Virgin Media O2 gigabit network now reaches 12.8 million homes

• Three-quarters of Virgin Media O2’s network now gigabit ready, with 12.8 million homes across the UK able to access average download speeds of 1,130Mbps – 22 times faster than the national average
• Latest switch-on sees a further 2.5 million homes added to its gigabit network with Brighton, Colchester, Derby, Gillingham, Portsmouth, Southend, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea, Wakefield and many others now connected
• 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 gigabit speeds available to more than three-quarters of its network with its entire footprint of 15.5 million homes set to be upgraded before the end of 2021

Virgin Media O2 has today announced one of its largest ever gigabit broadband switch-ons with these hyperfast speeds now reaching a total of 12.8 million homes across the UK, equivalent to more than three-quarters of the company’s network footprint.

As part of today’s gigabit switch-on, Virgin Media O2 has upgraded its network with 2.5 million extra homes gaining access to next-generation connectivity in towns and cities including Brighton, Colchester, Derby, Gillingham, Portsmouth, Southend, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea, Wakefield and many others.

Virgin Media’s next-generation Gig1 broadband service, with average download speeds of 1,130Mbps, is the fastest available from a major broadband provider in the UK – 22 times faster than the national average.

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 and on multiple devices.

Virgin Media is already the UK’s largest gigabit provider in the UK and by the end of this year the company will deliver gigabit broadband speeds across its entire network of 15.5 million homes.

Lutz Schüler, Chief Executive Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“Our continued investment means more than three-quarters of our network is now gigabit ready, offering millions of households across the country access to future-proof services and the fastest broadband available from any major provider.

We’re continuing with our mission to upgrade the UK and connect our entire network to gigabit speeds by the end of the year – a pace unrivalled by any other provider.”

Digital Secretary, Nadine Dorries, said:

“We’re investing billions to bring better broadband to homes and businesses across the UK as part of our plans to level up the country. 

But we can only do this in partnership, and I’m delighted to see Virgin Media O2 turbocharging its offer of internet connections for millions of families and putting the might of industry behind us.”

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 an accelerated monthly rollout of gigabit speeds to multiple locations across the UK between now and the end of the year.

Last month, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport – using ThinkBroadband data – revealed that more than 50% of UK homes now have access to gigabit broadband and praised Virgin Media O2 for its major contribution.

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 Intelligent WiFi pods which are available at no extra cost if customers are experiencing WiFi blackspots around the home. The pods can help tackle WiFi gaps around the home, providing faster and more reliable speeds in hard-to-reach spots.

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 https://www.virginmedia.com/broadband/gigabit

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NOTES TO EDITORS

The average (median) broadband speed in the UK is 50.4Mbps. Source: Ofcom, Home Broadband Performance Report, published September 2021.