How Virgin Media Brings Gigabit Fibre to Scottish Town

More than 5,000 additional homes in Strathaven, Scotland can now access Virgin Media’s gigabit broadband services for the first time, following the completion of a new full fibre rollout delivered on behalf of wholesale network provider nexfibre.

Residents can now sign up to Virgin Media services including Gig2 broadband, offering top download speeds of up to 2Gbps. 

The expansion marks another step in extending gigabit capable connectivity to communities across Scotland as demand for reliable high speed broadband continues to rise.

Full fibre rollout completes local build

Virgin Media’s services are now available locally after construction work to bring full fibre connections to the area was completed. 

The network has been built on behalf of nexfibre, which is investing £4.5bn ($US6.14bn) to deliver fibre to the home connectivity across the UK.

The wholesale provider recently confirmed it has reached 2.3 million premises passed and ready for service nationwide. 

Virgin Media O2 is using this next generation infrastructure to deliver broadband and TV Stream services to homes and businesses in Strathaven.

The rollout forms part of Virgin Media O2’s wider fixed network strategy, which is focused on expanding access to gigabit speeds while transitioning its legacy network to full fibre technology.

Expanding access to gigabit broadband

Customers in Strathaven can now access Virgin Media’s full range of broadband packages, including multigigabit services designed to support multiple connected devices and high bandwidth applications.

Julie Agnew, Managing Director of Fixed Network Expansion at Virgin Media O2, says: “5,000 more homes in Strathaven can now feel the benefit of Virgin Media’s services – with packages that include everything from next generation multigigabit broadband to easy-to-use TV streaming and entertainment services.

“These ultrareliable full fibre to the home broadband connections come with high speeds, providing total peace of mind that whatever you’re doing online, you’ll never be slowed down by your service.”

Virgin Media O2 says the latest deployment supports its ambition to lead the UK’s gigabit rollout, with speeds of 1,000Mbps and above now available across its entire network.

Hownexfibre investment supports wholesale growth

nexfibre’s investment in Strathaven is part of a broader wholesale model designed to accelerate fibre deployment by separating network build from retail service delivery. 

The joint venture is backed by InfraVia Capital Partners, Liberty Global and Telefónica and is financed through £4.5bn ($US6.14bn) of equity and debt investment.

Rajiv Datta, CEO at nexfibre, says: “nexfibre’s multi-million pound investment in Strathaven will enable thousands of households to access the benefits of full fibre broadband, including being able to participate in the local economy and connect with the community. 

“We are continuing to bring our high speed fibre network to more location across the UK.”

Virgin Media O2 acts as the anchor tenant for nexfibre and also provides build services, using the infrastructure to extend its gigabit footprint while supporting long term network upgrades.

Fixed and mobile convergence remains key

Alongside its full fibre programme, Virgin Media O2 continues to invest heavily in its mobile network. The company’s 4G coverage now reaches 99% of the UK population, with 5G services continuing to roll out nationwide.

The operator invests around £2bn (US$.2.7bn) a year in its networks and services. It is also promoting converged offerings such as Volt, which allows customers who take both Virgin Media broadband and an eligible O2 Pay Monthly plan to receive benefits including broadband speed boosts and additional mobile data.

With a gigabit broadband footprint covering 18 million premises and a combined fibre footprint with nexfibre now exceeding 7 million premises, the Strathaven rollout highlights the growing role of wholesale fibre partnerships in accelerating the UK’s transition to full fibre connectivity.