Virgin Media has launched a new broadband deal that offers its fastest 1,100Mbps (1Gbps) internet for just £26.99 per month, which the company says is its lowest ever price for that speed tier. The offer undercuts rivals BT and Sky, making it a compelling option for households seeking ultra-fast connectivity.
Deal Details and Performance
The 1Gbps service enables a full HD movie to download in under 30 seconds, while a 50GB PlayStation 5 game can be installed in less than seven minutes. By comparison, a standard 70Mbps connection would take over 90 minutes to download the same game. The deal is available on a 24-month contract, with prices subject to an annual increase every April.
Virgin Media's offer is significantly cheaper than BT's 900Mbps plan, which costs £37.99 per month, and Sky's recently reduced price of £28 per month. However, customers should verify that the service is available at their address before signing up.
Competition from Alt-Nets
Alternative network providers, or alt-nets, are increasingly offering competitive pricing. For example, Community Fibre, which serves London, provides 1Gbps for £25 per month with the first three months free and no in-contract price rises. Virgin Media's deal, while slightly more expensive, offers national coverage where alt-nets may not reach.
Assessing Your Needs
Before committing to a 1Gbps plan, consider your household's actual requirements. A couple in a flat streaming Netflix nightly can manage with around 100Mbps. Larger families working from home, downloading movies, and gaming should look at 300Mbps or higher. Broadband bandwidth functions like a road: more traffic slows it down. A 1Gbps fibre connection provides a motorway rather than a B-road, ensuring smooth performance even with multiple devices.
As with any long-term contract, review the terms carefully, including the annual price increase clause, and compare with local alt-net offers to ensure the best value.
