Virgin Media O2 has launched its Gig2 broadband service over its hybrid fibre-coaxial network for the first time, extending availability beyond its full-fibre footprint.
The operator says upgrades covering around three million cable homes have been completed across 18 UK locations, with expansion to the majority of its network planned in 2027.
Combined with approximately seven million XGS-PON premises, the deployment takes Gig2 availability to more than 10 million households, according to Virgin Media O2.
The upgrade uses the operator’s existing DOCSIS infrastructure and requires no civil engineering. It demonstrates how Virgin Media O2 is increasing capacity on its cable network alongside investment in full fibre.
On HFC, Gig2 offers average download speeds of 2,000Mbps and upload speeds of 100Mbps. Symmetrical speeds are not available over the DOCSIS network.
Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “By making 2Gbps speeds available over cable for the first time, we’re extending multi-gigabit capability to more parts of the UK and showing the continued potential of our existing network infrastructure that still very much meets the increasing needs of consumers.”
She added: “As demand for data continues to grow, we’re investing across our network to deliver faster, more reliable connectivity.”
Locations named in the expansion include Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford, Bournemouth, Cambridge, Portsmouth and York. Availability remains dependent on individual addresses.
Gig2 starts at £49.99 per month on a 24-month contract, rising to £53.99 from April 2027 and £57.99 from April 2028. There is no set-up fee, and Volt broadband speed boosts do not apply to the package.
Source: https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2026/10/27/virgin-media-o2-extends-2gbps-broadband-to-cable-network/
