Bradford has been chosen to be among the first places in the country to benefit from the UK’s fastest broadband service.

Virgin Media today unveiled its 50 megabits per second (Mb) domestic service which will be available to customers in selected areas this month.

The new service is said to be nine times the speed of average broadband in the UK, allowing users to download video and online TV faster than before.

Users will be able to download an music album in as little as 11 seconds, a TV programme in minute and a film in as little as three and a half minutes.

Ofcom, the media watchdog, said it welcomed Virgin Media’s announcement of plans to roll out super-fast broadband services.

Its chief executive Ed Richards said: “Alongside the plans announced by BT and other providers, this means that consumers can look forward to super-fast broadband in many areas of the UK.”

Charlie Ponsonby, chief executive officer of comparison service Simplifydigital, said: “Seeing really will be believing and we predict the differences will be remarkable.

“Even standard web surfing will seem a very different experience – with pages loaded instantaneously – but the real difference will jump out when you try more data-intensive online activities such as streaming high-definition TV content and, of course, online gaming.”

Virgin Media described the new service as a “seismic leap forward” for broadband access in the UK.

Neil Berkett, Virgin Media chief executive officer, said: “It marks a historic moment, for both Virgin Media and the UK.

“As the first ISP to roll out next-generation broadband access, our 50Mb service represents the dawning of a new era of high-speed services in the UK and is just the beginning of what we hope to offer our customers over the coming years.

“This service will transform the way people interact and entertain themselves online and will provide a broadband experience that is truly world class.”

The increased bandwidth also means that multiple users can be on the internet without affecting the quality or speed of their service.