Virgin Media Gig1 Review
Everything You Need to Know
Comprehensive Gig1 Guide
Virgin Media Gig1 Broadband has deals with speeds from 1,130Mbps download / 104Mbps upload speed. It's 25.6% faster than BT (29.4% slower than EE 1.6Gbps) and comes with a Hub 5 (WiFi 6) router, 60% UK coverage (so a good chance you'll get it), and 99.88% uptime. But at £31.99/mo is it worth it? Our comprehensive review below covers this, along with various bundles to suit every need.
Gig1 Takeaways
1,130Mbps average download speeds (25.6% faster than BT Full Fibre 900, but 29.4% slower than EE's 1.6Gbps). Upload speeds of 104Mbps standard, or add £5/month for symmetrical 1Gbps uploads.
From £31.99/month on 18-24 month contracts. Annual price rises of RPI + 3.9% each April. Out-of-contract pricing jumps to £92-102/month so always renegotiate.
Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 included (800-900Mbps over WiFi in testing). Supports 100 devices, mesh-ready with WiFi Pods for up to 6,000 sq ft. 30Mbps WiFi Guarantee or £100 credit.
Volt bundle benefits worth £38/month (£692 over contract) when combined with O2: free speed boost, double mobile data, enhanced roaming. Coverage: 60% of UK homes via HFC/DOCSIS 3.1 network.
99.88% network uptime (Opensignal rates Virgin most reliable UK provider). Customer service: 12-14 complaints per 100k vs Sky (5) and EE (9). Automatic Ofcom compensation scheme.
Gaming: 10-20ms latency, 80GB game downloads in ~10 minutes. EE offers Wi-Fi 7 routers and Game Mode for serious gamers. Community Fibre (3Gbps/£49) and Hyperoptic (1Gbps symmetrical/£35) are alternatives where available.
Gig1 Takeaways
1,130Mbps average download speeds (25.6% faster than BT Full Fibre 900, but 29.4% slower than EE's 1.6Gbps). Upload speeds of 104Mbps standard, or add £5/month for symmetrical 1Gbps uploads.
From £31.99/month on 18-24 month contracts. Annual price rises of RPI + 3.9% each April. Out-of-contract pricing jumps to £92-102/month so always renegotiate.
Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 included (800-900Mbps over WiFi in testing). Supports 100 devices, mesh-ready with WiFi Pods for up to 6,000 sq ft. 30Mbps WiFi Guarantee or £100 credit.
Volt bundle benefits worth £38/month (£692 over contract) when combined with O2: free speed boost, double mobile data, enhanced roaming. Coverage: 60% of UK homes via HFC/DOCSIS 3.1 network.
99.88% network uptime (Opensignal rates Virgin most reliable UK provider). Customer service: 12-14 complaints per 100k vs Sky (5) and EE (9). Automatic Ofcom compensation scheme.
Gaming: 10-20ms latency, 80GB game downloads in ~10 minutes. EE offers Wi-Fi 7 routers and Game Mode for serious gamers. Community Fibre (3Gbps/£49) and Hyperoptic (1Gbps symmetrical/£35) are alternatives where available.
📑 Page Contents
Is Gig1 Worth It?
At £31.99/month, Virgin Media Gig1 delivers the UK's best value gigabit broadband -25.6% faster than BT at a lower price. Here's what you need to know.
1,130 Mbps
Average Download Speed
25.6% faster than BT Full Fibre 900
£31.99
Current Price
Lowest price in Gig1 history
99.88%
Network Uptime
Opensignal: most reliable UK provider
Quick Value Assessment
Best for: Households with 5+ heavy users, gamers wanting fast downloads (~10 min for 80GB games), remote workers, smart home enthusiasts, and 4K streamers on multiple screens.
Key benefit: At £31.99, you get faster speeds than BT (£44.99) and EE (£44.99) while paying less. The Hub 5 WiFi 6 router and WiFi Guarantee are included free.
Watch out for: Annual RPI + 3.9% price rises each April (~£4-8 increase). Out-of-contract pricing jumps to £92-102/month -always renegotiate.
Alternatives: EE offers WiFi 7 routers and 1.6Gbps speeds. Hyperoptic offers symmetrical 1Gbps uploads if that matters for your work.
Gig1 Pricing History & Timeline
Understanding Gig1's price fluctuations helps you decide if now is the right time to sign up. At £31.99/month, this is the lowest Gig1 has ever been.
The Best Value in Gig1 History
As recently as September 2024, Gig1 was priced at £40.99/month. The price has fluctuated throughout 2025 -dropping to £36.99 in April, rising back to £39.99 in May, then settling at £37.99 through summer before dropping to £36.99 in October.
The current £31.99/month represents a 22% reduction compared to September 2024 pricing -making now an excellent time to lock in gigabit speeds. The 18-month contract secures this rate, protecting you from market fluctuations during that period.
This aggressive pricing positions Gig1 as the UK's best value gigabit package, undercutting BT Full Fibre 900 (£44.99/mo) and EE Full Fibre 900 (£44.99/mo) by £13/month.
Price Timeline Summary
What About Future Price Increases?
Like all major UK broadband providers, Virgin Media applies annual price increases each April (RPI + 3.9%). Budget for £4-8 annual increases. Even with these increases, Gig1 remains competitively priced.
Even accounting for these increases, your average monthly cost over 18-24 months works out to approximately £35 -still significantly below historical pricing and competitive with slower packages from other providers.
The key is to avoid out-of-contract pricing. At £92-102/month, staying beyond your contract without re-negotiating is costly. We recommend setting a calendar reminder for month 16 to either negotiate a new deal or explore alternatives. Haggling at renewal can secure £5-15 monthly discounts.
Virgin Media Gig1 Packages
Filter by type, price, and sort to find your perfect Gig1 deal
Showing 11 of 11 deals
M500 Fibre Broadband
Average 516 Mbps
516 Mbps
52 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig1 Fibre Broadband
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig1 Full Fibre + Netflix
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
24 month contract
Gig1 + Flex TV
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig1 Fibre + Phone
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig1 + 10GB O2 SIM (Volt)
Average 1130 Mbps
1362 Mbps
104 Mbps
24 month contract
Gig1 + Unlimited O2 SIM (Volt)
Average 1130 Mbps
1362 Mbps
104 Mbps
24 month contract
Gig2 Fibre Broadband + Netflix
Average 2000 Mbps
2000 Mbps
200 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig1 + Flex TV + Sky Sports
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
18 month contract
Gig1 Sport + Cinema + Netflix + O2
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
18 month contract
Max Volt
Average 1130 Mbps
1130 Mbps
104 Mbps
18 month contract
Current Offers & Bill Credits
Virgin Media frequently offers bill credits that significantly reduce your effective monthly cost. Here's how to calculate what you'll actually pay.
£140 Bill Credit
Current promotion for new customers
Credit typically applied across first 4-5 months, meaning no charge for early bills
Your Effective Monthly Cost
* Before RPI + 3.9% April price rises
Price Projection Timeline
* Based on RPI + 3.9%. Actual rises vary.
How Bill Credits Work
Bill credits are applied automatically to your first few months. With a £140 credit, you effectively pay nothing for months 1-4, with month 5 partially reduced.
This means your effective cost over 18 months is £24.21/month -significantly below the headline price and competitive with slower packages from other providers.
Important: Bill credits don't reduce the base rate for price rise calculations. April increases are calculated on £31.99, not your effective rate.
Always check the current promotion on Virgin Media's website as offers change frequently. The £140 credit was active as of December 2025.
What Do You Get With Gig1 for £31.99/month?
Virgin Media's Gig1 Fibre Broadband is one of the UK's fastest broadband experiences, with average download speeds of 1130 Mbps and upload speeds of 104 Mbps (upgradeable to symmetrical 1Gbps for £5/month extra). It's 25.6% faster than BT's Full Fibre 900 and is only surpassed by Virgin Media's Gig2 fibre and EE's 1.6Gbps packages.
The Gig1 package is ideal for ultra-high performance levels for UHD streaming, online gaming (10-20ms typical latency), and managing comprehensive smart home systems. Priced at £31.99/month, Gig1 undercuts both BT and EE while delivering faster speeds.
The Gig1 package includes the Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 technology, supporting up to 100 simultaneous device connections. With optional WiFi Pods, coverage extends up to 6,000 sq ft. Note: EE now offers Wi-Fi 7 routers as standard on all Full Fibre plans.
Subscribers enjoy the WiFi Guarantee (30Mbps minimum in every room or £100 credit). With £0 setup and 18-24 month contracts, customers can experience gigabit broadband across Virgin Media's network covering approximately 60% of UK homes.
Virgin Media's Gig1 offers speeds 16 times faster than the UK average and the reliability to match, with 99.88% average network uptime. Opensignal rates Virgin as the UK's most reliable provider for connection stability.
For O2 mobile customers, the Volt bundle adds approximately £38/month in value (£692 over a contract): free speed boost to the next tier, double mobile data, and enhanced roaming benefits.
Important: Annual price increases of RPI + 3.9% apply each April. Out-of-contract pricing jumps to £92-102/month -always renegotiate before contract end.
How Fast Is Gig1 Compared to What You Have Now?
Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband has an average download speed of 1,130 Mbps -that's Virgin Media 1GB broadband that's approximately 16 times faster than the UK's average. To put things in perspective, Gig1 is 230 Mbps faster than Hyperoptic and Gigaclear, which offer 900 Mbps but position their packages as 1 Gbps broadband.
While Gig1 is technically Virgin's 2nd fastest option now (behind Gig2), it offers speeds most households would find more than sufficient. At £31.99/month, the price makes Gig1 fibre broadband Virgin's best value gigabit option.
The package includes the Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 technology for reliable wireless coverage. Additionally, Virgin Media offers a WiFi guarantee with WiFi Max -promising download speeds of at least 30 Mbps in every room, or customers receive a £100 bill credit. See our full Virgin Media broadband guide for more details.
How Fast Is Your Current Broadband?
Compare your speed to Gig1's blazing 1130 Mbps
Compare Your Speed to Gig1
See how Gig1's 1130 Mbps compares to your current broadband
Download Times
4K Movie
25GB
You: 1h 8m
Gig1: 3m 1s
AAA Game
80GB
You: 3h 38m
Gig1: 9m 40s
Photo Album
1GB
You: 2m 44s
Gig1: 7s
What You Can Do
4K Streams
You: 2
Gig1: 45
HD Video Calls
You: 10
Gig1: 226
Connected Devices
You: 10
Gig1: 226
Gig1: 1130 Mbps avg. Speed test powered by Cloudflare.
What Can You Actually Do With 1130Mbps?
Gig1's speeds sound impressive, but what does 1130Mbps actually mean for your daily usage? Here's a practical breakdown.
Download a 50GB game
Under 6 minutes
Download a 4K movie (20GB)
About 2.5 minutes
Download 100 songs
Under 10 seconds
Upload a 10GB video
About 13 minutes
Stream 4K Netflix
16 streams simultaneously
Video call (HD)
100+ calls at once
Smart home devices
200+ connected
Online gaming
<10ms latency typical
Based on 1130 Mbps download / 104 Mbps upload speeds. Real-world performance may vary based on device capability and network conditions.
What Extras Come With Your Gig1 Subscription?
Available for new customers at an introductory price of £31.99 per month, Gig1 Fibre Broadband offers exceptional value with no setup fees and an 18-month contract that secures your rate for the duration.
After the initial 18 months, the monthly price adjusts to £78 per month, reflecting the Retail Price Index rate of inflation plus 3.9%.
Gig1 Fibre Broadband Virgin comes equipped with the latest Virgin Media WiFi Hub, featuring Intelligent WiFi technology, ensuring optimal performance across all your devices. Compare this with Sky Broadband or BT Broadband alternatives.
The WiFi Max guarantee promises download speeds of at least 30 Mbps in every room, or you receive a £100 bill credit. It also includes up to 3 WiFi Pods at no extra cost to enhance your home network coverage.
*The monthly price will increase each April from April 2025 by the Retail Price Index rate of inflation announced in February each year, plus 3.9%. Terms and conditions apply.
What Are the Full Gig1 Contract Terms?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Price | £31.99 |
| Setup Cost | Free (usually £35) |
| Minimum Contract Term | 18 months |
| Out of Contract Price | £78 after 18 months |
| Annual Price Increase | RPI + 3.9% from April 2025 |
| Average Download Speed | 1130Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 104Mbps (1130Mbps in select areas) |
| Usage Allowance | Unlimited |
| Router | Hub 5 (WiFi 6 enabled) |
| WiFi Guarantee | 30Mbps in every room (WiFi Max) |
| Parental Controls | Virgin Media Web Safe |
| Home Phone | Optional |
| Anytime Calls Package | £10/month (includes UK mobiles) |
| TV Options | Optional: TV 360 or Stream |
| Static IP | Available for £5/month |
| Security Software | F-Secure SAFE (free for 12 months, then £3/month) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 UK-based support |
| Installation | Professional installation included |
| Volt Benefits | Available when bundled with O2 mobile |
| Early Termination Fee | Varies based on remaining contract length |
Do You Actually Need Gigabit Speeds?
Most people don't. Here's who genuinely benefits from 1130 Mbps (and who's wasting money on it).
Full Homes with Multiple Users
Gig1 Fibre Broadband is perfect for households where multiple people are online simultaneously. Whether you have teenagers gaming, parents on video calls, and kids streaming cartoons -all at the same time -Gig1's 1130 Mbps handles it effortlessly without anyone experiencing lag or buffering.
Gamers & Streamers
If you're serious about gaming, Virgin Gig1 means downloading massive game updates in minutes rather than hours. Livestream your gameplay in 4K while others in your household use the internet normally. The 104 Mbps upload speed supports quality streaming without compromising game performance.
Smart Home Enthusiasts
Modern smart homes connect dozens of devices -from security cameras and doorbells to smart speakers, thermostats, and lighting systems. Gig1 fibre broadband has the bandwidth headroom to power all these devices while maintaining fast connections for your primary devices like laptops, phones, and TVs.
Remote Workers & Professionals
Working from home demands reliable, fast internet for video conferences, cloud-based applications, and large file transfers. Virgin Media 1GB broadband ensures you can attend HD video calls while uploading presentations and collaborating on documents -even if others are using the connection for entertainment.
4K & 8K Streaming Households
If you stream Ultra HD content on multiple screens, Gig1 provides the bandwidth for everyone to watch in top quality simultaneously. 4K streaming typically requires 25 Mbps per stream -with 1130 Mbps, you could theoretically run 45 simultaneous 4K streams, making Gig1 Virgin Media completely future-proof for entertainment.
Future-Proofers
Technology advances rapidly -8K streaming, VR gaming, and AR applications will demand more bandwidth. Choosing Gig1 fibre broadband today means you're ready for tomorrow's internet demands without needing to upgrade your connection as new technologies emerge and become mainstream.
What Are the Honest Downsides of Gig1?
Pros
- Very high average download speed (1130 Mbps).
- One of the fastest *widely available* UK broadband options.
- Competitive introductory price (£31.99/month).
- Includes advanced Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 technology.
- Free WiFi Max guarantee (ensures 30 Mbps in every room).
- Unlimited usage and typically free setup for new customers.
- Flexibility to add TV (TV 360/Stream) and phone services.
- Includes Virgin Media Web Safe parental controls.
- Potential for Volt benefits when bundled with an O2 mobile plan.
Cons
- Upload speed (104 Mbps) isn't symmetrical as standard like some full-fibre rivals.
- Significant price increase after the 18-month contract (to £78/month).
- Subject to annual price rises (RPI + 3.9% from April 2025 onwards).
- Minimum 18-month contract term commitment.
- Latency might be slightly higher in areas using coaxial cable vs full fibre.
Note: Data as of December 2025. Details pertain to the Virgin Media Gig1 package. Check provider websites for current offers and availability.
Get Gig1 if...
- You have 5+ heavy internet users or 20+ connected devices
- You download large games/files and hate waiting
- You work from home with video calls + cloud uploads
- You want future-proof speeds for 8K streaming and smart home expansion
- Full fibre (FTTP) isn't available in your area -Virgin's network might be
Skip Gig1 if...
- You're a 1-2 person household with basic browsing needs
- You need symmetrical upload speeds (try Hyperoptic or Community Fibre)
- You can't commit to 18 months -shorter contracts exist elsewhere
- The post-contract price jump (to £78/mo) concerns you
- Customer service is a top priority -other providers score better on Ofcom
Features & Benefits of Gig1 Fibre Broadband
At its core, Gig1 delivers an exceptional average download speed of 1130Mbps during peak times, paired with an average upload speed of 104Mbps. According to Ofcom research, this far exceeds the UK's average broadband speed.
Such a dramatic speed advantage means that Virgin Media 1GB broadband can handle multiple high-bandwidth tasks simultaneously -perfect for households with numerous connected devices or heavy internet usage.
One standout feature is the inclusion of Virgin Media's WiFi Guarantee with WiFi Max, which promises at least 30Mbps in every room or a £100 credit on your next bill. This reflects Virgin Media's commitment to delivering consistent, whole-home WiFi performance.
Security and ease are also built in. All Gig1 fibre broadband packages come with Virgin Media Web Safe, including both Virus Safe and Child Safe tools, to help protect your devices and family online.
For those on an eligible O2 Pay Monthly tariff, Virgin Volt Gig1 broadband delivers even more value -including a free broadband speed boost to the next tier (if available), double mobile data, and other perks showcasing the power of the Virgin Media and O2 merger.
Gig1 is also available as part of various bundles that combine broadband with TV and phone services. One of the most comprehensive options is the Mega Volt bundle, which includes Gig1 broadband, a full TV package, an unlimited O2 SIM, and more.
Every Virgin Gig1 deal comes with unlimited data usage, so you can stream, download, and game to your heart's content without worrying about data caps. Virgin Media claims Gig1 fibre broadband is ready for 8K streaming, cloud gaming, and virtual reality -future-ready and built for what's next.
With a reported network uptime of 99.91%, Virgin Media Gig1 is designed for consistent, dependable service. Explore more options in our broadband deals comparison.
Gigabit Speed for Modern Homes
Virgin Media Gig1 delivers true gigabit speeds with an average download of 1130 Mbps. Perfect for households with multiple heavy users, 4K streaming on every screen, and demanding online gaming.
With 104 Mbps upload speeds and the latest Hub 5 router included, Gig1 provides the bandwidth headroom for even the most connected smart homes.
Choosing the Right Broadband Speed: Do You Need Gig1?
Different households require different broadband speeds depending on the number of residents and their internet usage. Understanding your actual needs helps you choose the most cost-effective package without compromising on performance.
Understanding Bandwidth Requirements
A faster broadband connection makes all the difference when it comes to working from home, taking video calls, streaming your favourite shows, and playing online games. However, not everyone needs Virgin Media 1GB broadband -understanding your actual usage helps you make the right choice.
Consider your household's typical activities: a single person who primarily browses the web and streams occasionally might find M125 (132 Mbps) perfectly adequate. However, a family of five with multiple devices streaming 4K content, gaming online, and working from home simultaneously would benefit significantly from Gig1 Fibre Broadband's 1130 Mbps capacity.
The key consideration is concurrent usage. While 4K streaming requires approximately 25 Mbps per stream, having multiple streams alongside gaming sessions, video calls, and smart home devices quickly adds up. Virgin Gig1 provides substantial headroom for busy households.
Bandwidth by Activity
Note: These are per-stream/device requirements. Multiply by concurrent users/devices for total household needs.
1-2 users, basic activities
If your household primarily uses the internet for browsing, email, and occasional streaming, you may not need gigabit speeds. Virgin Media's M125 (132 Mbps) or M250 (264 Mbps) packages offer excellent value for lighter usage patterns.
Recommended: M125 or M250
3-4 users, regular streaming
Households with multiple people streaming HD content, working from home occasionally, and gaming can benefit from M350 (362 Mbps) or M500 (516 Mbps). These speeds handle most concurrent activities without strain.
Recommended: M350 or M500
5+ users, 4K everywhere
Large families, tech enthusiasts, content creators, or anyone with numerous smart home devices should consider Gig1 Fibre Broadband. The 1130 Mbps capacity ensures everyone can use the internet at full speed simultaneously.
Recommended: Gig1 or Gig2
Gig1 Pricing Explained: What Will You Actually Pay?
Understanding broadband pricing involves more than just the headline monthly cost. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of what Virgin Media Gig1 actually costs over your contract period and beyond.
Monthly Pricing Structure
Gig1 Fibre Broadband is currently available from £29.99 per month for new customers on an 18-month contract. This introductory price represents excellent value for gigabit broadband -comparable to or cheaper than many competitors offering slower speeds.
When comparing broadband deals, consider the total cost over the contract period. At £29.99/month for 18 months, the total contract cost for Gig1 is approximately £540 before any promotional credits or bill credits are applied.
Virgin Media often includes incentives such as bill credits (currently £75) for new customers, further reducing the effective monthly cost. These promotions vary, so checking current offers is essential when signing up.
Annual Price Increases
Like most UK broadband providers, Virgin Media applies annual price increases each April. From April 2025, prices will increase by the Retail Price Index (RPI) rate of inflation announced in February each year, plus 3.9%.
This means your Gig1 fibre broadband price may increase during your contract period. While this is standard industry practice, it's important to budget for potential increases. If RPI is 4%, for example, you'd see an approximate 7.9% price increase.
Virgin Media notifies customers of price changes in advance, and you typically have a window to cancel without penalty if you don't accept the new pricing, though this varies by contract terms.
Out-of-Contract Pricing
After your 18-month minimum term ends, Virgin Media Gig1 rolls onto out-of-contract pricing, currently £92 per month. This significant price increase is designed to encourage customers to re-contract for a new deal.
We strongly recommend contacting Virgin Media before your contract ends to negotiate a new deal. Existing customers can often secure pricing comparable to new customer offers, especially if they mention competitive alternatives.
Alternatively, use the out-of-contract period as an opportunity to compare other providers. Since you're no longer committed, you can switch freely to whichever provider offers the best value for your needs.
Setup Costs & Equipment
Current Gig1 Fibre Broadband promotions include no setup fee -normally £35. QuickStart self-installation is free where your property has been previously connected to Virgin Media. If you can use QuickStart but prefer engineer installation, there's a £30 charge.
The Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 technology is included at no extra cost. WiFi Max is also included free with Gig1 packages -this would normally cost £8/month on lower-tier packages -adding further value to the gigabit option.
Remember that Virgin Media equipment remains the property of Virgin Media. If you leave, you'll need to return the Hub and any WiFi Pods provided. Failure to return equipment may result in charges.
Early Termination Fees
If you need to cancel your Virgin Gig1 contract before the minimum term ends -including if you move to an area without Virgin Media coverage -you may face early disconnection fees. These are calculated based on your remaining contract length and the services you're cancelling. Virgin Media provides a calculator to estimate these fees before you commit.
Volt Benefits Explained: Supercharge Your Gig1
Virgin Volt Gig1 broadband combines your Virgin Media broadband with an O2 mobile plan to unlock exclusive benefits at no extra cost. Here's everything you need to know about Volt.
Broadband Speed Boost
When you become a Volt customer, Virgin Media boosts your broadband to the next available speed tier at no extra cost. For Gig1 customers, this means potential speeds up to 1362 Mbps -Virgin Media's maximum non-Gig2 speed.
The speed boost applies automatically once both your Virgin Media broadband and O2 mobile services are active. You don't need to do anything extra -the increased speed is simply enabled on your account.
Double Mobile Data
All eligible O2 Pay Monthly SIMs in your household receive double their data allowance. A 10GB O2 plan becomes 20GB, a 30GB plan becomes 60GB -at no additional cost.
This benefit applies to multiple SIMs registered to the same household, making Volt particularly valuable for families with several mobile users. If you already have unlimited data, you maintain unlimited data with no change needed.
WiFi Max Included
Volt customers receive Virgin Media's WiFi Max service at no extra cost -normally £8/month for non-Volt customers on lower tiers. This includes the WiFi Guarantee promising 30 Mbps in every room.
If WiFi Max can't achieve the guaranteed speeds, Virgin Media will provide up to 3 WiFi Pods to boost your signal. If that still doesn't achieve the target, you receive a £100 bill credit.
International Roaming Benefits
Volt customers enjoy enhanced roaming benefits when travelling. Your UK minutes, texts, and data allowances apply in O2's Europe Zone (covering 47 destinations). If your UK monthly data allowance exceeds 25GB, you'll have a roaming limit of 25GB in the Europe Zone.
For destinations outside Europe, O2 Plus and Ultimate plan customers receive access to the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone, which includes unlimited minutes, texts, and data roaming in 27 additional destinations (data speed capped at 2Mbps).
This makes Virgin Volt Gig1 broadband particularly attractive for households with members who travel frequently, providing significant savings on international roaming charges.
O2 Priority Access
All Volt customers gain access to O2 Priority -O2's exclusive rewards programme. Priority offers access to exclusive experiences, presale tickets for concerts and events, and regular treats from partner brands.
Priority benefits are available through the Priority app and include everything from free hot drinks to early access to sold-out gigs. New offers appear weekly, and the variety ranges from entertainment to dining to shopping discounts.
While Priority was previously O2-exclusive, the Virgin Media O2 merger means broadband customers now access these perks too -another reason Gig1 fibre broadband with Volt represents excellent overall value.
How to Activate Volt Benefits
To unlock Volt benefits, you need both an eligible Virgin Media broadband package (M50 or higher) and an eligible O2 Pay Monthly mobile plan. The services must be registered to the same household address.
Existing customers can link their services through My Virgin Media or My O2 accounts. Benefits typically activate within 14 days of linking the accounts. New customers signing up for both services simultaneously will have Volt benefits applied automatically after installation.
Is Gig1 Fibre Broadband Good for Working From Home?
With remote and hybrid working now standard for millions of UK workers, having reliable, fast broadband is essential for productivity. Here's why Virgin Media Gig1 excels for home workers.
Video Conferencing Without Interruption
HD video calls typically require 3-4 Mbps for a stable connection. With Gig1's 1130 Mbps download and 104 Mbps upload, you can join multiple video conferences simultaneously without quality degradation -even when family members are streaming, gaming, or on their own calls.
The upload speed is particularly important for video calls, as it determines the quality others see when viewing your camera feed. Gig1 fibre broadband provides 5x faster uploads than the UK average, ensuring crisp, professional video quality.
Cloud Applications & Large File Transfers
Modern businesses rely on cloud-based tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and industry-specific applications. Virgin Gig1 ensures these services load instantly and sync without delays.
Uploading large presentations, design files, or video content to cloud storage becomes effortless. A 1GB file that would take over 2 minutes on standard broadband uploads in under 80 seconds with Gig1 fibre broadband Virgin.
HomeWorks Add-On for Remote Workers
Virgin Media offers HomeWorks as an optional add-on for Gig1 customers who work from home. This includes award-winning internet security software and priority tech support during working hours. It's designed specifically for professional use, though it doesn't cover commercial premises -just residential home working.
VPN & Remote Desktop Performance
Many remote workers connect to corporate networks via VPN or use remote desktop applications to access office computers. These tools require consistent, low-latency connections that don't throttle during peak usage.
Virgin Media 1GB broadband provides the stable, high-capacity connection needed for seamless remote access. The low latency (typically 10-20ms) ensures responsive interactions with remote systems, making it feel like you're working locally.
Work-Life Balance with Shared Connections
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is sharing bandwidth with family members. Children attending online classes, partners on their own work calls, or entertainment streaming can all compete for bandwidth.
With Gig1 Virgin Media, there's enough bandwidth for everyone. You won't need to ask family members to pause their activities during important meetings -the 1130 Mbps capacity handles concurrent high-bandwidth activities effortlessly.
99.88% Network Uptime
Reliability matters when your livelihood depends on your internet connection. Virgin Media reports 99.88% average network uptime based on Hub measurements from January to June 2025. This translates to less than 10 minutes of downtime per month on average -crucial for maintaining productivity and meeting deadlines.
WiFi Guarantee with WiFi Max
Virgin Media takes home broadband to the next level with its WiFi Guarantee, part of the WiFi Max service, ensuring every room in your house enjoys fast and reliable WiFi. This groundbreaking offering is integral to Virgin Media's Gig1 Fibre Broadband and select Volt packages, promising at least 30 Mbps download speeds in every corner of your home.
If this standard isn't met, Virgin Media steps up with an extraordinary commitment: the provision of up to three signal-boosting mesh WiFi Pods at no additional cost, or a £100 credit if the desired connectivity isn't achieved.
The WiFi Max service, available for M50 broadband packages and above, is designed to adapt to your home's unique layout and internet demands, utilising Intelligent WiFi technology to optimise channel usage and steer devices towards the stronger 5 GHz band for improved performance. For Gig1 and Volt subscribers, this service is included without extra charges.
Unleash the Future of Home Entertainment with Gig1
Bring on all your screens, games consoles, sound systems, VR headsets, and smart home devices. Gig1 Fibre Broadband download speeds can power it all, at the same time, helping you manage your entertainment like never before.
Ready for 8K Streaming
Plenty fast enough for 8K streaming, cloud gaming, and virtual reality. Gig1 future-proofs your home for the next generation of content.
Ultra HD on Every Screen
Stream 4K content on multiple TVs simultaneously. With Virgin Gig1, everyone watches in top quality without affecting each other.
Gaming & Streaming Combined
Livestream your gameplay while video chatting with your team. Gig1 fibre broadband lets you do more online, all at the same time.
Cloud Gaming Ready
Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW require stable, fast connections. Virgin Media 1GB broadband delivers the performance cloud gaming demands.
VR, AR & Cloud Gaming Bandwidth Requirements
As VR and cloud gaming evolve, bandwidth requirements are increasing. Here's how Gig1 handles current and future technologies:
| Technology | Bandwidth Needed | Gig1 Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Meta Quest 3 (standalone VR) | 50-100 Mbps | ✓ Excellent |
| PC VR Streaming (Quest Link) | 200-500 Mbps | ✓ Excellent |
| Apple Vision Pro | 100+ Mbps | ✓ Excellent |
| Cloud VR (future 8K stereo) | 500 Mbps - 1 Gbps | ✓ Ready |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | 20-40+ Mbps | ✓ Excellent |
| NVIDIA GeForce NOW (4K) | 45+ Mbps | ✓ Excellent |
| Multi-user VR household | 100+ Mbps per user | ✓ Scalable |
Gig1's 10-20ms latency is critical for motion sickness prevention in VR. Future 8K per-eye displays will require significantly more bandwidth -Gig1 is ready.
Future-Proofing for the Metaverse Era
VR applications and metaverse experiences require consistently high bandwidth with low latency. Whether you're using Meta Quest 3, PlayStation VR2, or Apple Vision Pro, Gig1 Fibre Broadband provides the stable, high-speed connection these immersive experiences demand.
As VR headsets move toward cloud rendering (where processing happens in data centres rather than locally), bandwidth becomes more critical than GPU power. Gig1's 1,130 Mbps is ready for this future.
Multi-Room Entertainment Without Compromise
The days of "buffering" notifications are over with Virgin Gig1. Stream Netflix in 4K in the living room, Disney+ in the bedroom, YouTube on tablets, and music throughout the house -all simultaneously without any device affecting another.
With 1130 Mbps available, you have enough bandwidth for approximately 45 simultaneous 4K streams, ensuring complete household entertainment freedom.
Gig1 for Content Creators & Streamers
If you create content for YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, or other platforms, upload speed matters as much as download. Here's how Gig1 fibre broadband supports creative professionals.
104 Mbps Upload Speed
Virgin Media Gig1's 104 Mbps upload speed is 5x faster than the UK average. This dramatically reduces the time needed to upload video content to platforms.
A 10GB 4K video file uploads in approximately 13 minutes -compared to over an hour on typical broadband connections.
Live Streaming Quality
Streaming to Twitch, YouTube Live, or Facebook Gaming in 1080p at 60fps requires around 6-8 Mbps upload. Gig1 provides over 10x this requirement, ensuring stable streams even when other household members are online.
The consistent connection quality means fewer dropped frames and higher stream reliability -crucial for growing an audience.
Cloud-Based Workflows
Many creators use cloud storage and collaborative tools for project management, backup, and team collaboration. Virgin Gig1 makes syncing large project files to services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Adobe Creative Cloud nearly instantaneous.
Real-time collaboration on video projects becomes practical, even with team members in different locations.
Gig1 Fibre Broadband Review: Is It as Fast as Advertised?
Real-world performance and speed
Beyond the speeds advertised, independent reviews and user feedback across the UK offer a more nuanced picture of the experience Virgin Gig1 delivers. According to ISPreview and other sources, many users do experience download speeds close to the advertised 1130Mbps, enabling ultra-fast activities such as downloading a 4K film in under 30 seconds. However, the upload speed of around 104Mbps is often mentioned as a downside compared to competitors like Hyperoptic offering symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Hub 5 router performance
The included Hub 5 router also scores well in reviews, with tests showing WiFi speeds of up to 850Mbps, even at a reasonable distance from the device. This supports strong, reliable connections throughout the home, maximising the benefit of ultrafast broadband speeds.
Latency and gaming suitability
Reviews suggest 10 -20ms is typical latency -a perfectly acceptable range for most online gaming. However, latency may be slightly higher in areas without full-fibre connectivity than with competing providers using Openreach's full-fibre network.
Independent speed testing results
Real-world speed tests, such as those conducted by Ofcom, consistently show that Virgin Media Gig1 often meets or exceeds its advertised 1.13Gbps download speed -and even outperforms BT's 900Mbps full fibre service in many cases. Before the upgrade to 104Mbps, upload speeds were often measured at around 52Mbps, so this recent enhancement represents a noticeable improvement for Gig1 fibre broadband users.
Our Gig1 Fibre Broadband Review Verdict
Virgin Media Gig1 largely delivers on its speed promises and includes a well-performing router. For households needing 1GB broadband, Gig1 Virgin Media offers excellent value. However, potential customers should weigh the trade-offs around customer service, regional reliability, and value perception when deciding if it's the right fit. Compare with other UK broadband providers to find the best deal.
Virgin Media Gig1 vs. Competitors
How does Virgin Media 1GB broadband compare to other gigabit providers? Our Gig1 fibre broadband review breaks down the key differences. Gig1 is 25.6% faster than BT but 29.4% slower than EE's top 1.6Gbps package.
| Feature | Virgin Gig1 | EE Full Fibre 900 | EE 1.6Gbps | Community Fibre | Hyperoptic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Download Speed | 1,130 Mbps | 900 Mbps | 1,600 Mbps | 3,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps |
| Avg. Upload Speed | 104 Mbps* | 110 Mbps | 120 Mbps | 3,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps |
| Price/Month | From £31.99 | £44.99 | £64.99 | £49 | ~£35 |
| Router Technology | WiFi 6 (Hub 5) | WiFi 7 | WiFi 7 Pro | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Coverage | ~60% UK | ~17M homes | ~17M homes | London only | Select areas |
| Key Features | WiFi Guarantee; Volt benefits; £5 upload boost | 4G/5G backup; £300 switching credit | Game Mode; Xbox Game Pass | No mid-contract rises; symmetrical | Symmetrical; short contracts |
*Gig1 upload upgradeable to 1Gbps symmetrical for £5/month extra. Data as of December 2025. Prices and features may vary.
Is Gig1 Fibre Broadband Good for Gaming?
Gig1 delivers 10-20ms typical latency -excellent for competitive gaming. Most online games consume 3 -25 Mbps, so Gig1's advantage is in download times: an 80GB game downloads in ~10 minutes. For dedicated gaming features like auto-prioritised traffic, EE's Made for Gamers package (£74.99/mo) includes Game Mode and Xbox Game Pass.
Game Download Times: Gig1 vs 100 Mbps
Gig1 Gaming Performance for Popular Titles
Large Families Where Everyone is Online
Whether you have multiple screens streaming Ultra HD videos, various consoles connecting to online gaming servers, or a myriad of smart home devices constantly syncing, Gig1 easily handles it. You no longer have to worry about bandwidth issues when hosting a video call while others in the house are engaged in data-heavy activities. Gig1 Fibre Broadband makes it effortless to manage simultaneous online tasks.
How Many Devices Can Gig1 Support?
Some 900Mbps broadband providers suggest you can connect 100 devices at the same time. Gig1 Fibre Broadband is capable of much faster download speeds, averaging 1130Mbps, and is designed to handle the best smart home devices alongside your laptops and games consoles.
Smart Home Device Categories
Smart Speakers & Hubs
Google Nest, Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod -all connect seamlessly with Virgin Gig1.
Security Systems
Ring doorbells, Nest cameras, Arlo systems -continuous HD video requires stable bandwidth that Gig1 provides.
Smart Lighting & Climate
Philips Hue, Nest Thermostat, smart plugs -Gig1 fibre broadband handles dozens of low-bandwidth IoT devices effortlessly.
Entertainment Devices
Smart TVs, streaming sticks, games consoles -Virgin Media 1GB broadband delivers high-speed connections to all your entertainment systems.
Hub 5 WiFi 6 Technology
The Hub 5 included with Gig1 uses WiFi 6 technology specifically designed to handle multiple concurrent device connections more efficiently than previous WiFi generations.
Key WiFi 6 benefits for busy households include:
- OFDMA technology divides channels for simultaneous device communication
- MU-MIMO streams data to multiple devices at once rather than sequentially
- Target Wake Time reduces power consumption for battery-powered devices
- 1024-QAM encoding increases data capacity by 25% compared to WiFi 5
- Better performance in dense environments with many competing signals
Room to Grow
Gig1 Fibre Broadband has room for you to connect more devices to your home broadband network in future. Our gigabit broadband speeds are designed for smart homes wanting to expand from laptops and tablets to smart TVs, smart hubs, voice-activated speakers, smart security systems, and more -without worrying about bandwidth limitations.
Hub 5 Router: Full Technical Specifications
The Hub 5 is Virgin Media's flagship router, included free with Gig1. Here are the complete technical specifications and real-world performance expectations.
Hub 5 Technical Specifications
Real-World WiFi Performance
Tested speeds at various distances from the Hub 5 router:
When to Add WiFi Pods
- Homes larger than 2,000 sq ft
- Multi-story properties with thick walls
- If WiFi Guarantee test shows under 30Mbps in any room
- Up to 3 pods included free with WiFi Max
The Hub 5 + 3 WiFi Pods can cover homes up to 6,000 sq ft with consistent 30Mbps+ in every room.
Pro Tip: Maximise Hub 5 Performance
For maximum wired speed:
Use the 2.5GbE port with a compatible network adapter. This is the only way to exceed 1Gbps on a wired connection. Standard 1GbE ports cap at ~940Mbps.
For maximum WiFi speed:
Connect to the 5GHz band (not 2.4GHz), stay within 15 feet of the router, and ensure your device supports WiFi 6 for speeds up to 900Mbps over wireless.
How Does Gig1 Compare on Price?
Virgin Media isn't the only provider offering gigabit speeds. Here's how Gig1 stacks up. At £31.99/mo, it's the best value for raw speed, but Community Fibre and Hyperoptic offer symmetrical uploads.
| Provider | Package | Download | Upload | Price/month | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media | Gig1 | 1,130 Mbps | 104 Mbps* | £31.99 | ★★★★☆ |
| Virgin + Upload | Gig1 + Boost | 1,130 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | £35.99 | ★★★★☆ |
| EE | Full Fibre 900 | 900 Mbps | 110 Mbps | £44.99 | ★★★☆☆ |
| EE | Busiest Home | 1,600 Mbps | 120 Mbps | £64.99 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Community Fibre | 3Gbps | 3,000 Mbps | 3,000 Mbps | £49 | ★★★★★ |
| Hyperoptic | 1Gbps | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | ~£35 | ★★★★☆ |
*Gig1 upload upgradeable to symmetrical 1Gbps for £5/month. Community Fibre: London only. Hyperoptic: select urban areas. Prices as of December 2025.
What's Virgin Media's Customer Service Actually Like?
Speed is one thing, but what happens when something goes wrong? Here's the honest picture based on Ofcom complaint data. Virgin Media has historically had above-average complaints compared to Sky and EE.
12-14
Complaints per 100k
vs Sky (5) and EE (9) per 100k
99.88%
Network Uptime
Jan-Jun 2025 (Opensignal: most reliable)
Auto
Compensation Scheme
Ofcom scheme: paid without chasing
Ofcom Broadband Complaints Data (Q3 2024)
| Provider | Complaints per 100k | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Sky | 5 | ↓ Improving |
| EE | 9 | ↔ Stable |
| BT | 10 | ↔ Stable |
| Plusnet | 11 | ↑ Worsening |
| Virgin Media | 12-14 | ↔ Stable |
| TalkTalk | 15 | ↔ Stable |
| Vodafone | 16 | ↑ Worsening |
Automatic Compensation Scheme Rates
Virgin Media participates in Ofcom's Automatic Compensation Scheme. You receive compensation automatically -no need to chase:
£9.33
per day for loss of service
£6.21
per day for delayed installation
£6.21
for each missed appointment
The honest truth about Virgin Media support:
- +Automatic compensation scheme: Paid automatically for service failures without chasing
- +Network reliability: Opensignal rates Virgin as most reliable UK provider (99.88% uptime)
- -Above-average complaints: 12-14 per 100k customers vs Sky (5) and EE (9)
- -Cancellation difficulties: 30% longer wait times reported vs some competitors
- -Installation delays: Approximately 14% of customers report issues
- ~If customer service is paramount, Sky or EE may suit better
Source: Ofcom Telecoms Complaints Data. Uptime data as of December 2025.
Less Costly Alternatives to Gig1 for Large Households
Not sure if you need Virgin Media 1GB broadband? Gig1 offers the ultimate performance, but Virgin Media has several other excellent options that might suit your household better -and save you money.
516 Mbps
7x faster than UK average
M500 Fibre Broadband averages a download speed of 516Mbps -perfect for households with heavy streaming and gaming needs who don't require the absolute fastest speeds.
View M500 Deals362 Mbps
5x faster than UK average
M350 Fibre Broadband should be plenty for online gaming and Netflix, even if you watch and stream your movies and shows in HD or 4K across multiple screens.
View M350 Deals264 Mbps
4x faster than UK average
M250 Fibre Broadband offers excellent value for medium-sized households who stream regularly but don't have extreme bandwidth demands.
View M250 Deals2200 Mbps
32x faster than UK average
Want even faster? Gig2 Fibre Broadband offers 2200Mbps with symmetrical upload speeds -perfect for power users, content creators, and tech enthusiasts.
View Gig2 DealsVirgin Media M500 (avg 516Mbps) vs UK average speed 8-10pm (67.7Mbps), based on Ofcom UK Home Broadband Performance Report.
What If Virgin Media Isn't Available in My Area?
Virgin Media covers about 55% of UK homes. If you can't get Gig1, here are the best gigabit alternatives to consider.
BT Full Fibre 900
900 Mbps / 110 Mbps
The most widely available full fibre option. Slower than Gig1 but available to more homes via Openreach. Better customer service scores.
From £39.99/mo
24-month contract
Hyperoptic 1Gb
1000 Mbps / 1000 Mbps
Symmetrical gigabit speeds -uploads match downloads. Best for content creators. Limited to urban areas and specific buildings.
From £35.00/mo
12-month contract available
Community Fibre 1000
1000 Mbps / 1000 Mbps
London-focused provider with symmetrical speeds and excellent reviews. Great value if available at your address.
From £30.00/mo
24-month contract
Sky Ultrafast Plus
500 Mbps / 60 Mbps
Not gigabit, but widely available and often cheaper. Good enough for most households. Best if you want Sky TV bundles.
From £33.00/mo
18-month contract
Three 5G Home Broadband
Up to 1000 Mbps
No cables required -uses 5G mobile network. Speeds vary by location but can rival fibre. No engineer visit needed.
From £20.00/mo
24-month contract or 30-day rolling
Gigaclear 1000
900 Mbps / 900 Mbps
Rural-focused full fibre provider. If you're outside cities, this might be your only gigabit option. Symmetrical speeds.
From £39.00/mo
18-month contract
Can't Get Gig1 Yet?
Virgin Media is continuously expanding its network. If Gig1 isn't available at your address yet, you can register your interest to be notified when gigabit broadband comes to your area.
In the meantime, consider M500 (516 Mbps) which is available across Virgin's entire network, or explore full fibre alternatives from BT, EE, or regional providers.
What are the Plans to Upgrade Gig1?
Full fibre rollout via nexfibre
A major development is Virgin Media's ongoing transition to full fibre (FTTP) infrastructure, driven by its partnership with nexfibre. This enables symmetrical upload and download speeds, as demonstrated by the recent launch of Gig2.
Expansion of gigabit coverage
Virgin Media continues to invest in its existing hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) network, expanding gigabit broadband access. As of 2023, more than 16 million UK homes were connected to gigabit speeds, with plans to grow this to 22 million by 2028.
Improving service reliability
Virgin Media is implementing "smart support" technology, which allows for proactive monitoring of broadband performance and automated remote fixes. This aims to reduce downtime and deliver a more consistent experience.
O2 partnership and Volt benefits
The integration between Virgin Media and O2 remains central to the company's future plans. Volt benefits - including speed boosts and double mobile data - are expected to continue and potentially expand.
Sustainability and energy use
In line with broader environmental goals, Virgin Media is committed to powering its broadband network with 100% renewable energy. This aligns with growing consumer expectations around sustainability.
Future speed upgrades and DOCSIS 4.0
Looking further ahead, the eventual introduction of DOCSIS 4.0 could enable substantially improved upload performance over the HFC network, extending the life and competitiveness of Virgin Media's traditional infrastructure.
Gig1 for Business: Is Voom Gig1 Worth It?
Running a business from home or need commercial-grade reliability? Virgin Media Business offers "Voom Gig1" with different terms, SLAs, and features compared to residential Gig1.
| Feature | Residential Gig1 | Voom Gig1 Business |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | From £31.99/month | £53/month (BB only) |
| Contract Length | 18-24 months | 24 months |
| Download Speed | 1,130 Mbps average | Up to 1,000 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 104 Mbps (1Gbps with boost) | 100 Mbps |
| Issue Resolution SLA | No guaranteed timeframe | 12 working hours |
| Static IP | £5/month add-on | Included free |
| 4G Backup | Not available | Available add-on |
| Guest WiFi | Not included | Included |
| Security Software | Free 12 months, then £3/mo | Included |
| Price Guarantee | RPI + 3.9% annual rises | Fixed price during contract |
| VAT | Included | Excluded (add 20%) |
When Business Broadband Makes Sense
- You need guaranteed fix times: The 12-hour SLA means business-critical issues get priority resolution
- You need a static IP: Essential for VPNs, remote access, servers, or security cameras
- Business continuity matters: 4G backup option keeps you connected during outages
- Tax deductibility: Business broadband costs can be claimed as a business expense
- You want price certainty: No mid-contract price rises with business plans
Voom Gig1 Business Bundle Options
Unlimited downloads, WiFi router with guest WiFi, 12-hour issue resolution, 1 static IP
All above plus phone line with unlimited UK calls, F-Secure security, 4G backup available
Speed boost, 12GB O2 data (doubled from 6GB), O2 Priority rewards access
Note: Business broadband covers home-based working only, not commercial premises.
What Network Type Will I Get?
Virgin Media delivers Gig1 on three different network infrastructures depending on your location. Understanding which network type serves your address helps set expectations for your router, upload speeds, and upgrade options.
| Feature | nexfibre FTTP | Coax Cable (DOCSIS 3.1) | VM FTTP Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Full Fibre to Premises | Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial | Full Fibre (upgraded) |
| Router Provided | Hub 5x (WiFi 6E) | Hub 5 (WiFi 6) | Hub 5 or Hub 5x |
| Symmetrical Upload (£5/mo) | Yes - 1Gbps up | Not available | Varies by area |
| Gig2 Available | Yes - 2.2Gbps | No | Sometimes |
| Coverage | New build areas | ~60% UK (legacy network) | Select urban upgrades |
| Connection Type | Fibre direct to router | Coax cable to wall box | Fibre direct to router |
Hub 5 vs Hub 5x: Which Will You Receive?
The router you receive depends on your network type. In nexfibre FTTP areas, you'll receive the newer Hub 5x with WiFi 6E technology, which adds the 6GHz band for faster wireless speeds and less interference.
In coax DOCSIS areas (the majority of Virgin's network), you'll receive the Hub 5 with WiFi 6. The Hub 5 connects to a wall box using a coaxial cable -the same type used for cable TV.
Both routers support up to 100 devices and are mesh-ready with WiFi Pods for whole-home coverage up to 6,000 sq ft.
Why Can't I Get Symmetrical Uploads?
The £5/month symmetrical upload boost (1Gbps up) is only available on FTTP infrastructure -not on DOCSIS coax connections. This is a technical limitation of the coaxial network, not an artificial restriction.
How to check your network type: When you enter your postcode on Virgin Media's website, if Gig2 appears as an option, you're in an FTTP area. If only Gig1 and lower tiers show, you're likely on DOCSIS.
Virgin Media is gradually upgrading areas to FTTP via its nexfibre partnership, so symmetrical uploads may become available in your area in future.
Gig1 Fibre Broadband: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virgin Media throttle speeds?
No. Virgin doesn't intentionally throttle bandwidth. However, peak-time congestion in dense areas can reduce speeds by 10-15%. You'll typically achieve 85-95% of advertised speeds on wired connections.
Can I bundle Gig1 with an O2 mobile?
Yes. The Volt bundle provides approximately £38/month in value (£692 over a contract): free speed boost to the next tier, double mobile data, and enhanced roaming benefits. If you have both Virgin broadband and an O2 plan, Volt activates automatically.
Is the Hub 5 better than EE's router?
The Hub 5 (WiFi 6) is a capable router supporting up to 100 devices, but EE now provides WiFi 7 routers (Smart Hub 7 Plus/Pro) as standard across all Full Fibre plans. For the latest wireless technology, EE currently has the edge.
How many devices can Gig1 support?
The Hub 5 supports up to 100 simultaneous device connections. Realistically, 15-20 devices running bandwidth-heavy tasks (4K streaming, gaming, video calls) will perform excellently. The mesh-ready system with WiFi Pods can cover up to 6,000 sq ft.
What's the cheapest way to get Gig1?
Haggle at renewal. Existing customers often secure £5-15 monthly discounts by calling the retention team 30 days before contract end. New customers should check for promotional pricing -currently from £31.99/month.
Will Gig1 work in my area?
Virgin Media covers approximately 60% of UK homes (primarily urban and suburban areas). Check availability at virginmedia.com by entering your postcode.
What's the difference between Gig1 and Gig2?
Gig2 offers 2,200Mbps downloads with symmetrical uploads, but coverage is extremely limited (~3% of Virgin homes). Gig1 (1,130Mbps down, 104Mbps up) is available across Virgin's entire network. For most households, Gig1 is sufficient.
How stable is Virgin compared to full fibre?
Virgin's HFC network delivers approximately 99.88% uptime -comparable to full fibre providers. Opensignal rates Virgin as the UK's most reliable provider. Peak-time congestion is the main difference; full fibre (FTTP) experiences slightly less slowdown in densely populated areas.
What happens after my contract ends?
Expect significant price increases to £92-102/month. Always renegotiate, switch providers, or haggle before your contract expires. Set a reminder for month 16.
Is installation free?
Yes. Virgin includes free professional installation (usually valued at ~£99). QuickStart self-install is free if your home has previous Virgin infrastructure.
Can I get symmetrical upload speeds?
Yes! For an additional £5/month, Virgin now offers a symmetrical 1Gbps upload upgrade. The standard package has 104Mbps upload. If uploads matter for content creation or remote work, this add-on is worthwhile.
Is Gig1 good for gaming?
Excellent. Gig1 delivers 10-20ms typical latency -great for competitive gaming. An 80GB game downloads in ~10 minutes, and a 20GB patch takes ~2-3 minutes. The Hub 5 doesn't include dedicated gaming optimisation features like EE's Game Mode, but performance is excellent.
What about Virgin's customer service?
Virgin Media has 12-14 complaints per 100,000 customers vs Sky (5) and EE (9). They participate in Ofcom's automatic compensation scheme. If customer service is your top priority, Sky or EE may suit better. However, network reliability is excellent (99.88% uptime).
How does Gig1 compare to BT and EE?
Gig1 is 25.6% faster than BT Full Fibre 900 (900Mbps) at a lower price. EE offers up to 1.6Gbps (29.4% faster than Gig1) with WiFi 7 routers and 4G/5G backup. Virgin offers the best value for speed; EE offers the latest technology and better customer service.
What is Virgin Media's WiFi Guarantee?
Virgin Media's WiFi Guarantee with WiFi Max promises download speeds of at least 30Mbps in every room of your home, or you receive a £100 bill credit. Gig1 packages include this at no extra cost, plus up to 3 WiFi Pods for coverage up to 6,000 sq ft.
How to Switch to Virgin Media Gig1
Switching to Virgin Media has never been easier. Simply pick your package, choose switching when you check out, and Virgin Media does all the heavy lifting.
Switching Timeline: What to Expect
| Stage | Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Order placed | Day 1 | Virgin Media confirms order and schedules installation |
| Old provider notified | Days 1-3 | Virgin Media contacts your current provider via industry switching process |
| Cooling-off period | Days 1-14 | You can cancel without penalty during this period |
| Installation scheduled | Days 7-14 | Engineer visit arranged (or QuickStart if eligible) |
| Service goes live | Installation day | Your old provider is automatically disconnected |
| Old provider final bill | ~30 days after | Final bill from previous provider arrives |
Step-by-Step Switching Process
- 1
1. Check Availability
Enter your postcode on Virgin Media's website to confirm Gig1 is available in your area. Gig1 has been rolled out across Virgin Media's entire network.
- 2
2. Choose Your Package
Select Gig1 broadband only, or bundle with phone, TV, or an O2 SIM for Volt benefits. Compare options to find the best value for your household.
- 3
3. Select Switching Option
During checkout, indicate you're switching from another provider. Virgin Media will coordinate the transfer so there's minimal disruption to your service.
- 4
4. Installation
Most installations are free with QuickStart self-install if your property has been connected before. Otherwise, a professional engineer installation is arranged at a convenient time.
Important Switching Considerations
- •You don't need to contact your old provider -Virgin Media handles the switch via the industry switching process
- •Early termination fees: Any remaining contract with your old provider may incur exit fees
- •Number porting: If keeping your phone number, allow 1-2 weeks for transfer
- •Equipment return: Return your old provider's router to avoid charges
What's Included with Gig1
- Hub 5 router with WiFi 6 technology (included free)
- WiFi Max guarantee -30Mbps in every room or £100 credit
- Up to 3 WiFi Pods if needed for whole-home coverage
- Virgin Media Web Safe parental controls
- F-Secure SAFE security software (free for 12 months)
- Unlimited data usage with no traffic management
- 24/7 UK-based customer support
- Netflix Standard with Ads (on eligible packages)
No Setup Fee
Current promotions mean you won't pay the usual £35 setup fee on Gig1 Fibre Broadband packages. QuickStart self-install is free where available. If you can use QuickStart but choose engineer installation instead, there's a £30 charge for this optional service.
Check Gig1 Availability
Gig1 Takeaways
1130 Mbps Average Speed: 25.6% faster than BT's Full Fibre 900 and download a 50GB game in ~6 minutes.
104 Mbps Uploads: Upgrade to symmetrical 1Gbps uploads for just £5/month extra.
Hub 5 WiFi 6: Up to 6,000 sq ft coverage with optional WiFi Pods and 30Mbps WiFi Guarantee in every room.
100+ Devices: The Hub 5 supports up to 100 simultaneous device connections.
8K Ready: Future-proof for next-generation streaming with 16x UK average speeds.
99.88% Uptime: Opensignal rates Virgin as the UK's most reliable provider for connection stability.
Sources & References
This comprehensive review uses data from the following official sources and industry publications. All pricing and specifications are accurate as of December 2025.
Virgin Media Official
- Virgin Media Gig1 Product Page - Official pricing & specifications
- Virgin Media Business Voom Gig1 - Business broadband pricing
- Hub 5 Technical Specifications - Router capabilities
- Virgin Media Speed Guarantee - Speed & WiFi guarantee terms
Regulatory & Industry
- Ofcom Telecoms Complaints Data - Provider complaint rankings
- Ofcom Automatic Compensation Scheme - Compensation rates
- Opensignal UK Broadband Reports - Network reliability data
- ThinkBroadband Quality Monitor - Real-world speed data
Alternative Providers
- BT Full Fibre Broadband - BT pricing comparison
- EE Broadband - EE 1.6Gbps comparison
- nexfibre Network - Virgin Media FTTP network partner
- Hyperoptic - Symmetrical 1Gbps alternative
Technical & Community
- Virgin Media Community Forum - User experiences & support
- Ookla Speedtest - Speed testing methodology
- ISPreview Virgin Media News - Industry news & updates
- DOCSIS Technology Overview - Cable network technology
Last reviewed and updated: December 2025. Prices and specifications subject to change. Always verify current pricing on the official provider website before signing up.