UK ISP comparison
Community Fibre vs Virgin Media
In Community Fibre footprint, Community Fibre wins on price, top speed and symmetric upload. Outside, Virgin Media is the broader London choice. Both can deliver gigabit. Community Fibre passes approx 1. In Community Fibre footprint, Community Fibre wins on price, top speed and symmetric upload
Two of London's leading gigabit options. Community Fibre is the altnet challenger; Virgin Media is the cable incumbent.
What changed: Added answer capsule, side-by-side comparison table, key-facts block, question-led headings, and attributed stat callout for AI citation, 3 June 2026.
Key facts
- Both can deliver gigabit. Community Fibre is symmetric and tops at 3 Gbps. Virgin Media is asymmetric and tops at 2 Gbps Gig2. (speed comparison section).
- Community Fibre symmetric gigabit typically prices below Virgin Media Gig1. Community Fibre 3 Gbps is unique in London. (pricing comparison section).
- Community Fibre entry From around £19/month; Virgin Media entry From around £28/month (FBRE ISP profiles, May 2026).
| Attribute | Community Fibre | Virgin Media |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Own XGS-PON FTTP network | Own DOCSIS network and XGS-PON FTTP rollout |
| Top speed | 150 Mbps to 5 Gbps symmetric | 132 Mbps to 2 Gbps |
| Price band | From around £19/month | From around £28/month |
| Contract | not published | 12 to 24 months typical |
| Availability | London-only | UK urban areas; expanding via Project Lightning and nexfibre |
| Switch path | One Touch Switch; separate networks may need overlap install | One Touch Switch; separate networks may need overlap install |
What is Community Fibre?
Community Fibre is the largest London-only altnet with symmetric full fibre up to 3 Gbps.
What is Virgin Media?
Virgin Media operates DOCSIS and XGS-PON across approx 16 million UK premises including most of London.
Which is cheaper, Community Fibre or Virgin Media?
Community Fibre symmetric gigabit typically prices below Virgin Media Gig1. Community Fibre 3 Gbps is unique in London.
Is Community Fibre faster than Virgin Media?
Both can deliver gigabit. Community Fibre is symmetric and tops at 3 Gbps. Virgin Media is asymmetric and tops at 2 Gbps Gig2.
Which has wider coverage, Community Fibre or Virgin Media?
Community Fibre passes approx 1.4 million London premises. Virgin Media is broader London-wide.
Which should I choose, Community Fibre or Virgin Media?
In Community Fibre footprint, Community Fibre wins on price, top speed and symmetric upload. Outside, Virgin Media is the broader London choice.
Who is each provider best for?
Community Fibre suits London households in footprint. Virgin Media suits London households outside footprint.
Can I switch between Community Fibre and Virgin Media?
- Check availability at your postcode for both providers. Coverage matters more than the headline brand.
- Compare like-for-like on speed, contract length and total cost of ownership for 12 to 24 months.
- Use One Touch Switch to move. Your new provider does the heavy lifting.
- Test your speed after the switch on UKSpeedTest.co.uk and complain if it materially underperforms.
Last updated: 3 June 2026. Pricing changes frequently. Always check the latest tariff at the provider's own site or via SearchSwitchSave.com.
Common questions
How long does a switch between Community Fibre and Virgin Media take?
Under the UK One Touch Switch process introduced by Ofcom in 2024, most switches between two UK fixed-line broadband providers complete within ten working days. The gaining provider takes responsibility for the switch and your existing contract ends automatically. See Fibreswitch.com for the live status of your switch.
Will I lose service during the switch?
Most One Touch Switch moves between Openreach-based providers happen with no service downtime, because the underlying line stays connected. Moves between Openreach and a separate network (Virgin Media, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, Netomnia, CityFibre via altnet retailer) can involve a brief overlap period to avoid any gap in connectivity. Your gaining provider will confirm the precise method during the order.
Can I keep my router?
Generally no. Most UK ISPs issue their own router optimised for their network and supply chain. You can use your own router on most Openreach FTTC and FTTP services, but bear in mind support and Wi-Fi guarantees apply to the supplied router. Cable, XGS-PON and certain proprietary altnet networks require the supplied modem or ONT.
Is the switch process the same in Northern Ireland?
One Touch Switch covers Great Britain. In Northern Ireland, switching processes follow Ofcom NI guidance and may differ for the Hull region where KCOM operates the historic incumbent network. Check with your gaining provider for region-specific guidance.