Virgin Media Discussion Thread

[batfink]

It looks like our (lack of) install drags on. Ordered on 12th Jan, external works scheduled for around a week later - our street uses Openreach ducts. The duct for the last 10m is blocked so they needed a street permit from the local council to carry out the work to unblock it. It's a block paved street. This work was scheduled in for Tues-Thurs this week (which I only know because I checked the local street permit register. Virgin told us nothing).

Someone came round yesterday (the only day of the week no-one is home!), which we only know because we can see the BT cable has been disturbed. Presumably they were checking (again - 3rd time lucky) that the duct was definitely blocked. I check the local street permit register today and the permit now states "works abandoned".

Anyone know what happens next? Is that it? Have they given up without any attempt to access the blocked section? I would call them but it's all in my partner's name so they won't talk to me plus she isn't as patient as me so gives up before getting through to anyone.

 

[Duke]

I would call them but it's all in my partner's name so they won't talk to me plus she isn't as patient as me so gives up before getting through to anyone.

She can get you added to the account as a named person with password to speak to them.

 

[shiver]

Still waiting for them to accept O2 contracts in the same household but different name. I guess it's no surprise they'll be in no rush to push that through.

Really hoping that FTTP will be ready to order on my street before my VM discounts expire in August...

 

[sony007]

Really hoping that FTTP will be ready to order on my street before my VM discounts expire in August...

Yeap, that is exactly what I'm hoping for also. Symmetrical speed of 1gig or more would be super sweet. Hyperoptic has a £20pm for 24m deal for their 1GB symmetrical service, but unfortunately their footprint within the BB sector is really small in comparison. Community Fibre do a 3GB service which put's a smile on my face just knowing that some ISP's and pushing the boundaries, but again small footprint in comparison to that of Virgin.

 

[skippy2421]

It's been a 18 months since i last had the haggle battle and then I could get through to retentions directly. Is it the case I have to give my notice to cancel now and await a call back to get to the right folks for a deal? I used the normal customer service lines and followed the options but only got offered £4 off which i laughed at. Sod paying £54 for the standard big bundle which for new customers is like £33.

 

[ChrisD.]

Is there a 'cheap' way to get broadband only? I want to trial VM where I live as a backup ISP (I have a dual WAN capable router), but I really cannot justify the prices they want.

 

[Journey]

Is there a 'cheap' way to get broadband only? I want to trial VM where I live as a backup ISP (I have a dual WAN capable router), but I really cannot justify the prices they want.

Best way is to challenge them with what you have on offer now, but don't tell them you already have it, so if you can get 500/100 FTTP for £25, call them and tell them and they will sometimes match the prices.

 

[Caged]

Just take the phone line and don't use it. For some reason the broadband-only prices are insane. £25 for 100Mbps with a phone line, £44 without the phone.

 

[chroniclard]

Had phone line for years but not had a phone plugged in. Bit silly really.

 

[ChrisD.]

Just take the phone line and don't use it. For some reason the broadband-only prices are insane. £25 for 100Mbps with a phone line, £44 without the phone.

Even then it's £25 for 100 Mbps with a pathetic 10 Mbps upload. I can get FTTP for a not too dissimilar price which gives me 150 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload. I might try and find a second FTTP provider that does a static IP address. I just can't fathom out VM's pricing, it's like they don't acknowledge that anyone else can offer similar speeds.

 

[Caged]

If it's for a backup then 2x Openreach FTTP doesn't make much sense as you're still offline if there's a fibre or OLT fault. You might be better off with a 4G/5G service.

 

[ChrisD.]

If it's for a backup then 2x Openreach FTTP doesn't make much sense as you're still offline if there's a fibre or OLT fault. You might be better off with a 4G/5G service.

Yeah that's a very valid point.

I can get Fibre Broadband M200 + phone for £29 a month for the first 18 month through a discount I'll eligible for.

 

[Duke]

Even then it's £25 for 100 Mbps with a pathetic 10 Mbps upload.

Isn't that enough for a backup ISP? Or do you mean an ISP to use for backing up data?

There are a few cash back deals around which would still be ~£25 a month but you'd get £100 of vouchers or similar which brings it down a touch. Worth looking into the 4G/5G alternatives though as mentioned, assuming you're in a decent signal area for one of the providers.

 

[MeatLoaf]

Is there a 'cheap' way to get broadband only? I want to trial VM where I live as a backup ISP (I have a dual WAN capable router), but I really cannot justify the prices they want.

Yes there is

I was paying £60 a month for internet phone and TV. Rang them and asked if i can drop TV and phone and just have the £30 broadband id seen advertised.

They said no.

But did some digging and if youre on universal credit there is a broadband deal they can do for £15. Its called essential broadband. Yes its only 15Mb, but it will do for me.

Essential broadband | Virgin Media

 

[Sparx]

@MeatLoaf kinda useless info in the nicest way, big caveat to that... you have to be on Universal Credit

@ChrisD. I'd suggest a 4G/5G backup personally.

 

[ChrisD.]

I’m going to just use my work phone if my main line goes down. I get 5G and around 100 Mbps or so.

 

[MeatLoaf]

@MeatLoaf kinda useless info in the nicest way, big caveat to that... you have to be on Universal Credit

@ChrisD. I'd suggest a 4G/5G backup personally.

Yes, but its not only people out of work that claim it. I work 30 hours a week and am still eligible
The £45 saving ive made there will go towards energy price increases

 

[Slam62]

Yay got my volt sorted, 500mb and 60gig sim only 43 quid.

 

[Jon20]

Does Gig1 suffer with congestion? I know it's going to be down to local congestion, if any, so might be hard to say. I briefly tried Virgin again back in October, on M200. Whilst it seemed to get full speeds on both download and upload, the latency was horrendous. BQM was very spikey. Just wondering if DOCSIS 3.1 would be less likely to be congested/have latency issues? I've got the opportunity to cancel Sky broadband and have seen Gig1+Phone+O2 Sim for £55 a month. Would be more expensive but would also have a lot more down/up speed.

 

[2013]

Hi Im looking for some advice.
I'm with virgin but I have requested a cancelation a few days ago, I had a call back but I could hardly hear her, I need to call up and confirm the deals they will offer.

I signed up with vodafone 2 months ago installation end of the month, I've just realised the price will be going up in April and they only guarantee half the speed.

My question is what is should I do ? i try and stay with virgin or move to vodafone ? VM is £10 at the moment before the vodafone price increase.