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What is ultrafast broadband? Everything you need to know in 2025
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Ultrafast broadband isn’t just fast - it’s Virgin Media fast. We’re talking seamless streaming, lightning-quick downloads, and lag-free gaming. Ready to ditch the delay and go full speed ahead? Let’s dive in
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 18 March 2025
What is ultrafast broadband?
Ultrafast broadband is a cutting-edge type of fibre broadband that uses fibre optic cables to deliver breakneck internet speeds directly to your home. Currently, ultrafast broadband can reach nearly 70% of UK homes, offering unparalleled connectivity for streaming, gaming, and powering smart devices.
If you're curious about what ultrafast broadband is, how it works, and whether it's right for your household, this guide has everything you need to know.
What speed is considered ‘ultrafast’ broadband?
An ultrafast broadband connection is defined as having download speeds of 300 Mbps or more. At these speeds, you can easily:
Stream 4K and 8K movies without buffering.
Participate in seamless video conferencing.
Download large files in seconds.
Power multiple connected devices at once without lag.
The fastest form of ultrafast broadband is known as Gigabit broadband (or Gig broadband), offering speeds of 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) or more. With Gigabit speeds, you can download a high-definition movie in under one minute.
However, keep in mind that your actual internet speed may vary based on factors like your device’s WiFi technology and signal strength. To enjoy the full benefits of ultrafast broadband, ensure your WiFi setup is optimised.
Ultrafast broadband vs. Superfast broadband
Ultrafast broadband is significantly faster than superfast broadband, which offers speeds between 30 Mbps and 300 Mbps.
Here's all of our superfast and ultrafast broadband packages and how they compare:
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Superfast broadband is sufficient for average households, but if you’re looking for next-level speeds and the ability to handle 10+ connected devices simultaneously, ultrafast broadband is the way to go.
How does ultrafast broadband work?
The speed of your broadband depends on the type of cables used to deliver data to your home. Here’s a breakdown:
1. ADSL Broadband (Slow Speeds)
Uses copper telephone lines to transfer data.
Data quality and speed degrade over long distances.
Requires a telephone line for connection.
2. Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC)
Combines fibre optic cables to the local cabinet and copper cables to your home.
Provides speeds up to 300 Mbps.
Still reliant on outdated copper infrastructure.
3. Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)
Uses full-fibre optic cables directly to your home.
Offers ultrafast speeds of 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) or more.
Does not require a phone line, making it the most reliable option.
Our ultrafast broadband services are based on FTTP and don’t rely on copper cables, ensuring a consistent, high-speed connection.
Should you upgrade to ultrafast broadband?
While superfast broadband meets the needs of most households, here's why ultrafast broadband might be the right choice for you:
If you have a large household with multiple heavy internet users, upgrading to ultrafast broadband ensures smooth performance, even with 10+ devices using bandwidth at the same time.
Cloud gaming, which streams entire games instead of downloading them, can be bandwidth-intensive. Ultrafast broadband allows you low latency especially in fast-paced games.
If you work remotely or run a business from home, ultrafast broadband is ideal for seamless video calls, fast file transfers, and high-bandwidth tasks like video editing and uploads.
If you use smart home devices like cameras, voice assistants, and security systems, having ultrafast broadband is essential to ensure high-speed connection to communicate with each other in real time.
For instance, our M350 service offers speeds six times faster than the UK average of 59 Mbps, while M500 delivers speeds more than eight times faster. Our Gig1 broadband is ideal for tech enthusiasts and large households, ensuring every device runs smoothly—even with multiple users online simultaneously.
Can you get ultrafast broadband in your area?
As of 2025, 70% of UK homes have access to ultrafast broadband with speeds of 300 Mbps or more, while 68% can access Gigabit broadband services.
Use our broadband postcode checker to find out if ultrafast fibre broadband is available in your area. With the right connection, you can enjoy lightning-fast internet speeds and take your online experience to the next level.
Why choose Virgin Media’s ultrafast broadband?
Our ultrafast broadband plans offer:
Speeds up to 1,130 Mbps for the ultimate internet experience.
Reliable full-fibre connections for uninterrupted streaming and gaming.
Easy network management through the Virgin Media Connect app.
Upgrade to ultrafast broadband today and enjoy the future of internet technology. Check availability in your area and discover a plan that fits your needs.
Ready to switch to ultrafast broadband?
Ultrafast broadband offers the speed, reliability, and affordability you need for everyday internet use. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working from home, ultrafast broadband keeps you connected without interruptions.
Check if ultrafast broadband is available in your area and upgrade your home’s internet experience today.
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