Government and providers need to step up a gear and set out a bold new blueprint for Britain’s future. Virgin Media and BT have already made strides in this direction – the question is whether other providers will be following suit and whether all customers will be able to benefit equally, regardless of where they live.”

The best way to avoid disappointment with your connection is research before you buy. ISPs can run speed tests on your line to check how fast your internet can go and 3G providers should be able to give you an estimate on the strength of the signal in your area.

There are also ways to receive the best out of the speed you already receive such as switching to a wired network rather than using a wireless router, which are prone to interference.

“Technology has raced ahead and people are able to access services online that could previously only be dreamt of,” said Glynn, “the only thing holding broadband Britain back is speed.”

If you are looking for a fast broadband connection, it may be that you can still go with a cheap broadband deal, however it would pay to compare your options first, to ensure you get the best deal for you.