Press & PR

Access to high-bandwidth internet services such as voice calls could become faster as broadband speeds may get a boost through satellite links.

American firm ViaSat is to launch the world's highest-capacity broadband satellite into orbit in early 2011, which should provide the US and Canada with at least ten times the bandwidth of those already circling above our heads, according to reports.

ViaSat chief executive Mark Dankberg told the San Diego Tribune the initiative will be "the biggest opportunity we've ever had, and it might well be the biggest we ever will see".

But Europeans should not be concerned that they will miss out, as a slightly slower satellite is to be aimed at the old world by Eutelsat - with a launch planned a few months earlier.

With faster broadband connections on the horizon, UK consumers could benefit from cheaper phone bills by signing up to a call plan from Vonage.

Deals start at just £5.99 for unlimited calls to the UK and Ireland - with reliable and clear voice calls being sent through increasingly speedy broadband connections.