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).
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 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.
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 deal offers 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.
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 and BT Sports can be added to the basic package at an additional cost or alternatively, they are already included in the largest package.
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 Virgin Media 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 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.
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.
For customers requiring brand new Virgin Media line, the usual wait time it's around 14 days, and the engineer will install the line and have it up and ready between 30minutes to 2 hours.
What are the advantages of a Virgin Media Router?
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.
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”.
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.
