Virgin Media turns Ultrafast broadband and digital entertainment expansion
5 August 2011
Virgin Media has announced that it will be ‘turning on’ Southampton with a major expansion of its fibre optic cable network, powering a new generation of digital entertainment services for the area. Currently passing just under half the city, Virgin Media is nearly doubling the size of its network, with the first area of expansion scheduled for completion in September. Tens of thousands of extra residents will soon be able to access the best digital and home entertainment services including the UK’s fastest internet service – 100Mb broadband – and Virgin Media’s revolutionary new TiVo TV service, as well as great value home phone services.
Virgin Media’s award-winning broadband, recognised by Ofcom as the only service in the UK to deliver on advertised speeds1, will be available across Virgin Media’s growing network as areas are added in a construction programme that will continue through to December 2011 in order to reach a total of approximately 80,000 Southampton households2. The 100Mb top service will give residents internet access that’s over sixteen times the national average speed3 ensuring customers enjoy an unrivalled online experience whether surfing, watching TV online, gaming or internet shopping.
Virgin Media is also bringing its fibre optic powered digital TV service to the area, including its cutting edge TiVo powered set-top box. The revolutionary TiVo Service combines hundreds of TV channels with thousands of hours of programmes, including in HD and 3D, all ready to watch on demand, as well as the best of the web, such as YouTube, all in one place. The TiVo service, heralded by reviewers as the best way to enjoy TV, has the ability to record up to 500 hours of TV whilst learning from the households’ viewing habits to help customers discover great new entertainment through unique trademark ‘thumbs up’ and ‘thumbs down’ buttons.
Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council said: “Having the UK’s fastest internet service will be a massive boost to business in Southampton, This is a huge coup for businesses here and those wishing to locate here.
“Southampton is setting the standard nationally and is once again at the forefront of innovation.
“We have been working with Virgin Media on this project for some months and are very pleased this will bring high speed broadband to both businesses and residents.”
Caroline Noakes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, says: "The lack of high speed broadband is an issue that is frequently raised by constituents. I certainly welcome the fact that today many Southampton residents are already able to access 100Mb broadband services and by the end of 2011, the whole of Virgin Media’s network in Southampton will be able to. This will bring the benefits of high speed broadband to many families across the constituency."
Peter Taddeo, Virgin Media’s executive director of sales said: “We’re really excited to bring our latest digital services to so many more people in Southampton. Now more families and professionals will be able to get the UK’s leading digital entertainment services, with the best in TV and ultrafast broadband all supplied by our unique fibre optic cable network. From the new Virgin Media TiVo Service, to 100Mb broadband and even mobile phone services, our offerings will give residents the greatest choice to suit their entertainment and communications needs, with significant savings for families when taking services together.”
Southampton residents can pre-register their interest at www.virginmedia.com/southampton or pop down to their local Virgin Media store at 8 Above Bar, Southampton, SO14 7DQ.
For more information:
Web:www.virginmedia.com
