How do I increase my download speeds?

Telewest Broadband and NTL are currently the only Cable Internet providers in the United Kingdom, and their premium packages both offer download speeds of up to 10 Megabits per second, with upload speeds of 384 Kilobits per second and 512 Kilobits per second respectively. However, the two rival companies began a merger in late 2005/early 2006, and aim to offer connection speeds of "50 to 100 Megabits per second" by the end of 2006. However, this does not look like a reality. Selected users subscribed to the 10Mbps are currently (October 2006) enjoying a trial upgrade to 20 Megabits per second download, 768 Kilobits per second upload.