Virgin Media O2 has announced its intention to upgrade its fixed network to full fibre to the premises (FTTP) with completion in 2028, building on its leadership position as the UK’s largest gigabit broadband provider.
The investment will bolster the operator’s long-term network strategy, fuel future connectivity innovation for consumers and businesses and create options to potentially pursue the broadband wholesale market in the UK.
With the fastest speeds at scale in the country today, Virgin Media O2 will upgrade the cable element of its fibre-rich network and make use of cutting-edge full-fibre technology.
This technology is capable of delivering symmetrical 10Gbps download and upload speeds and beyond, with the upgrade plan covering 14.3 million cable premises, after taking into account the operator’s existing 1.2 million FTTP homes.
The value accretive decision, backed by Virgin Media O2’s shareholders, Liberty Global and Telefónica, has been taken following recent deployment trials, a thorough analysis of alternative network scenarios and the potential opportunity to enter the fixed wholesale market.
Through the combination of DOCISIS 3.1 cable and FTTP technology over the coming years, Virgin Media O2 will sustain its long-held speed leadership while preparing its network for the future.
The company will continue to maintain and develop its cable network during the upgrade period, which includes meeting its 2021 gigabit targets and utilising the network’s multigigabit capability to deliver speeds above 2Gbps in future.
By the end of this year, Virgin Media O2 will deliver speeds of 1.1Gbps across its entire network, meeting the Government’s stated broadband targets four years ahead of schedule. The company will also continue to expand its fibre footprint to new areas through its Project Lightning programme and is actively exploring further expansion opportunities to reach millions more premises, with discussions ongoing with strategic and financial partners.
Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2
Our mission is to upgrade the UK, and we are doing exactly that. This major new fibre upgrade programme will see us begin the next evolution of our network, building on the investment, firepower and leadership we already have and ensuring we’re fibre fit for the future.
