Virgin Media is now capable of delivering its top gigabit download speeds to millions more UK homes. The leading Internet Servce Provider (ISP), which is now known as Virgin Media O2 after a recent rubber-stamped merger, has upgraded a further 2.5million UK premises to its fastest technology. This means 12.8 million homes in the UK can now benefit from super fast download speeds of 1130Mbps. At that rapid rate, it would take just 40 seconds to download a full HD movie.
According to ISPreview, this latest upgrade to Virgin Media’s network means coverage for gigabit-capable broadband in the UK is now over 50 percent.
The new areas that will be able to benefit from these super-fast download speeds include Brighton, Colchester, Doncaster, Derby, Gillingham, Portsmouth, Southend, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea and Wakefield.
By the end of 2021 Virgin Media is hoping to rollout gigabit-capable broadband to all of the 15.5million premises covered by its network.
When taking into account the Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) services from other ISPs, this could lead to the UK’s gigabit-capable broadband coverage being around 60 to 65 percent by the close of the year.
Speaking about the upgrade to its network, Lutz Schüler, the CEO of 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.”
Prices for Virgin Media’s gigabit broadband starts from £62 a month.
That’s for the Gig1 Fibre Broadband service on its own, which requires a £35 set-up fee.
If you want access to Gig1 Fibre Broadband and a landline then you’ll be looking to pay £64 a month.
Both of these packages run for an 18 month contract.
If you sign up to either of these Virgin Media gigabit broadband services you’ll get access to the Virgin Media Hub 4 router, enjoy 1130Mbps average download speeds and 52Mbps average upload speeds.
The Hub 4 is the top-of-the line router that Virgin Media offers, with the broadband provider saying it offers its “best WiFi hardware specs” which helps maximise Wi-Fi coverage in your home.
The Hub 4 also boasts integrated software which can help check your speed remotely if you ever have an issue.
Virgin Media is planning on upgrading its super-fast broadband network by making its FTTP connections available to an extra seven million homes over the next five years.
The other big player in the gigabit broadband market is BT Openreach, who plan to reach 25million premises with its FTTP service by the end of 2026.
However, at the moment coverage is at around 5.2million premises – which is significantly less that Virgin Media O2.
For all the latest Technology News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.