Ashford is piloting the fastest broadband connection in the world.
Speeds of 50MB broadband have already been tried here, now speeds of 200MB - four times as fast - are being tested by a small group of people.

About 100 Ashford homes will be part of the pilot. The few people chosen will not only have internet connections faster than everywhere else in the UK, but more powerful than the 160MB speeds offered in Japan and the 101MB speeds available in the United States.

Following successful lab trials, internet service provider (ISP), Virgin Media started the pilot in Ashford last week.
The ISP says the Ashford residents selected to test the connection will be providing insight into potential future uses an ultrafast service may deliver.

Those could include TV and broadband content in High Definition and 3D, advanced IT support and devices such as video conferencing and home surveillance.

The pilot will be running for at least six months before results are analysed and the commercial viability is assessed.

The super-fast broadband will require new technology. As yet there are no wireless routers able to deliver throughput of speeds as high as 200MB, and computers require very high specification in order to be able handle data at such a high rate.

Neil Berkett, chief executive officer at Virgin Media said: “We’re really excited to be embarking on this journey of discovery.”