Virgin Media O2 and nexfibre have officially launched their ultra-fast Gig2 broadband service in Huddersfield, UK, bringing residents some of the fastest internet speeds. With speeds reaching up to 2 Gbps—21 times faster than the area’s current average—this service is set to revolutionize connectivity for households that rely on robust internet for activities such as remote work, UHD streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming.
This significant upgrade is part of Virgin Media’s broader full fiber rollout in Huddersfield, extending high-speed connectivity to even more homes. nexfibre, spearheading this initiative with a GBP 4.5 billion investment, aims to deliver fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections to five million homes across the UK by 2026. Recently, nexfibre reached a notable milestone, reporting that one million premises were passed and are ready for service.
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FTTH for the Win
Virgin Media O2, utilizing this advanced network, is offering its broadband and TV Stream services to residential and business customers in Huddersfield. As a frontrunner in the UK’s gigabit race, Virgin Media O2 already provides speeds of over 1,000 Mbps across its entire network. The company invests approximately GBP 2 billion annually in its networks and is actively upgrading all fixed networks to FTTH technology.
In addition to its broadband offerings, Virgin Media O2’s mobile network covers 99% of the UK population with 4G and is continuing to expand its 5G services. Virgin Media O2 remains the only UK mobile operator that has not reintroduced European roaming fees.
Furthermore, Virgin Media O2 customers can enhance their services through the Volt program, which includes perks such as double mobile data, roaming in 75 countries, and a broadband speed boost to the next available tier at no additional cost.
nexfibre, a joint venture between InfraVia Capital Partners, Liberty Global, and Telefónica, is leading this fiber rollout. Backed by GBP 4.5 billion in equity and debt investment, the project is targeting five million homes by 2026 and will potentially expand to another two million. Virgin Media O2, the anchor tenant, also provides build services for nexfibre, aiming to cover up to 23 million premises—around 80% of the UK—by the decade’s end.
Related: nexfibre Plans Major Network Expansion for 2025-2026
Strengthening Community Connections
Julie Agnew, Managing Director of Fixed Network Expansion at Virgin Media O2, expressed her excitement about the development: “With 11,000 more homes in Huddersfield now connected, residents can enjoy next-generation multigigabit broadband and TV streaming services, ensuring their online experiences are never compromised.”
Rajiv Datta, CEO of nexfibre, emphasized the broader impact of the investment: “Our multi-million-pound investment in Huddersfield is about more than just faster broadband; it’s about empowering thousands of households to engage more fully in the local economy and maintain strong community connections. This is a key milestone in connecting five million premises by 2026.”
This initiative marks a significant advancement in the UK’s digital infrastructure, paving the way for ultrafast, reliable internet access for more homes and businesses nationwide.
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