Virgin Media is a British media giant owned by Liberty Global. Its history dates back to March 2006
when two cable tv
and phone operators merged to form NTL:Telewest. This then followed with the acquisition of Richard
Branson's Virgin
Mobile in June of the same year and was renamed as Virgin Media. Thus, becoming the first company in
the UK to offer
‘quadruple play' to their customers - TV, broadband, landline and mobiles (pay
monthly phone).
Advantages of Virgin Media
Virgin media is BTs and Sky's biggest rival with over 4 million paid subscribers and
offers some of
the fastest broadband speeds in the UK. It offers true fibre optic speed with the
lowest average
speeds of 54 Mbps. Virgin Media will give as standard, Virgin Media Super Hub to all its new
customers which can
seamlessly work with multiple devices. Customers who are on both Virgin Media broadband and O2
mobile can benefit
from exclusive Volt benefits, which include doubling your mobile data and doubling your broadband
speed for no extra
cost. With Volt benefits, you get faster internet from Virgin Media with a broadband speed boost to
the next
available level (up to a max of 1Gbps). Virgin Media also offers mobile services to its customers,
allowing them to
bundle their deals and enjoy the convenience of having TV with hundreds of channels and mobile
services from Virgin
Media O2.
Did you know: Virgin Media offers exclusive Volt benefits for customers who have both broadband and O2 mobile services.
Broadband and Phone packages offered by Virgin Media,
Virgin Media has some of the fastest speeds offered to UK households, it can do this as it has its
own fibre optic
network, and not reliant on Openreach like the other providers. The basic Virgin Media deals offer
consistently fast
speeds up to 54 Mbps along with free weekend calls, and for those looking for the ultimate
experience, they have
speeds that reach 516 Mbps. They are now rolling out 1 gigabyte speed which, by the end of 2021,
will be available
to 15 million customers around the UK.
There are additional bolt-ons you can add to telephone calls like, call anytime, calls to mobiles and
international
calls for those that need an all-inclusive plan. However, it's important to consider the monthly
price of Virgin
Media broadband deals when choosing the right package. While Virgin Media isn't as widely available
as fibre
broadband services that use Openreach's network, it is still available to around 56% of UK
properties. Use our
postcode checker to see if you can get Virgin Media in your local area. Virgin Media frequently has
great internet
packages for new customers, with users often able to get broadband-only connections for a very
competitive price. In
addition to this, the provider sometimes runs limited-time flash sales where you can often get free
gadgets such as
games consoles or TVs, so it pays to keep an eye out for what's on offer at any given time.
TV packages
Virgin TV packages range from its basic bundle offering 110 channels to the more
comprehensive 270 plus
channels with its largest package.
It's also possible to customise the TV channels where you're able to pick channels based on genres.
Premium channels
such as Sky Sports, BT Sports, TNT Sports and Sky Cinema can be added to the basic package at an
additional cost or
alternatively, they are already included in the largest package.
Remember: Customising your TV package can help you get the channels you want without paying for ones you don't need.
All in one bundles
With Virgin Media, you'll get better value if you get TV, broadband, and phones, than just getting
one of these
services
Can I get broadband only from Virgin Media?
Virgin Media offers three broadband-only packages, with speed ranging from 108 Mbps to the superfast
362mbps. Higher
speeds are available but in a bundle package which includes a telephones line with anytime calls and
270 plus
channels, this has an average speed of 512Mbps.
What do I do if I'm an existing Virgin Media customer?
Existing customers should contact Virgin Media renewals around 35 days before the end of your contact
and ask as to
what offers are currently available, alternatively check online on your account. If you take a new
customer offer
and you are currently a customer, you will need a break in services of 60 days to take advantage of
the lower
pricing.
What happens if I'm a new customer looking for special deals?
If you are looking to get Virgin Media due to its superfast internet speed, there's no better place
to look then
freepricecompare.com, where you can compare the latest and best deals from Virgin
Media and other
broadband providers.
Does Virgin Media do any special deals for students?
Virgin Media is acutely aware of students need to have superfast broadband for studying and gaming
and so offers
exclusive deals for students on a 30-day rolling contract or a 9 month fixed contract that runs from
September.
What broadband speeds are available with Virgin Media?
Virgin Media has stolen a lead over its rival by having its own dedicated fibre network and so are
not reliant on
Openreach, as a result, consumers are able to get superfast broadband that few other broadband
providers can rival.
Virgin Media offers 5 Speed variations of broadband, and they are:
M50 fibre broadband
Virgin Media's entry-level package will give consumers average speeds of 54 mbps with upload
speeds
of 3 mbps.
Average download speed of 54 Mbps
Guaranteed minimum download speed of 27 Mbps
M50 broadband download speed range 53 to 55 Mbps
Average upload speed of 5 Mbps
Virgin M50 fibre broadband expected upload speed range is 5 Mbps
12 months broadband contract plan
Ideal for daily internet browsing and checking emails
Virgin media WiFi router included
M100 fibre broadband
A package built for 2 or 3 people where the average speed is 108mbps and this would suit houses
with
5-9 devices. The
upload speed on this package is 6 Mbps.
Average download speed of 108 Mbps
Guaranteed minimum download speed of 54 Mbps
M50 broadband download speed range 110 to 112 Mbps
Average upload speed of 10 Mbps
Virgin M100 fibre broadband expected upload speed range is 10 Mbps
12 months broadband contract plan
Ideal for streaming Netflix and browsing on multiple devices
Virgin media WiFi router included
M200 fibre broadband
If you have a large home or a large family where there is heavy internet use from multiple
devices,
then 200mbps is
recommended, this will give speeds up to 213 Mbps and uploads of 12 mbps.
Average download speed of 213 Mbps
Guaranteed minimum download speed of 107 Mbps
M50 broadband download speed range 210 to 219 Mbps
Average upload speed of 20 Mbps
Virgin M200 fibre broadband expected upload speed range is 21 Mbps
12 months broadband contract plan
Ideal for 4k UHD streaming on multiple devices
Virgin media WiFi router included
M350 fibre broadband
For users that want even higher speeds, Virgin Media offers the 350 Mbps package, this would you
give
speeds of up to
362 Mbps which makes it perfect for downloading huge files and streaming 4K movies on multiple
devices.
Average download speed of 362 Mbps
Guaranteed minimum download speed of 181 Mbps
M50 broadband download speed range 361 to 381 Mbps
Average upload speed of 36 Mbps
Virgin M350 fibre broadband expected upload speed range is 35 to 37 Mbps
12 months broadband contract plan
Ideal for Pro gaming without any lags on multiple gaming consoles
Virgin media WiFi router included
M500 fibre broadband
If the M350 it's still not fast enough and you're looking for something even faster, then Virgin
Media has the M500
fibre broadband package which offers speeds around 512 Mbps, with download speeds of around 35
Mbps.
The M500 is
part of a deal that includes over 270 channels, landline telephone with anytime calls and a
mobile
sim. If you're a
in a household of heavy internet users and you all want to stream in 4K on multiple devices and
play
competitive
online games, the M500 fibre broadband package is the right package for you.
Average download speed of 516 Mbps
Guaranteed minimum download speed of 552 Mbps
M50 broadband download speed range 496 to 545 Mbps
Average upload speed of 36 Mbps
Virgin M500 fibre broadband expected upload speed range is 35 to 37 Mbps
12 months broadband contract plan
7 x faster compared to BT and Sky's available broadband speed
Virgin media WiFi router included
Tip: Consider how many devices will be using your internet simultaneously when choosing your broadband speed.
Compare Unlimited Broadband Deals
With unlimited broadband, you pay a set monthly price for your internet connection and can use as much data as you like
Unlock the full potential of your connected home with Virgin Media's Gig1 Fibre Broadband, offering
an impressive average download speed of 1,130Mbps. This package is perfect for households with
extensive internet usage, ensuring seamless streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences for the
whole family.
Enjoy an average download speed of 1,130Mbps, with a guaranteed minimum of 565Mbps
Benefit from an average upload speed of 52Mbps, ideal for sharing content and working from home
Choose a convenient 12-month broadband contract plan that suits your needs
Stream multiple 8K videos simultaneously, engage in online gaming, and transfer large files with
ease
Stay connected with the included Virgin Media WiFi router, designed for optimal performance
Virgin Media's Gig2 Fibre Broadband
Step into the future of internet connectivity with Virgin Media's Gig2 Fibre Broadband, delivering
astonishing average download speeds of up to 2,800Mbps. This cutting-edge package is tailored for
households with extreme internet demands, providing unparalleled performance and reliability.
Experience lightning-fast average download speeds of up to 2,800Mbps, with a guaranteed minimum
of 1,400Mbps
Enjoy symmetrical upload speeds of up to 2,800Mbps, perfect for content creators and
professionals working from home
Select a flexible 12-month broadband contract plan that adapts to your requirements
Seamlessly stream multiple 8K videos, engage in competitive online gaming, and transfer massive
files without interruption
Harness the power of Virgin Media's advanced WiFi router, engineered for uncompromising
performance and coverage
What other services you can get from Virgin media home broadband offering?
Sky Sports packages / channels
Yes
BT Sports / BT Sports app
Yes
TV channels
Yes (Vivo TV box)
Fibre optic broadband service
Yes
ADSL broadband service
No
Mobile phone deals and packages
Yes
Call package options
Yes
International calls
Yes - on selected countries and add-ons
Mobile broadband 3G
No
Mobile Broadband 4G
Yes
Pay monthly plan
Yes
Pay as you go option
No
Contention types
Only wireless connection option
Is Virgin Media broadband speed dependent on locality?
As Virgin Media operates and owns its own network, the speed is unlikely to change due to locality
although they
whilst they are working on it, they do not serve the whole fo the UK at the moment.
How do you get Virgin Media to your home?
You'll be able to get Virgin Media by using Freepricecompare.com or by calling our free phone number,
0800 977 5741
to see if Virgin Media is available in your postcode and latest deals are in your area.
Does Virgin Media charge an installation fee?
Yes, Virgin Media does charge an installation fee which is around £35. However, occasionally there
will be offers
which will waive installation fees
What is the installation time?
Customers that already have a Virgin Media line in the property, can ask the technical helpdesk to
send out a Quick
Start Pack, which will contain the hardware and the instructions on how to go live with Virgin Media
broadband. This
is usually sent within 3 days of the call.
However, if your home hasn't had Virgin Media installed before, you'll need to book an engineer
visit. But it's still
a pain-free process that's designed to be convenient for you. When signing up, you'll be able to
choose your
preferred date to activate your connection, usually within around 14 days.
Compare Our Top Fibre Optic Broadband Deals
Compare fibre optic broadband deals from the UK's leading providers
Virgin Media provide their customers with a router called the Super Hub, which has
been dubbed one
of the most advanced routers for residential customers. It operates at 5.0 GHz frequency where other
providers
operate at 2.5 GHz. By operating at the higher frequency which is less congested and more advanced,
users experience
lower latency and much faster speeds. Additionally, the Super Hub is also powered with intelligent
wifi technology,
enhancing the overall performance of the router and ensuring fast and smooth connections for users.
What internet protections does Virgin Media offer?
Virgin Media is well aware of the dangers of the internet from malware and viruses to inappropriate
content not
suitable for children, and as such have suites of products to make the internet safer, which Virgin
Media brands as
“Switched on Families”.
Did you know: Virgin Media offers customisable parental controls to help keep your family safe online.
What is Virgin Media Web Safe?
Virgin Media's Web Safe comes as standard with all broadband packages and offers protection to any
device connected
to the Super Hub from viruses, malware and malicious websites intended on stealing personal details.
What is Virgin Media F-Secure SAFE?
For those looking for a more premium product that extends protection to 5 devices, Virgin Media
offers Virgin Media
F-Secure SAFE, which for £25 which will protect laptops, mobiles, ipads, Android tablets and Apple
macs.
What is Virgin Media's parental control like?
Virgin Media offers customisable parental control which allows parents to block specific websites or
websites that
fall within certain categories. It also allows the screen time on devices to be set so kids are not
overindulging on
the web or social media.
How does Virgin Media's customer service compare?
Virgin Media has a customer satisfaction rating of 85% which is above the national average. They
offer solutions by
having a comprehensive FAQ, and if you still need to contact an adviser, you'll be able to do so
using the online
chat facility or if you want to speak to a human being you can call 0345 454 1111 or if you're
dialling from a
Virgin Media phone 150.
Online Chat opening times are Monday to Friday 7am to 11pm and on the Weekends 8am to 8pm. The call
centre opening
times are Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm, on Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday's 8am to 6pm.
What are the differences between Virgin Media's Wi-Fi routers?
Virgin Media Hub Comparison
Feature
Hub 5x
Hub 5
Hub 4
Hub 3
Super Hub 2ac
Super Hub 2
Launch Year
2023
2021
2019
2016
2015
2013
Wireless Standard
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Network Technology
XGS-PON (Full Fiber)
DOCSIS 3.1
DOCSIS 3.1
DOCSIS 3.0
DOCSIS 3.0
DOCSIS 3.0
Maximum Wired Speed
10 Gbps
2.5 Gbps
1 Gbps
1 Gbps
1 Gbps
1 Gbps
Ethernet Port Configuration
1 x 10 Gbps, 3 x 1 Gbps
1 x 2.5 Gbps, 3 x 1 Gbps
4 x 1 Gbps
4 x 1 Gbps
4 x 1 Gbps
4 x 1 Gbps
Security Features
WPA3 encryption
WPA3 encryption
-
-
-
-
Construction Materials
Recycled plastic
Recycled plastic
-
-
-
-
Intended Usage
Gig2 (multi-gig) broadband
Gig1, Volt, M-series
Gig1, M350, M500
M100, M200, M350
M100, M200, M350
Legacy plans
Which Virgin Media router is best for high-speed internet?
The Hub 5x, released in 2023, is Virgin Media's most advanced router, designed for their full fiber
XGS-PON network. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and offers blistering wired speeds up to 10 Gbps, making it
ideal for multi-gigabit broadband plans like Gig2.
How do the older Virgin Media routers compare to the latest models?
The Hub 4 (2019) and Hub 3 (2016) are older models that support Wi-Fi 5 and offer wired speeds up to
1 Gbps. The Hub 4 is designed for DOCSIS 3.1 networks and is suitable for plans like Gig1, M350, and
M500, while the Hub 3 works with DOCSIS 3.0 networks and is intended for M100, M200, and M350 plans.
The Super Hub 2ac (2015) and Super Hub 2 (2013) are the oldest models in the comparison. The Super
Hub 2ac supports Wi-Fi 5, while the Super Hub 2 only supports Wi-Fi 4. Both models are compatible
with DOCSIS 3.0 networks, offer wired speeds up to 1 Gbps, and are suitable for legacy plans.
What sets the latest Virgin Media routers apart from previous generations?
The Hub 5x and Hub 5 stand out for their use of recycled plastic in their construction and their
enhanced security features, including WPA3 encryption, which is not mentioned for the older models.
These latest routers also support the newest Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster speeds and better
performance compared to the older Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 standards used in previous generations.
What are the main differences between Virgin Media's TV boxes?
Feature
Virgin TV 360
Virgin V6
Virgin Media Stream
Release Year
2020
2017
2022
Type
Set-top box
Set-top box
Streaming device
Storage
1TB
1TB
N/A (Streaming only)
Tuners
6
6
N/A
4K Support
Yes
No
Yes (for third-party apps)
HDR Support
Yes
No
Yes
Voice Control
Yes
Yes
Yes
Apps
Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, etc.
Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, etc.
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc.
Recording
Yes (to internal storage)
Yes (to internal storage)
No (streaming only)
Connectivity
HDMI, Ethernet, USB
HDMI, Ethernet, USB
HDMI, Ethernet
Remote
RF Remote with Voice Control
RF Remote with Voice Control
Voice Remote
Which Virgin Media TV box is best for 4K and HDR content?
The Virgin TV 360, released in 2020, and the Virgin Media Stream, launched in 2022, both support 4K
and HDR content. However, the Virgin V6, released in 2017, is limited to 1080p resolution and does
not offer HDR support. If you're looking for the best viewing experience with 4K and HDR, the Virgin
TV 360 or the Virgin Media Stream are the top choices.
Can I record live TV with all Virgin Media TV boxes?
The Virgin TV 360 and V6 are traditional set-top boxes with built-in storage for recording live TV.
Both devices come with 1TB of storage and six tuners, allowing you to record multiple channels
simultaneously. On the other hand, the Virgin Media Stream is a streaming device without recording
capabilities, designed for users who primarily watch content from streaming apps and services.
Which Virgin Media TV box is the most future-proof?
The Virgin TV 360, released in 2020, is the newest and most advanced model among Virgin Media's TV
boxes. It offers 4K and HDR support, voice control, and modern connectivity options like HDMI,
Ethernet, and USB. With its up-to-date features and technology, the Virgin TV 360 is the most
future-proof choice for customers looking to invest in a TV box that will remain relevant for years
to come.
Name: Virgin Media
Parent Company: Liberty Global Plc
Operated in Regions: UK & Ireland
Plans offer: Broadband, Digital TV, Landline, Mobile
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