Virgin Media has appointed SamKnows to conduct independent trials on its broadband network.
SamKnows, the official broadband tester for Ofcom, will analyse 750 customer connections to Virgin's fibre optic network over the next year.
"This deal represents a significant shift in service provider attitudes. Instead of simply complying with external regulation, in a pioneering step, Virgin Media is proactively looking to assess itself to make sure its customers are getting value for money," Alex Salter, chairman of SamKnows, said in a statement.
"The move can only be good for the consumer, especially if it encourages other ISPs to follow Virgin Media's lead," he added.
Virgin Media said the trial was driven by the completion of its "next generation ultra-fast network," which it claims provides broadband speeds of up to 50Mb for over 12 million homes.
Jon James, Virgin Media's executive director of broadband, said in a statement: "The superior reliability and accuracy of its data make it an ideal partner to help us fine-tune and improve the products we offer our customers."
The trials start this month and current Virgin Media customers can sign up here to take part.
