Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband

What Is Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband?

Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband ranks as one of the fastest and most reliable broadband choices in the UK, offering download speeds up to 1,130 Mbps and upload speeds of 104 Mbps. It’s built to serve homes with heavy internet needs, delivering seamless Ultra HD streaming, fast online gaming, and quick file transfers across the entire network. As part of Virgin Media’s independent network, this package operates separately from Openreach, allowing for consistent performance during peak hours in eligible Virgin Fibre areas.

New customers can access this broadband package at a monthly price of £39.99 on an 18-month minimum term. Virgin Media applies annual price adjustments based on the Retail Price Index (RPI) rate of inflation plus 3.9%, impacting future pricing. Mobile data add-ons are available through Virgin’s ISP partners, offering bundled options with separate contracts. With the option to end the contract early, users may face an early disconnection fee based on the remaining months, though Virgin’s competitive pricing and broadband package choices make Gig1 a top pick for those seeking ultrafast speeds.

Key Features of Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband

Correct as of 29/10/2024

Benefits and Drawbacks of Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband

Benefits:

• Fast Gigabit Speeds: Gig1 offers average download speeds up to 1,130 Mbps and upload speeds up to 104 Mbps. It is one of the fastest choices for UK homes and works well for Ultra HD streaming, gaming, and quick downloads.
• Great Value with Volt Benefits: When you bundle Gig1 with O2, you get Volt benefits. This includes a WiFi Max guarantee, promising 30 Mbps per room, an O2 mobile SIM with extra data, and UK landline calls. This package is great for families and heavy internet users.
• Strong Independent Network: Virgin Media uses its own fibre network. It covers over 16 million UK homes and offers high-speed broadband in eligible Virgin Fibre areas. This helps reduce reliance on Openreach for a more stable internet experience.
• Better WiFi with WiFi Max: Gig1 users can add WiFi Max, which includes WiFi pods to improve coverage in the home. This ensures reliable 30 Mbps speeds in every room. If you have Volt benefits, WiFi Max is free and gives a £100 bill credit if speeds drop below the guarantee.
• More Security and Parental Controls: Gig1 comes with Virgin Media Web Safe and optional F-Secure SAFE. This provides extra online protection, perfect for families and those worried about online security.

Drawbacks:

• Router Stock Changes: Gig1 usually comes with the Hub 5, which supports WiFi 6. However, due to limited stock, some users might get the Hub 4 instead, which does not support WiFi 6. The Hub 5 is a better choice for new smart devices and gives a superior WiFi experience.
• Price Increase After the Contract: After your 18-month contract ends, the monthly fee will go up to £78. It might be wiser to sign a new contract or look at Virgin’s Gig2 package for better long-term value.
• Extra Costs for Features: Some features, like WiFi Max, cost extra unless you have Volt. Also, the Anytime Calls Package charges £10 per month if you want a home phone line.

Who Is Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband Best Suited For?

Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband is great for people who need a lot from their internet. Here’s how it works for different homes:

1. Small Households with High-Demand Usage (1–2 People): Gig1’s speeds may be more than enough for small households. For people who work from home, make videos, or play games, the fast connection makes video calls, 4K streaming, and sharing files easy.
2. Families with Multiple Users (3–5 People): For medium-sized homes, Gig1 is a strong choice. It lets several people enjoy Ultra HD streaming, online gaming, and browsing at the same time. It also works well with Virgin TV, which is great for families who watch different shows.
3. Large Households and Shared Homes (6+ People): Gig1 can handle many devices all at once. It is perfect for big families. Activities like downloading large files, using several streaming services, and connecting smart home devices are easy.
4. Content Creators and Power Users: For YouTubers, streamers, and remote workers, Gig1 has high upload speeds (up to 104 Mbps or 1,130 Mbps in some areas). This makes it a great choice for using cloud storage, video editing, and live streaming.
5. Smart Home Enthusiasts: Homes with many smart home devices can take advantage of Gig1’s high speeds. With the Hub 5’s WiFi 6 support, connected devices like smart cameras, thermostats, and security systems will have a strong connection.

How Does Virgin Media Gig1 Compare?

As we begin 2024, more than 80% of homes in the UK can get gigabit broadband. More people now have the option to select from several full fibre networks. Virgin Media’s Gig1 fibre broadband is still one of the most widely available gigabit choices. This is especially true in places where other full fibre services are not there. If you are looking for super-fast internet, here is how Gig1 compares to other leading providers.

Speed Comparison: Virgin Media Gig1 vs. Competitors

Virgin Media Gig1 provides some of the fastest internet speeds available. It is great for homes with many devices or high internet usage. Here’s a look at its download and upload speeds, plus the best uses for each plan.

Gig1 offers more than double the download and upload speeds compared to M500. This makes Gig1 great for heavy users and large households. On the other hand, the M500 plan gives good bandwidth for smaller families and comes at a lower price.

Virgin Media Gig1 vs. Competitor Gigabit Plans: Pricing and Offers

Gig1 broadband is a popular choice for customers who need fast gigabit speeds. It connects well to the Virgin Media network. Here’s how Gig1 compares to other well-known UK broadband providers in terms of price and setup options:

Correct as of 29/10/2024

Virgin Media Gig1 offers a good price for gigabit internet. New customers can get a £75 bill credit and do not have to pay a setup fee. However, if you want a long-term contract, other companies like Sky or Vodafone might be better. They offer more flexible choices for your broadband package.

Speed Consistency: Virgin Media Gig1 vs. BT Full Fibre 900

Virgin Media’s Gig1 and BT’s Full Fibre 900 are among the fastest broadband plans. However, their speeds vary a bit, especially during busy times. Here is a comparison of how they perform based on Ofcom data on download speeds.

Virgin Media’s Gig1 is faster than BT’s Full Fibre 900. This makes Gig1 the fastest widely available broadband in the UK. Because of this speed, users can enjoy a strong connection for activities that require a lot of data. This includes online gaming, Ultra HD streaming, and uploading large files. The speeds on Gig1 often go beyond what is advertised.

Upload Speeds, Speed Guarantees, and Network Upgrades for Virgin Media Gig1

Upload Speeds

As of May 2023, Virgin Media Gig1 broadband has increased its upload speed from 52 Mbps to 104 Mbps. This change has doubled the upload rate for both new and existing customers at no extra cost. The speed boost aims to make users happier with better upload performance. Still, since Virgin Media Gig1 uses an asymmetrical approach, its upload speeds are lower than some full fibre broadband providers. Companies like Community Fibre and Hyperoptic offer symmetrical broadband, meaning their upload speeds match the download speeds.

Network Upgrades

Virgin Media is working to improve its broadband network. They are using XGS-PON technology to move towards full fibre. This upgrade will allow for equal upload and download speeds, like what other providers offer. The project is expected to finish by 2028. Until then, upload speeds will not match download speeds. For customers in eligible Virgin Media network areas, this upgrade will provide better connectivity and stronger internet speed options for future needs.

Speed Guarantees

Virgin Media Gig1 follows Ofcom's rules on broadband speeds. It guarantees a minimum speed. If Virgin Media fails to keep up this minimum speed, customers can leave their contracts. They will not have to pay any early termination fees.

• Estimated Download Speed: 1,052 to 1,136 Mbps
• Minimum Guaranteed Speed: 565 Mbps

During busy times, from 8 pm to 10 pm, Gig1 customers should get download speeds of about 1.13 Gbps. If the speeds fall below the promised minimum of 565 Mbps for three days in a row and Virgin Media cannot fix it within 30 days, customers can cancel their contract without paying a fee for ending it early.

WiFi Max Guarantee

Virgin Media’s WiFi Max guarantee gives you strong coverage in your home. You can expect at least 30 Mbps in each room. If more support is needed, WiFi pods can help. If you are a Gig1 customer with Volt benefits, you don’t have to pay extra for this service. If WiFi Max does not reach the promised speed in each room, you can get a £100 bill credit. This makes it a top choice among UK broadband providers. This enhanced WiFi coverage is especially helpful for large households with several devices. It ensures you have steady speeds in every room.

This Virgin Media broadband service helps keep high-speed internet at home. It is great for streaming Ultra HD content, online gaming, or using smart home devices. The Gig1 broadband package shows that Virgin Media cares about customer satisfaction. This makes it a great choice for heavy internet users who want dependable and smooth broadband.

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Virgin Media Hub 5 Router Overview for Gig1 Broadband

The Hub 5 router is the new, powerful router from Virgin Media. It is only for Gig1 broadband customers. It started to roll out to existing customers in late 2021. In 2022, it became available to new customers on the Gig1 plan. The Hub 5 uses the latest WiFi 6 technology (802.11ax). This gives it improved connection features. Because of this, it is one of the best routers from UK broadband companies.

The Hub 5 is made for gigabit broadband users. It uses smart mesh technology. This means you can expand your network easily with WiFi boosters. This helps cover dead spots in your house. It is perfect for large households with many devices. The Hub 5 has dual-band WiFi. This provides steady, high-speed internet. It also has several Ethernet ports. One of these ports is 2.5 Gbps. This supports very fast wired connections. This is great for gamers, content creators, and people working from home.

Full Specifications of the Virgin Media Hub 5

Key Features of the Virgin Media Hub 5

1. WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Technology – The Hub 5 uses WiFi 6 to give faster speeds, better range, and improved performance for several devices. This system works well in large households or homes with many smart devices. It lowers delays and boosts user speed for high-demand tasks like 4K streaming and online gaming.
2. High-Speed Ethernet Ports – The Hub 5 has one 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and three 1 Gbps ports. These ports allow for very fast wired connections. The 2.5 Gbps port is great for anyone needing good speeds for gaming consoles, workstations, or quick file transfers.
3. Intelligent WiFi and Mesh Support – The Hub 5 supports smart mesh technology. It works with WiFi Pods to expand coverage throughout your home. This feature, along with Intelligent WiFi, makes sure devices connect to the best band, giving you reliable WiFi everywhere in the house.
4. Advanced Security with WPA3 – With strong WPA3 encryption, users can feel safe from cyber threats. This security is crucial for families or people working from home, as it keeps data private and connections safe.
5. DOCSIS 3.1 Network Connection – The Hub 5 has DOCSIS 3.1 tech, which greatly boosts data capacity. This is perfect for Gig1 broadband speeds. This connection improves data management and cuts down network jams, especially during busy times.
6. Compatibility with Virgin Media’s WiFi Pods – For larger or complex homes, the Hub 5 works well with Virgin Media’s WiFi Pods. This gives better coverage and keeps a minimum speed of 30 Mbps in every room. If you are a Volt customer, you get the WiFi Max guarantee for this coverage at no extra cost. You also get a £100 bill credit if the WiFi Max speed guarantee is not met.

Our Broadband Expert Review of Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband

Speed: (5/5)

Virgin Media Gig1 offers incredible speeds. It provides 1,130 Mbps for downloads and 104 Mbps for uploads. This makes it one of the fastest broadband deals in the UK. Gig1 speed is perfect for 4K streaming, online gaming, and transferring large files. You can use several devices at the same time without any problems. Users can count on steady performance even when many people are online. This is thanks to Virgin Media's unique cable network, which is different from other UK ISP operators like Openreach. Gig1's great performance helped Virgin Media win the Best Broadband Experience Award for fast and reliable internet.

Reliability: (5/5)

Virgin Media Gig1 offers strong and steady internet access. This is possible thanks to its own network infrastructure. Users who have Gig1 with Volt are guaranteed to get at least 30 Mbps in every room because of the WiFi Max guarantee. Virgin Media’s network does well in GWS network award tests that check how well data connects among big UK providers. This shows how reliable it is. Virgin cares about customer satisfaction. There is a guarantee on speed. Customers can leave their contracts early without a fee if their speed falls below what was promised, and Virgin cannot fix the problem within 30 days.

Price: (4/5)

Virgin Media Gig1 starts at £39.99 each month. This is a good price compared to other high-speed broadband deals. However, after 18 months, the price goes up to £72 monthly. Customers need to think about their options for renewal at that time. The yearly price change is linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) plus 3.9%. This affects the costs in the future. The Volt package adds great benefits, like WiFi Max, an O2 SIM, and perks from the Priority app. This makes it a great choice for people who want both home internet and a mobile network.

Router: (4.5/5)

The Hub 5 router that comes with Virgin Media Gig1 is a top-notch broadband router. It uses WiFi 6 technology, which helps provide faster speeds, better device management, and greater coverage. This router has dual-band channels, works with mesh systems, and has Intelligent WiFi technology. It’s great for big homes that have many devices. In GWS tests, Virgin Media’s router performs very well for data connectivity among major UK ISPs. But keep in mind that Hub 5 may not always be available, so some users could end up with the Hub 4.

How does Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband compare to other broadband providers?

Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband offers lightning-fast speeds up to 1Gbps, making it one of the fastest broadband options in the UK market. Compared to other providers, Virgin Media Gig1 stands out for its unparalleled speed and reliable connectivity, ideal for heavy internet users and large households.

FAQs About Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband