Virgin Media is piloting broadband speeds of 200Megabit per second (Mbps) to test applications such as 1080p high definition TV and 3DTV.

Following successful trials in the lab, 100 “lead adopters" in Kent will have access to the high speeds, believed to be among the fastest in the world.

It says the pilot will be running for at least six months and will allow it to gauge potential consumer use and the commercial viability of such ultrafast services.

Virgin is able to achieve the speeds thanks to a technology called Docsis 3, which makes more efficient use of the capacity of fibre to the cabinet connections used by Virgin.

According to Virgin, the 200Mbps service is the fastest speed in the world achieved using Docsis 3 technology.

In a statement Virgin Media's chief executive Neil Berkett said: "We're at the forefront of innovation and understanding when it comes to ultrafast broadband services and the 200Mb pilot will give us further insight into how true 'wideband' services might be used by consumers."

Virgin Media's announcement is the latest development in bringing next generation super-fast broadband to the UK.

Virgin Media has already launched a new super-fast broadband service with speeds of 50 Mbps, with roll out expected to be complete during the summer of 2009.

Last October BT announced it had chosen sites in London and South Wales to trial its faster, fibre-optic broadband.

The trials in London's Muswell Hill and Whitchurch in Wales will begin this summer.