Virgin Media expand gigabit broadband to Wirral

Nexfibre, a wholesale network operator owned by the parent companies of Virgin Media O2, has rolled out fibre broadband to 24,000 more homes in Wirral for the first time.

Residents of the newly connected properties will now be able to sign up to Virgin Media's up to 2Gbps fibre broadband and TV services.

The expansion is part of Nexfibre's investment of £4.5 billion in the UK to connect 5 million homes to full fibre broadband by 2026.

Credit: Sharaf Maksumov/Shutterstock.com

Full fibre broadband in Wirral

24,000 more homes and businesses can now access full fibre broadband with top speeds of 2Gbps through Virgin Media.

The new connections have been built by Nexfibre, a wholesale network operator owned by Liberty Global and Telefonica - the parent companies of Virgin Media and O2.

While Nexfibre is a wholesale provider, so far, only Virgin Media is reselling access to their network.

However, new customers will have a wide choice of broadband and TV package, including plans from M125 for £26 per month, to Gig1 for £41 per month, and even the fastest download speed with Gig2 for £84 per month.

The new full fibre connections support up to 2Gbps download speeds as well as optional symmetrical upload speeds, which can be selected by opting for an add-on for £6 extra per month.

Julie Agnew, Managing Director of Fixed Network Expansion at Virgin Media O2 said: "24,000 more homes in Wirral can now feel the benefit of Virgin Media's services - with packages that include everything from next generation multigigabit broadband to easy-to-use TV streaming and entertainment services.
"These ultrareliable full fibre to the home broadband connections come with speeds - up to 25 times faster than local average - providing total peace of mind that whatever you're doing online, you'll never be slowed down by your service."

Nexfibre full fibre build

While Virgin Media already had some availability in Wirral, Nexfibre are focusing on connecting homes and businesses that couldn't already get Virgin Media to prevent any overbuild between the two networks.

That means the 24,000 new connections will be properties that couldn't already get Virgin Media services.

However, of those properties that could already access Virgin Media, they'll have to wait a little longer to get the top speeds of 2Gbps and symmetrical upload speeds, with the fastest deal currently available Gig1, as Virgin Media carry out a whole network upgrade to the same XGS-PON technology as Nexfibre by 2028.

Nexfibre has already committed to investing £4.5 billion to roll out XGS-PON full fibre broadband capable of supporting download speeds up to 10Gbps over the next 2 years.

They aim to reach 5 million premises by the end of 2026, bringing availability for Virgin Media up to 21 million, with a potential further 2 million as well, to bring the total to 23 million or 80% of the UK by 2028.

Rajiv Datta, CEO at nexfibre said: "Nexfibre's multi-million pound investment in Wirral will enable thousands of households and businesses to access the benefits of full fibre broadband, including being able to participate in the local economy and connect with the community. It marks a significant step on our journey to connect 5 million premises by 2026.".