Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband Review

Virgin Media’s Gig1 Fibre Broadband is one of the fastest internet packages available in the UK today, offering download speeds over 1Gbps. Designed for busy households, gamers, and users demanding high-speed internet, this plan delivers gigabit speeds at an attractive introductory price. But how does it stack up in terms of reliability, performance, and value for money?

In this detailed review, we’ll take a look at Gig1’s speed, features, pricing, and overall value.

Pricing and Packages

Gig1 broadband has different package options, each tailored for various user needs:

Offer: Free setup. Includes £85 bill credit. Ends 1st May.

Broadband Speed and Performance

Virgin Media’s Gig1 comes with 1130Mbps (1.13Gbps)which is significantly faster than many competitors, suited for households with multiple devices and heavy internet usage. However, average upload speeds are just 104Mbps, although some areas do offer symmetrical 1130Mbps upload speeds.

Customers also benefit from Virgin Media’s minimum speed guarantee of 565Mbps. If speeds fall below this for three consecutive days and the issue isn’t resolved within 30 days, customers can exit their contract without penalty.

Gig1 is ideal for bandwidth intensive online activities like multiple simultaneous 4K streaming, high-definition video calls, large downloads, and gaming .

Speed	Gig1 Speeds
Average Download Speed	1130Mbps
Average Upload Speed	104Mbps (up to 1130Mbps in selected areas)
Minimum Speed Guarantee	565Mbps

Virgin Media Hub 5 Router

Gig1 broadband packages include the Virgin Media Hub 5 router which is powered by WiFi 6 technology, offering better coverage, stronger signal strength, and consistent speeds.

Specifications:

Feature	Specification
WiFi Technology	WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
WiFi Bands	Dual-band (2.4GHz & 5GHz)
Ethernet Ports	1 x 2.5Gb, 3 x 1Gb
Security	WPA3
Antennas	5 Internal Antennas

WiFi Pods

Hub 5 router supports mesh WiFi systems, which means you can use extenders called WiFi pods to boost the signal throughout your home for reliable internet speeds.

If you find that your router doesn’t provide high speed in every room, Virgin Media offers up to 3 WiFi pods to help you increase speeds or eliminate WiFi notspots in your home.

WiFi Max Guarantee

Gig1 broadband package comes with Virgin Media’s “WiFi Max Guarantee” which guarantees at least 30Mbps WiFi speeds in every room of your home or you can claim £100 bill credit.

Customers can request up to three WiFi Pods (boosters) at no additional cost. Each pod extends WiFi coverage, improving signal strength around the home, which is great for larger properties or spaces with thick walls that often weaken WiFi signals.

Availability

Gig1 broadband is available across Virgin Media’s network, currently reaching about 18.3 million homes (approximately 60% of UK households). Through ongoing expansions via “Project Lightning,” Virgin Media plans to extend coverage to approximately 23 million homes by the end of 2026.

Network type varies, with some areas using coaxial cables which slightly increase latency compared to pure fibre-optic networks. However, the practical difference in speed remains minimal for most home users.

TV and Phone Add-ons

Virgin Media allows users to bundle Gig1 broadband with phone and TV services:

Bundling can provide convenience and cost savings for customers seeking multiple services under a single bill.

Pros and Cons of Virgin Media Gig1 Broadband

Pros

Cons

Our Verdict

Virgin Media Gig1 broadband is ideal for heavy users—such as gamers, streamers, and large families that require ultrafast speeds. It offers excellent value, thanks to the discounted pricing in the initial contract and its advanced router.

However, customers must consider the out-of-contract price after the introductory period ends. Slower upload speeds are one drawback of this gigabit plan.

Comparison with Other Virgin Media Plans

Compared to other Virgin Media packages (like M125, M250, and M500), Gig1 offers significantly faster download speeds suitable for larger households and high bandwidth users.

The M125 package offers an average download speed of 132Mbps and an average upload speed of 20Mbps. It’s a basic option suitable for most UK households.

Next is the M250 deal. This package provides a faster average download speed of 264 Mb and an average upload speed of 25 Mb. It’s ideal for large households where more bandwidth for activities like streaming and gaming is required.

The M350 plan offers even faster speeds, with an average download speed of 362 Mb and an average upload speed of 36 Mb. This package is suitable for households with multiple devices and users who need truly ultrafast speeds.

For users who require even higher speeds, the M500 plan offers an average download speed of 516 Mb and an average upload speed of 36 Mb. It’s perfect for many devices connected at the same time or for quick downloads of large files.

However, those with moderate internet requirements might find Gig1 excessive. Plans like M250 or M500 can comfortably serve standard streaming and browsing needs at lower costs.

Customer Reviews

Virgin Media’s customer support receives mixed reviews, with some customers praising its responsiveness, while others report delays during peak periods. Overall, Virgin Media delivers on speed and reliability but may occasionally fall short on customer service during busy times.

FAQ

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