~ PlusNet ups gaming credentials with its first ever LAN party ~

Sheffield-based ISP PlusNet will host a local area network (LAN) online gaming party on Saturday October 20th. 50 gamers have been invited from all over the UK to show their skill at games – including Counterstrike Source and Enemy Territory Quake Wars – to win top prizes.

The party is to celebrate the launch of a broadband package designed specifically to meet gamers’ needs – PlusNet’s Broadband Your Way Pro. The service includes priority web access for gamers to enable faster response times and a reliable gaming experience.

PlusNet’s LAN party will involve general gaming and build up to a Counterstrike Source knockout tournament. Winners can get their hands on a year of free hosting for their clan and a goody bag containing a variety of gaming hardware including mice, keyboards and memory sticks. There will also be a prize draw with the chance to win a year’s free subscription to Broadband Your Way Pro.

“Our LAN party is an exciting way to celebrate the popularity of online gaming and show the advantages of fast clicks and low ping rates,” said Neil Armstrong, products director at PlusNet.

“Online gaming with PCs and now consoles is growing phenomenally. The needs of the online gamer are different from those of a regular web user,” he explained. “They rely on a consistent connection and our traffic prioritisation puts gaming traffic above all other.”

PlusNet’s LAN Party will take place on October 20 at its headquarters in Sheffield. Players can compete at the following games:

• Team Fortress 2 (Beta)
• Counterstrike Source
• Enemy Territory Quake Wars
• Day of Defeat Source
• Counterstrike 1.6

To find out more about Broadband Your Way Pro visit http://www.plus.net/gaming