Virgin Media, part of O2, is on the verge of launching significant enhancements to its broadband services, with plans set for March 2025. This development marks the opening of their advanced XGS-PON powered full fibre network to existing customers, who have long awaited access to this state-of-the-art technology.
For years, Virgin Media has been upgrading its legacy Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC/DOCSIS 3.1) network to support Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) solutions, illustrating the company's commitment to improving its infrastructure. This ambitious upgrade program, dubbed Project Mustang or Fibre Up, aims to complete the necessary upgrades by 2028, potentially impacting up to 16 million premises.
The XGS-PON rollout is not limited to enhancing existing networks; Virgin Media has also plans to expand this technology to 5-7 million more premises through partnerships with nexfibre, with initial reach already noted for around two million premises. Yet, existing customers who reside within HFC-served areas have faced limitations, as only nexfibre customers could access these new packages previously.
The upcoming product launch signals the first comprehensive move to make XGS-PON upgrades available to the broader customer base. Several credible sources have indicated to ISPreview the anticipated rollout, emphasizing the urgency for Virgin to capitalize on the fibres recently set aside, which, until now, have been unutilized and not contributing to revenue.
This strategic shift may not only bring significant technological advancements to Virgin Media's network but also improves the user experience for existing customers. High-speed broadband services such as 2Gbps are expected to become available, reflecting the growing demand for improved internet services as more households transition to digital living.
While there have been hints of trial launches late last year, promising customers six months of complimentary service and Amazon vouchers, the rollout faced interruptions attributed to system glitches. With more robustness anticipated this time around, Virgin's XGS-PON regions could soon be ready for orders.
One of the hurdles of this migration to XGS-PON technology includes the necessary physical installations within customers’ homes, such as setting up optical modems. The process cannot be entirely automated—engineers will need to visit residences to facilitate this transition. Therefore, existing customers aiming to transition will likely have to initiate changes during upgrades or re-negotiations of their contracts.
Although Virgin Media has maintained its usual 'no comment' stance on upcoming changes, hints have emerged concerning future wholesale availability for their upgraded XGS-PON areas, slated to occur in the first half of 2025. This could propel the operator's market presence dramatically, allowing other entities to leverage Virgin's modern infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the company also faces competition from smaller alternative networks (altnets) like WhyFibre, which has recently been reported as engaging in FTTP expansion within the UK. Even though the crowded broadband market presents challenges such as rising build costs and fierce competition, the commitment to upgrade their services reflects Virgin's proactive approach to sustaining its customer base and meeting contemporary demand for rapid internet.
By moving forward with the XGS-PON rollout, Virgin Media makes strides not only to cement its relevance but also to set new standards for broadband service across the UK.