Broadband provider ADSL24 has today become the latest ISP to add 'up to' 40Mb fibre optic ( FTTC ) based HOME and BUSINESS broadband packages to its line-up of UK internet access solutions. Prices start from just £24.99 inc. VAT per month (+£42.00 activation, includes VDSL2 modem) and come with a 30GB peak usage allowance (unlimited off-peak).

Sample ADSL24 Package - Fibre 30 (£24.99)
* Up to 40 Mb downstream
* Up to 2 Mb upstream
* 8 Mb minimum throughput
* 12 month contract
* 30 GB usage [Extra peak usage costs £1.20 per GB] (8am-midnight)
* Unlimited usage (midnight-8am and all weekend)
* Static IP provided
* 200Mb webspace
* Unlimited e-mail accounts
* 24/7 UK support

Those wanting 10Mbps upload speeds need only spend an extra £2 (£26.99 per month) to get that with the above package. ADSL24 has plenty more package options to choose from. For comparison, here's a quick unordered summary of some rival FTTC based packages.

Example 1: IDNet - Home Plus Fibre - £27.99 per month
Download Speed: up to 40Mbps
Upload Speed: up to 10Mbps
Download Cap: 30GB Peak + 90GB Offpeak (120GB) / month
Installation: £47

Example 2: Fast.co.uk FTTC-45GB - £26.99 per month
Download Speed: up to 40Mbps
Upload Speed: up to 10Mbps
Download Cap: 45GB / month
Installation: £51.70

Example 3: XILO Home 25 - £27.90 per month
Download Speed:Up to 40Mb
Upload Speed: Up to 2Mb
Download Cap: 25GB Peak - 200GB FUP Off Peak
Installation: £44.65

Example 4: BT Infinity Option 2 - £24.99 (18 month contract)
Download Speed:Up to 40Mb
Upload Speed: Up to 10Mb
Download Cap: Unlimited (FUP)
Installation: FREE

Take note that FTTC coverage, which is being rolled out by BT Openreach, is still extremely limited and will remain so until it reaches approximately 40% of the UK by 2012 and 66% by 2015.