Cable broadband is a form of broadband internet access that uses the cable television infrastructure. It's layered on top of the existing network infrastructure used for cable television, similar to how digital subscriber lines ("DSL") use the telephone network. Cable networks, along with the telephone network, are the two main ways in which you can receive internet access in your home.

Downstream bit rates can be as much as 50 Mbps, but most consumers are generally offered between 2 and 20 Mbps. Cable broadband requires you to have a cable modem which is usually installed by the cable broadband provider.

Most cable broadband providers offer broadband without tying it into a cable TV and/or telephone subscription. You can usually get cheaper rates if you bundle your cable broadband with cable TV and telephone services.

Why choose cable broadband?

Virgin Media promotes its cable broadband as "fast and fibre optic" and "the mother of all broadband". Virgin Media claims that cable broadband is faster than dial up or ASDL broadband connections because it uses fibre optic connections which make transmission of information over larger distances faster and more cost-effective than copper wire technology. 

BT has recently announced plans to roll out fibre based super-fast broadband to as many as 10 million homes by 2012, which will deliver a range of services with top speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

The main downside with cable broadband is that it's currently only available to around 46% of homes in the UK. In other words, if you don't have cable TV in your street, you can't get cable broadband.

How do you connect to cable broadband?

Virgin Media is the largest cable broadband provider in the UK and was created following the merger of NTL and Telewest and purchase of Virgin Mobile in 2006. They offer a range of packages currently starting from £9 per month for a 2 Mbps connection, going up to £26 per month for 20 Mbps, which also includes a free wireless router. Virgin Media also doesn't impose any download limits.

When you sign up to cable broadband, your chosen cable broadband provider will supply all the equipment you need and come to your home to install your broadband equipment. They sometimes charge an installation fee, which is currently around £30.

What to do next

Take a look at our more detailed guides on ASDL Broadband, Broadband and how to save money on broadband.

Or, go straight ahead and Compare all the Broadband suppliers and prices for your area.