UK ISP profile
Virgin Media
Virgin Media is the largest UK ISP that does not rely on Openreach. It operates a hybrid DOCSIS and full-fibre network, with the fastest mainstream consumer speeds (up to 2 Gbps) in its footprint.
Quick facts
| Parent group | Virgin Media O2 (Liberty Global and Telefonica JV) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 (Virgin Media brand) |
| HQ | Reading, Berkshire |
| UK customers | Approx 5.5 million UK broadband customers |
| Network | Own DOCSIS network and XGS-PON FTTP rollout |
| Major areas | UK urban areas; expanding via Project Lightning and nexfibre |
| Speed range | 132 Mbps to 2 Gbps |
| Headline price from | From around £28/month |
| Affiliate programme | Awin |
| Indicative CPA | POA via affiliate manager |
| Last updated | May 2026 |
About Virgin Media
Virgin Media O2 is the joint venture between Liberty Global and Telefonica that resulted from the 2021 merger of Virgin Media UK and O2 UK. Virgin Media operates a large coaxial DOCSIS network passing approximately 16 million UK premises, with a coordinated migration to XGS-PON full fibre underway both internally and via the nexfibre wholesale joint venture with InfraVia and Liberty Global. Headline broadband speeds reach up to 2 Gbps where the network supports it, which is the fastest mainstream UK consumer broadband on a single-tariff basis. Virgin Media bundles broadband with TV (via TiVo and Stream boxes), mobile (via O2), and landline. For switchers in Virgin Media's footprint, the headline speed and price typically beat Openreach FTTC and compete with FTTP.
Key services
- M125, M250, M350, M500, Gig1 and Gig2 broadband tiers
- Virgin TV via TiVo and Virgin Stream
- Virgin Mobile (O2-based)
- Volt bundle with O2
- Landline and home phone
Partnerships and tenancy
Virgin Media is part of Virgin Media O2 (Liberty Global and Telefónica joint venture). On 18 February 2026, the nexfibre joint venture (InfraVia Capital Partners, Liberty Global and Telefónica) agreed to acquire Substantial Group at a £2 billion enterprise value, with Virgin Media O2 taking the YouFibre and brsk retail brands for £150 million plus an indirect 15 percent stake in nexfibre on completion (expected Q3 2026 subject to CMA clearance).
Acquiring Virgin Media-intent traffic through the FBRE broadband network is one of the most efficient routes for ISPs and altnets that compete in Virgin Media's footprint. Our network reach is verified at 12,000,000+ impressions and 730,000+ network clicks in the 12 months to 24 May 2026 (rolling average of 2,000+ clicks per day, rising fast), with network authority up to DR 74 on BroadbandSwitch.uk. See ISP advertising for tenancy tiers from £99 per month.
How to reach Virgin Media switchers
- Place a tenancy on the FBRE network, single site from £99 per month.
- Target sites with high Virgin Media comparison intent (curated list on request).
- Optional comparison engine build via the FBRE build studio, from £7,950.
- Optional research collaboration via our research hub.
Data and methodology
This profile is compiled from public regulatory filings, the operator's published press releases, Ofcom Connected Nations data, and Ahrefs metrics. Figures marked POA or data pending reflect commercially confidential or not-yet-published data. See our methodology for full sourcing notes.