Virgin Media launches 5G services in the UK
Virgin Media is launching 5G mobile technology in 100 towns and cities across the UK – with more to come.
Customers who select a new 5G plan will have Virgin Media’s fastest, most powerful mobile connectivity at their fingertips, allowing for worry-free and seamless streaming, surfing, video-calling and gaming outside the home – even in busy places.
With average speeds of 176.62Mbps, which is around 4.5 times faster than its average 4G speeds, Virgin Media’s 5G service is available to customers on a range of fast and flexible plans, including SIM Only and Pay Monthly, at no extra cost. New 5G plans include the brand new Samsung Galaxy S21 with unlimited data for just £42 per month. Virgin Media’s 5G plans come with all of the added extras of its 4G offering – from data-free WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook Messenger to data rollover and flexible airtime allowances.
Virgin Media’s broadband customers will also be able to choose a 5G plan if taking one of the provider’s converged “Oomph” bundles that offer broadband, TV and mobile connectivity all in one place.
Jeff Dodds, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Media said, “The launch of 5G is a milestone moment for us. As the world’s first virtual mobile operator, our offering has long been about breaking boundaries and offering our customers a premium service without the price tag. That’s why we’re launching fast, reliable 5G connectivity at no extra cost while keeping the added extras of our existing mobile plans in place.
“By offering 5G and gigabit broadband all under one roof, Virgin Media customers can experience next-generation connectivity both in and out of the home, putting them in a great place to take advantage of the latest technology.”
Those who have already got their hands on a 5G device and purchased one from Virgin Media from April 2020 onwards will automatically receive a boost to Virgin Media’s 5G services. Customers who take a 5G plan won’t need to lift a finger, their services will be upgraded with no need to swap their SIM or activate the service.
Partnership with Vodafone
From today, customers who upgrade to 5G will be seamlessly migrated to receive all mobile services from the Vodafone network.
With Virgin Media’s 5G services exclusively using the Vodafone network, the launch is a major milestone in its partnership with the company which was first announced in 2019.
New and existing mobile customers taking a 4G plan will remain on Virgin Media’s mobile service via EE’s network until Virgin Media’s agreement with BT Enterprise comes to an end in late 2021. Virgin Media anticipates that all of its mobile customers will have transitioned to the Vodafone network by early 2022.
Through a combination of gigabit broadband and, now, 5G, Virgin Media customers can experience next-generation connectivity at home and on the go, providing a seamless experience that is ready to support the apps, services and technologies of today and the future. Virgin Media is the UK’s largest gigabit broadband operator, providing speeds of 1,140Mbps to more than 7 million homes across the country with full network availability by the end of this year.
Virgin Media has 3.3 million mobile and 5.6 million cable customers in the UK.
