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What is gigabit broadband and how fast really is it?
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Gigabit broadband is the next big thing when it comes to superfast broadband, bringing some of the fastest speeds available in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 18 March 2025
What is gigabit broadband?
Gigabit broadband is a superfast type of internet connection that can transfer data at speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and beyond. With this speed, you can download large files, stream videos in high-quality 4K or even 8K, play online games, and have multiple people using the internet at the same time without any delays or buffering.
Gigabit broadband uses fiber-optic cables to send data as light signals, making it much faster and future-proof than the older copper wires used for traditional internet. This makes it ideal for homes and businesses that need blazing internet speeds for work, gaming, or connecting many devices at once.
Gigabit broadband isn’t just superfast, it’s fast enough to handle anything you throw at it, making it perfect for homes and businesses with many connected devices or demanding internet activities.
Our gigabit broadband deals power your whole home with download speeds averaging 1130Mbps, giving you more than enough speed to for all your internet needs.
How does gigabit broadband work?
When you use gigabit broadband, data is sent to and from your home or business using fibre-optic cable, making it perfect for high-speed tasks like streaming, gaming, and downloading.
These fibre-optic cables are made of thin strands of glass or plastic, and they use light to carry information. Because light travels much faster and can carry more data than electricity, it allows you to have gigabit speeds and a super reliable internet connection in your home.
Gigabit broadband relies on advanced networking equipment, like routers and modems, to distribute the gigabit connection to your devices. The result is a fast and reliable internet experience that lets multiple people in a household or office connect to the internet without slowing down
How fast is gigabit broadband?
Gigabit broadband is extremely fast, with speeds clocking in at 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) and potentially even faster. This is much faster than most standard broadband connections, which often provide speeds of around 50 to 100 Mbps.
Our Gig1 gigabit broadband has download speeds averaging 1,130Mbp, and uploads of 104Mbps, giving you more than enough speed to for all your internet needs.
To give you an idea of just how fast that is, basic ADSL broadband only reaches average speeds around 10Mbps, while most standard fibre broadband clocks in between 30-100Mbps.
With these speeds, downloading or uploading large files happens almost instantly. A high-definition movie that might take several minutes to download with standard broadband can be ready in just a few seconds with gigabit broadband.
You’ll also be able to stream 4K or even 8K videos without buffering, online gaming becomes smoother with less lag, and video calls stay crystal clear, even on busy networks.
What are the benefits of gigabit broadband?
Gigabit broadband is fast enough for most internet-intensive activities, from competitive online gaming to streaming in 4K and more!
Here are just some of the benefits you can expect from switching to gigabit broadband:
With gigabit broadband, you can stream videos in 4K or even 8K quality without any buffering. This means you can enjoy your favorite movies and shows in the sharpest, clearest detail. Even if multiple people in your home are streaming different shows at the same time, the connection will stay smooth.
Gigabit speeds let you download big files, like movies, games, or software updates, almost instantly. For example, a full-length HD movie that might take 10 minutes to download on a slower connection can be ready in just seconds. That's because our gigabit broadband has average download speeds of up 1130mbps, which is more than enough to keep all of your downloads as fast as they should be.
Gigabit broadband provides a super-fast and stable connection when you're gaming online. This means no lag during online multiplayer games, so your gameplay is smooth, and you stay competitive. Be sure to take a look at all our gaming broadband deals to see all of our best broadband packages for gaming.
Gigabit broadband makes working from home a breeze, giving you all the upload speeds you need for high-quality video calls, quick file uploads, and fast downloads. Even if you’re sharing the internet with others in your household, you can stay productive without interruptions.
In today’s smart homes, many devices are connected to the internet, like TVs, phones, laptops, tablets, and smart appliances. Gigabit broadband ensures all these devices work quickly and smoothly at the same time, without slowing down. If you've got a lots of poeple at home streaming, gaming and downloading at the same time, gigabit broadband is probably the best choice for your home.
Gigabit broadband is designed to handle the growing demands of the internet, making it a smart choice for the future. As apps, games, and technology evolve, you’ll have the speed you need to enjoy the latest innovations without any hassle. Gigabit broadband gives you all the speed you need for staying connected and can be easily upgraded if you have our full fibre broadband, Gig2.
Not sure if full fibre is available in your area? Use our helpful postcode checker to see all of the speeds you can get.
Can I get gigabit broadband?
Let's see! Gigabit speeds are typically only available in locations with fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) or areas covered by the Virgin Media fibre network.
Gig1 has been rolled out across our entire network, so you’ve a fair chance of getting these ultrafast speeds. Don’t forget, you can also register your interest in gigabit broadband as we’re bringing to new areas all the time.
Use our helpful postcode checker to see if gigabit broadband is available in your area.
Is gigabit broadband worth it?
That really depends on what you use the internet for. For many people, gigabit broadband is a great choice because it offers incredibly fast and reliable internet speeds that are ideal for streaming, gaming and working from home. If you have a busy household with lots of people streaming, gaming, working, or using smart devices at the same time, then gigabit broadband will be ideal for your home. If not, one of our cheaper broadband deals might suit you better.
Either way, as more devices and services require faster internet, gigabit broadband is a good way to prepare your home for the future. You won’t have to worry about your connection struggling as demand for superfast internet speeds increases, allowing you to future-proof your home with the next generation of broadband connections.
Check out our gigabit broadband deals to see if there’s a package that’s available in your area that meets your needs.
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