Virgin Media launches 5G services in the UK

• Virgin Media’s 5G services are now available in 100 towns and cities – with more to follow

• Customers won’t pay extra for 5G services
• 5G from Virgin Media marks a major milestone in its MVNO partnership with Vodafone
• The combination of 5G and gigabit broadband means Virgin Media customers can enjoy next-generation connectivity at home and on the go

Virgin Media is today launching 5G, offering its customers the latest mobile technology in 100 towns and cities across the UK – with more to come.

Customers who select a new 5G plan will have Virgin Media’s fastest, most powerful mobile connectivity at their fingertips, allowing for worry-free and seamless streaming, surfing, video-calling and gaming outside the home – even in busy places.

With average speeds of 176.62Mbps, which is around 4.5 times faster than its average 4G speeds, Virgin Media’s 5G service is available to customers on a range of fast and flexible plans, including SIM Only and Pay Monthly, at no extra cost. New 5G plans include the brand new Samsung Galaxy S21 with unlimited data for just £42 per month. Virgin Media’s 5G plans come with all of the added extras of its 4G offering – from data-free WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook Messenger to data rollover and flexible airtime allowances.

Virgin Media’s broadband customers will also be able to choose a 5G plan* if taking one of the provider’s converged “Oomph” bundles that offer broadband, TV and mobile connectivity all in one place.

Those who have already got their hands on a 5G device and purchased one from Virgin Media from April 2020 onwards will automatically receive a boost to Virgin Media’s 5G services. Customers who take a 5G plan won’t need to lift a finger, their services will be upgraded with no need to swap their SIM or activate the service.

Jeff Dodds, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Media said, “The launch of 5G is a milestone moment for us. As the world’s first virtual mobile operator, our offering has long been about breaking boundaries and offering our customers a premium service without the price tag. That’s why we’re launching fast, reliable 5G connectivity at no extra cost while keeping the added extras of our existing mobile plans in place.

“By offering 5G and gigabit broadband all under one roof, Virgin Media customers can experience next-generation connectivity both in and out of the home, putting them in a great place to take advantage of the latest technology.”

Partnership with Vodafone

With Virgin Media’s 5G services exclusively using the Vodafone network, the launch is a major milestone in its partnership with the company which was first announced in 2019.

From today, customers who upgrade to 5G will be seamlessly migrated to receive all mobile services from the Vodafone network.

New and existing mobile customers taking a 4G plan will remain on Virgin Media’s mobile service via EE’s network until Virgin Media’s agreement with BT Enterprise comes to an end in late 2021. Virgin Media anticipates that all of its mobile customers will have transitioned to the Vodafone network by early 2022.

Through a combination of gigabit broadband and, now, 5G, Virgin Media customers can experience next-generation connectivity at home and on the go, providing a seamless experience that is ready to support the apps, services and technologies of today and the future. Virgin Media is the UK’s largest gigabit broadband operator, providing speeds of 1,140Mbps to more than 7 million homes across the country with full network availability by the end of this year.

Virgin Media has 3.3 million mobile and 5.6 million cable customers in the UK.

More information about Virgin Media’s fast and flexible 5G plans can be found here: https://www.virginmedia.com/mobile

Ends

Notes to editors:

·       5G compatible device, plan and coverage required to access 5G services.

·       *5G device and coverage required to access 5G services when choosing to “Oomph” bundle with a 5G SIM.

·       Customers won’t need to switch on or activate 5G services, but will need to ensure their handset is switched on and running the latest software.

·       Average 5G speeds of 176.62Mbps are based on Virgin Media’s 5G pilot from October – December 2020 and are subject to change.

·       Freestyle contracts are split into two parts; one for the interest free handset loan agreement and another for airtime. Once a customer has paid off their handset loan only the airtime element of their mobile plan will continue.

·       In November 2019 Virgin Media announced a new MVNO agreement with Vodafone which includes a range of innovative services including 5G. Virgin Media’s current MVNO agreement with BT Enterprise will come to an end in late 2021, at which point all of Virgin Media’s mobile offering will transition to Vodafone.

·       Migrated Virgin Media 5G customers will enjoy 5G, 4G, 3G and 2G services all on the Vodafone network as well as calls and texts.

·       5G SIM only and selection of 5G Freestyle plans: