Broadband packages

*O2 sim: Each year your O2 mobile Airtime Plan will be increased by the Retail Price Index (RPI) rate of inflation announced in February plus 3.9%. If RPI is negative, we’ll only apply the 3.9%. You’ll see this increase on your April 2022 O2 bill onwards. Since this increase is provided for within your agreement, you will not be able to leave without paying an early termination fee as a result. See O2 Prices.

There are many types of broadband available on the market today. Each comes with its own degree of speed and connectivity. At Virgin Media, we focus on giving customers fast, reliable speeds with our superfast fibre broadband. Make sure you check for broadband availability in your area.

You can learn more about the different broadband types below:

ADSL broadband

When broadband first became available, most if not all packages required a copper landline in order to operate. This type of connection is referred to as ADSL, or ‘Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line’ broadband. It uses traditional phone lines to connect the provider’s broadband or telephone exchange directly to your home. ADSL is still one of the most commonly available broadband connections in the UK. It is, however, generally slower than other options, like fibre-optic.

Cable broadband packages

You can also get cable broadband packages which give you faster average download speeds than ADSL broadband. This type of connection uses fibre-optic lines from the exchange to the street cabinet.

Then from the cabinet to your home, the engineer will use the broadband provider’s own coaxial cable so that you can get online. Although you’ll get fast speeds with these packages, they won’t be as fast as full fibre broadband.

Fibre broadband packages

Fibre broadband is one of the faster options available on the market today. It can generally deliver quicker broadband speeds than ADSL thanks to the latest fibre-optic technology (light signals, not radio frequency) being used to transmit data into your home. This gives fibre an edge over ADSL’s copper wires, as it can transfer a lot more data in a shorter amount of time. With Virgin Media, you’re guaranteed a fibre broadband package as standard. We have our own, separate fibre infrastructure. The vast majority of our network uses fibre-optic cables from the exchange to your street cabinet, then a superfast coax cable into your home.

Mobile broadband packages

Unlike the other broadband connections, mobile broadband doesn’t rely on fixed-line cables to deliver an internet connection. Instead, it uses 3G, 4G and 5G mobile phone networks. It’s a workable alternative if you don’t have access to fibre broadband, but still need a fast connection in your home. You can even use it when you’re on the move.

Virgin Media offers flexible mobile broadband packages in the form of 30-day rolling plans or 12-month contracts. They come equipped with 4G WiFi, shared internet access and a set of parental controls.

When choosing the right broadband package for your household, it’s important to consider a range of factors. These can include:

• Cost. This might be one of the most important factors. Your broadband package should be cost-effective and include extras or perks you’ll use. Check out our packages above to see what works best for you.
  
  
• Speed. Download speeds will affect your overall experience online. Therefore, it’s important to know what broadband speeds are, and what you can get in your area. Learn more about our relative speeds and usage below.
  
  
• Availability. Before you get your hopes up, be certain you can get the services you want, where you live. Check for availability using our broadband postcode checker.
  
  
• Type of connection. As mentioned, there are a range of broadband connection types in the UK. Whilst ADSL is still widely available, fibre broadband is quickly becoming the most popular thanks to its generally faster speeds. Virgin Media offers a fibre connection as standard. Be sure to check whether it’s available in your area.
  
  
• Equipment. You may need equipment installed before you can start using our internet services. At Virgin Media, our team will keep you informed every step of the way. If you do require equipment installation, we will send out an engineer to get you set up.
  
  
• Contract length. Most of our broadband packages come with 18 month contracts. We do, however, offer 30-day rolling contracts and 12 month options for added flexibility.
  
  
• Support. If something goes wrong, you want to know that your provider is easily contactable. With Virgin Media, our team is always on hand to help you with connection problems and any other issues you may face.
  
  
• Usage limits. If you’re a frequent internet user, you won’t want to be on a restrictive allowance. Virgin Media provides unlimited broadband packages to all users, letting you enjoy being online the way you want to.
  
  
• Bundling options. Combining broadband with landline and TV services means you can get everything you want in one bundle. This is often easier to manage and can be more cost effective than getting everything from separate providers. It is, however, important to consider your usage needs first – then shop accordingly.

The best way to find a broadband, TV and phone deal is to compare every broadband package in one place.

We’ve already touched on what factors to consider when choosing the best bundle. Namely, you should consider deals based on their relative speed, download allowance, availability, contract length, price and technical support.

Whilst it’s important to compare broadband packages, you should also consider what’s currently available in your area. You can use our broadband postcode checker to see exactly what you can get where you live.

*99.88% average network uptime (based on measurements from customer routers across the Virgin Media network. December 2019 - December 2020). For more details, see here.