Virgin Media mobile customers can now get access to ultra-fast 5G internet as the operator finally launches its network in more than 100 places across the UK.
The system piggybacks on the infrastructure built by Vodafone, as part of a growing partnership between the two companies.
More than three million Virgin mobile customers will now automatically be able to access 5G at no extra cost if they have a suitable plan and device.
New locations with Virgin-powered 5G include London, Birmingham, Belfast and Glasgow, and it goes live today.
EE was the first internet provider to go live with a 5G network in the UK in May 2019, soon followed by Vodafone. Now, O2, Three, Sky and Virgin also have 5G compatibility.
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Since Virgin Media doesn t own its own masts, the service will be using the same infrastructure as Vodafone. The two companies announced a partnership back in 2019.
Virgin Media’s 5G plans also come with all of the added extras of its 4G offering – from data-free WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook Messenger to data rollover and flexible airtime allowances.
Virgin Media says its broadband customers will also be able to choose a 5G plan when buying its “Oomph” bundles, which already offer broadband, TV and mobile connectivity all in one place. And those who have already got their hands on a 5G device and purchased one from Virgin Media from April 2020 onwards will automatically receive a boost to Virgin Media’s 5G services from today.
Saf Malik
Virgin and Vodafone’s 5G partnership is a ‘major milestone’
Virgin Media has announced it is launching its 5G services in 100 towns and cities across the UK.
Virgin Media will be using Vodafone’s network to deliver average speeds of 176.62Mbps which is around 4.5 times faster than its average 4G speeds.
The partnership with Vodafone was first announced in 2019 and has been labelled a ‘major milestone’ for both networks.
The new 5G service is available to customers on a range of plans including SIM Only and Pay Monthly at no extra cost.
New 5G plans include the Samsung S21 for £42 per month. Virgin’s 5G plans come with added extras of its 4G offering – from data-free WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook Messenger to data rollover and flexible airtime allowances.
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No extra cost
Virgin Media has said its new 5G service will be available to customers on a range of plans, including SIM only and pay monthly, for no additional cost.
The mobile operator will begin offering 5G plans to existing deals, as well as automatically boosting those with a 5G-enabled device to the new network, if it has been purchased through Virgin Media since April last year.
The 5G plans will also come with all of the added extras of Virgin Media’s 4G offering, including data-free WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook Messenger, data rollover, and flexible airtime allowances.