Virgin Media O2 starts rollout of 2Gbps broadband over its gigabit cable network for the first time

• Virgin Media O2 has expanded its Gig2 broadband service to 18 UK locations, making 2Gbps download speeds available over its hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) network for the first time.  

• The deployment uses Virgin Media’s DOCSIS network to extend multi-gigabit capability to millions more premises, including areas in Manchester, Newcastle and Oxford.  

• The expansion demonstrates how Virgin Media O2 is continuing to upgrade and maximise its existing network infrastructure alongside its next-generation fibre network with both providing customers with fast, reliable connectivity that meets all their current needs. 

Virgin Media O2 has today announced the rollout of 2Gbps broadband services over its gigabit cable network for the first time, with upgrades already complete in 18 locations and due to expand to the majority of its network in 2027.  

The upgrade, which is cost effective and requires no civil engineering, means Gig2 is now available in areas served by Virgin Media O2’s DOCSIS-based HFC network. Upgrades to the company’s cable network have already taken place for around 3 million homes, and with Virgin Media’s Gig2 services also available in fibre areas, this means more than 10 million households* can get access to the provider’s fastest broadband today.  

By delivering this 2Gbps upgrade over HFC for the first time, Virgin Media O2 is extending multi-gigabit capability beyond full fibre areas and demonstrating the continued potential of its existing fixed network infrastructure. The milestone reflects the company’s ongoing investment in its network to support rising data demands from households and businesses.  

Gig2 offers average download speeds of 2,000Mbps and upload speeds of 100Mbps on Virgin Media’s HFC network, giving customers substantially more capacity for data-intensive services such as cloud applications, connected home technology, streaming, gaming and remote working.  

The deployment also supports wider demand for high-capacity connectivity across the UK, with reliable gigabit-capable broadband increasingly important for local economies, digital services and productivity. Virgin Media O2’s network already reaches millions of homes and businesses, offering multi-gigabit speeds regardless of the underlying network technology.  

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “This is an important milestone for our fixed network. Ultimately, people don’t care what kind of pipe is connecting them as long the service is fast, reliable and delivers what is expected. By making 2Gbps speeds available over cable for the first time, we’re extending multi-gigabit capability to more parts of the UK and showing the continued potential of our existing network infrastructure that still very much meets the increasing needs of consumers. As demand for data continues to grow, we’re investing across our network to deliver faster, more reliable connectivity.”  

Gig2 services are available from £49.99 per month**, increasing to £53.99 per month from April 2027 and £57.99 per month from April 2028. The latest expansion includes Newcastle, Bournemouth, Lancaster, Peterborough, Ipswich, Bath, Southend-on-Sea, York, Blackburn, Cambridge, Harrogate, Chelmsford, Manchester, Oxford, Preston and Portsmouth.  

Ends

Notes to Editors

• * This includes ~7m XGSPON and ~3m HFC premises.
• ** £49.99, increasing to £53.99 per month from April 2027 and £57.99 per month from April 2028. 24 month term. No set up fee. 14-day cooling off and other cancellation rights apply.
• Gig2 Availability: Available in selected areas only (current % of eligible areas varies across our fibre and full fibre networks) – use our postcode checker to see if available in your area yet.
• Locations with 2Gbps capability include Newcastle, Bournemouth, Lancaster, Peterborough, Ipswich, Bath, Southend-on-Sea, York, Blackburn, Cambridge, Harrogate, Chelmsford, Manchester, Oxford, Preston and Portsmouth.
• Volt broadband speed boost benefits do not apply to Gig2.
• Unlike XGS-PON networks, symmetrical speeds are not available on the DOCSIS network.