Gig1 is currently the fastest broadband plan from Virgin Media. It offers excellent download speeds which exceed 1Gbps while its upload speed is capped to just 52Mbps.
Virgin Media Gig1 is currently available to more than 60% of the UK which means Gig1 is the widely available fibre broadband across the UK. Just check whether you live in areas of Virgin’s cable network, you can get it.
Overview
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Network technology | Hybrid Fibre Coax cable (DOCSIS 3.1) |
| Data usage | Unlimited |
| Broadband with phone | Landline / No phone line options |
| Home phone | Includes Talk Weekends |
| Broadband with TV | Available |
| Average download speed | 1,130Mbps |
| Average upload speed | 52Mbps |
| Router | Virgin Media Hub 4 |
| Mobile SIM | Available |
| Free extras | Parental controls, Virgin Media public WiFi |
| Contract length | 18 months |
Gig1 broadband deals
Virgin Media Gig1 offers a variety of options – broadband only, broadband and phone and broadband and TV packages.
If you’re interested in a TV bundle with Gig1, the Ultimate Volt bundle includes Gig1 broadband, you can also make calls anytime, and unlimited 5G SIM is included in this premium bundle.
Is Virgin Media Gig1 fibre broadband any good?
- Virgin Media Gig1 fibre broadband plan offers gigabit speeds 14 times faster than the national average.
- Lightning fast, gigabit broadband is ideal for connecting more devices – laptops, computers, game consoles, TVs and mobile phones
- Ideal for 4K UHD video streaming, downloading, video calling, VoIP and online gaming.
- Gigabit connections usually reduce latency, which is good for video calls and online gaming.
- At gigabit speeds, you can download a 15GB movie in less than 2 minutes.
- The latest Hub 5 WiFi 6 router is included in the Gig 1 package. It is DOCISIS 3.1 compliant with more Gigabit connections and Wi-Fi channels for powerful performance.
- Hub 5 also helps you fix network congestion issues and get solid speeds across your devices.
Speeds
Gig1 fibre broadband comes with an average download speed of 1130Mbps and an average upload speed of 52Mbps. It offers 2x faster download speed and 30% faster upload speeds than the popular M500 broadband plan.
Gig1 offers 1Gbps+ download speeds, but upload speeds are significantly lower than download speeds. However, 52Mbps average upload speed is still decent for gaming and 4K streaming.
Here’s how Gig1 speeds compare to other Virgin Media broadband plans:
| Plan | Speed |
|---|---|
| Virgin Media M350 (362Mbps / 36Mbps) |
Expected: 352 – 384 Mbps Expected: 36 – 37 Mbps (upload) Minimum Guaranteed: 181 Mbps (download) |
| Virgin Media M500 (516Mbps / 36Mbps) |
Expected: 469 – 547 Mbps Expected: 36 – 37 Mbps (upload) Minimum Guaranteed: 258 Mbps (download) |
| Virgin Media M600 (630Mbps / 41Mbps) |
Expected: 539 – 652 Mbps (download) Expected: 39 – 42 Mbps (upload) Minimum Guaranteed: 315 Mbps (download) |
| Virgin Media Gig1 (1130Mbps / 52Mbps) |
Expected: 1120 – 1130 Mbps (download) Expected: 48 – 52 Mbps (upload) Minimum Guaranteed: 570 Mbps (download) |
How does Gig1 compare to similar gigabit plans?
As Gig1 offers gigabit speeds which is usually a specification of the top-tier broadband plans, one may naturally think that Gig1 could be very expensive, however, the comparison between Gig 1 and other similar plans from other providers would give the right picture:
| Average Speed Download / Upload | Monthly cost | |
| Virgin Media Gig1 | 1130Mbps / 52Mbps | £60 |
| BT Full Fibre 900 | 900Mbps / 110Mbps | £54.99 |
| Hyperoptic | 900Mbps / 900Mbps | £33 |
| TalkTalk Future Fibre | 900Mbps / 100Mbps | £49 |
| Sky | 900Mbps / 100Mbps | £52 |
As we compare, Gigi is slightly expensive plan, however, you get significantly faster download speeds. Other Openreach based providers offer faster upload speeds, while, Hyperoptic offers the same upload speed as download speed.
Gig1 upload speeds are definitely not impressive when compared to its gigabit download speed. However, 52Mbps average upload speed is still decent for gaming and 4K streaming.
Compared to Gig1, other providers offer cheaper options to users who are looking out for gigabit broadband service.
Availability is a crucial factor and Virgin Media Gig1 has an advantage over its competitors. It is available in more locations across the UK while Openreach’s gigabit broadband is available to just 25% of the UK.
Hyperoptic which offers the cheapest product in this tier, has very limited availability, its service covers only selected cities in the UK.
Virgin Media Hub 5
Gig1 customers get Hub 5 which supports DOCSIS 3.1 and speeds of up to 2,183 Mbps on both bands. It’s superior performance should help users get faster, more reliable WiFi around the home. It’s also compatible with WiFi extenders to help amplify signals in interior areas.
Overall, Hub 5 is WiFi 6 router with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax WiFi standard, 4 gigabit slots and advanced security features.
Related
- Virgin Media M500 vs Gig1 – which is better option?
- Virgin Media M50 broadband
- Virgin Media M125 Broadband Review
- Virgin Media M250 broadband review
- Virgin Media M350 broadband review
- Virgin Media M500 broadband review
- Virgin Media Broadband and TV
- Virgin Media Bigger Bundle Review