Virgin Media O2 connects Oxford to gigabit broadband

• Thousands of homes in Oxford can now access Virgin Media O2’s gigabit network, offering average speeds of 1,130Mbps – 15 times faster than the regional average
• Areas including Witney, Bicester, Kidlington, Kennington and Wheatley all now gigabit ready
• Gigabit speeds enable consumers to send and receive large files, download TV shows, films and computer games in seconds
• Virgin Media O2 is spearheading the UK’s gigabit charge with two thirds of its network now delivering gigabit speeds, with its entire footprint of 15.5 million homes set to be upgraded before the end of 2021 

Virgin Media O2 has today added thousands of homes in Oxford to its gigabit network, connecting areas in and around the city to broadband speeds 15 times faster than the local average.

Virgin Media’s next-generation Gig1 broadband service, with average download speeds of 1,130Mbps, is the fastest available from any of the major broadband providers in the UK.

As well as preparing homes for the technologies and applications of tomorrow, gigabit speeds enable consumers to do more online – from working, streaming, socialising and gaming – all at the same time on multiple devices under the same roof.

As part of today’s gigabit switch-on, Virgin Media O2 has upgraded thousands of homes in Witney, Bicester, Kidlington, Kennington and Wheatley to gigabit speeds.

More than 10 million homes in all four UK nations are now able to access Virgin Media’s Gig1 service, making the operator the largest gigabit broadband provider in the UK.

By the end of 2021, Virgin Media O2 will deliver gigabit broadband speeds across its entire network of more than 15 million homes.

Cllr Glynis Phillips, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We are delighted that Virgin Media O2 have upgraded parts of their broadband network in Oxfordshire to be gigabit-capable, connecting our residents and businesses to next generation access connectivity.

“This announcement fully supports the mission of our Digital Infrastructure Programme and our commitment to delivering improved accessibility and sustainable growth across the county.”

Lutz Schüler, Chief Executive Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “We’re rapidly expanding our gigabit broadband network and more than 10 million homes across the UK can now access these next-generation speeds.

“As the UK’s largest gigabit provider today, committed to connecting our entire network to these speeds by the end of the year, our investment is helping the UK meet its broadband targets and providing consumers with connectivity fit for the future.”

Virgin Media O2 upgrading the UK to gigabit speeds

As part of its mission to upgrade the UK, the company has committed to invest at least £10bn over the next 5 years in the UK and, building on the success of its existing fibre network expansion activity, is actively exploring options to go further and faster by deploying fibre to millions of additional homes across the country.

This investment includes activating gigabit speeds in locations across the UK between now and the end of the year.

This increased access is also contributing to the Government’s target for at least 85% of UK premises to have access to gigabit speeds by 2025. Once Virgin Media O2 has completed its upgrade later this year, the company will have contributed almost two thirds of the Government’s minimum broadband ambition four years ahead of the target.

Virgin Media O2 has also recently announced its intention to upgrade its fixed network to full fibre to the premises (FTTP) with completion in 2028. This technology is capable of delivering symmetrical 10Gbps download and upload speeds meaning Virgin Media O2 will build on its existing leadership position today and be well equipped for the decades ahead as the demand for speed and capacity continues to rise.

Gig1 – faster speeds, new router and competitive pricing

Customers taking Gig1 will benefit from Virgin Media’s gigabit capable router – the Hub 4. The router is Virgin Media’s fastest to date and features Intelligent WiFi firmware to provide speedy and reliable connectivity throughout customers’ homes.

The Hub 4 boasts more antennae than its predecessor, the Hub 3, meaning it can manage multiple devices at the same time around the home which can all share the hyperfast speeds.

Gig1 customers can also take their connectivity to the next level with an Intelligent WiFi pod – available at no extra cost – that help provide faster and more reliable speeds in hard-to-reach spots around the home.

Gig1 broadband is available to new and existing customers and can be packaged with or without telephone, TV and mobile services. Prices start from just £62 per month on an 18 month contract with a guaranteed price freeze for at least 24 months.

Customers can find out more and buy Gig1 at www.virginmedia.com/Gig1Fibre