DigitalSpy reports that Virgin Media's CEO, Neil Berkett, apparently let slip the launch month for its forthcoming 'up to' 50Mbps cable broadband package during the Goldman Sachs' Communacopia conference in New York.

The service, which will also require a new modem for the connection to work, is reportedly due to surface before the end of this month. Some rumours suggest that it could even arrive later this week.

Pricing has yet to be set, although if earlier trials are anything to go by then something around the £50 per month mark might not be unrealistic. It is not known whether any existing customers will receive a free speed upgrade as has occurred in the past for relevant packages.

Meanwhile VM has announced that customers subscribing to its 'up to' 20Mbps £49 per month (first six months then £56 thereafter) Triple Play XL package through The Carphone Warehouse will get a Toshiba L300 laptop included.

The promotion is presently only available via Carphone's high street stores, while the laptop itself includes Windows Vista, an Intel Pentium Dual Core processor, 2GB RAM, 120GB Hard Disk, 15.4" LCD Screen and a webcam.