Virgin Media has successfully delivered 2.2Gbps broadband speeds to homes in Thatcham, Berkshire through a real-world trial.
The multi-gigabit speeds have been delivered via Virgin Media’s existing, future-proof cable network using broadband technology known as a DOCSIS 3.1 which brings faster, more reliable broadband speeds to customers’ homes.
Virgin Media has carried out a proof-of-concept trial to showcase the blisteringly fast broadband speeds which can be delivered via its existing network, without the need for additional infrastructure or civil engineering works, such as laying new fibre cables.
It comes as Virgin Media has already rolled-out its Gig1 broadband speeds (1,140Mbps) to seven areas across the UK – a total of 3.7 million homes – making it the UK’s largest gigabit broadband provider. Virgin Media says that by the end of 2021, more than 15 million premises across Virgin Media’s network will have access to gigabit speeds.
Virgin Media’s team of engineers were able to deliver the multi-gigabit speeds to homes in Thatcham using the operator’s latest router, the Hub 4. The router is Virgin Media’s fastest to date and comes as standard with its gigabit broadband service, Gig1. The trial also provided average upload speeds of 214Mbps.
The hyperfast speeds have been independently verified by SamKnows – Ofcom’s technical partner – which measures broadband performance.
In the future, multi-gigabit speeds will allow households to instantly and simultaneously stream boxsets and video games with 8K and upwards capabilities, as well as use AR and VR technology in real-time and take part in video calling – all without any delay.
Jeanie York, Virgin Media’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, said:
“We invest more than £1 billion into our network every year and this innovative trial demonstrates how Virgin Media’s existing future-proof cable network can deliver lightning-fast, multi-gigabit broadband speeds. We stand ready to power our customers’ connectivity needs for whatever comes next.
“We’re leading the charge to make the UK faster and we’re on track for rolling out gigabit broadband speeds across our network by the end of next year. With this next-generation connectivity, our customers can experience the best from their broadband – whether that’s 8K gaming, instant streaming, high quality video calls or uploading files in a flash – all in the same home at the same time.”
