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What is superfast broadband? Everything you need to know in 2025
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If you're exploring superfast broadband and want to know how it works, its benefits, and whether it’s the right fit for you, this guide will cover everything you need to know
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 18 March 2025
What is superfast broadband?
Superfast broadband offers download speeds between 30 Mbps and 300 Mbps, often delivered via fiber-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) technology. Compared to standard copper ADSL, superfast broadband, it’s ideal for households looking for reliable internet to support streaming, gaming, and browsing on multiple devices simultaneously.
Whether you're gaming, working, or binge-watching your favorite shows, faster internet can transform your online experience.
What speed is considered superfast broadband?
Superfast broadband refers to internet connections delivering speeds between 30 Mbps and 300 Mbps. These speeds allow you to:
Stream HD or 4K content on multiple devices without buffering.
Enjoy smooth online gaming with minimal lag.
Download movies in less than 10 minutes.
Connect several devices at once, from laptops to smart TVs.
For most households, superfast broadband provides more than enough speed to handle everyday online activities with ease.
How does superfast broadband work?
Superfast broadband speeds are determined by the technology used to deliver the connection. Unlike ultrafast broadband, which relies on full-fibre infrastructure, superfast broadband typically relies on a combination of:
1. Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC)
Data is delivered to your local street cabinet using fibre optic cables.
The final connection to your home uses copper cables or coaxial cables.
Speeds are faster than ADSL but can vary depending on the distance from the cabinet.
2. Coaxial Cables
Used in hybrid fibre-coaxial networks, delivering reliable speeds for many homes.
Often paired with faster FTTC connections to offer improved performance.
Unlike full-fibre connections, superfast broadband often incorporates some use of copper cables, which may limit speed compared to ultrafast broadband.
Why choose superfast broadband?
Superfast broadband offers the perfect balance of speed and affordability for most households. Here’s why it might be the right choice for you:
With speeds of up to 300 Mbps, superfast broadband can easily support streaming, gaming, and browsing for multiple users in a family.
Superfast broadband allows you to stream HD and 4K content seamlessly while also enabling smooth, low-latency gaming sessions.
Superfast broadband plans are widely available and cost-effective, making them ideal for households seeking reliable internet without the need for ultrafast speeds.
Superfast vs. ultrafast broadband: What’s the difference?
While superfast broadband offers speeds between 30 Mbps and 300 Mbps, ultrafast broadband delivers speeds of 300 Mbps or more, including Gigabit speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps).
Here's a comparsion of all of our superfast and ultrafast broadband options and what each of them mean when to comes to speed:
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For most users, superfast broadband is more than sufficient, but if you have a busy household with 10+ connected devices, you might want to consider upgrading to ultrafast broadband.
Can you get superfast broadband in your area?
As of 2025, 96% of UK homes have access to superfast broadband, making it one of the most accessible options nationwide. Use our broadband postcode checker to see what speeds are available in your area and find the perfect plan for your needs.
How to maximise your superfast broadband speeds
To make the most of your superfast broadband connection:
Place your WiFi router in a central, open location to ensure even coverage.
Use Ethernet cables for devices requiring maximum speed, like gaming consoles.
Upgrade your router or invest in a mesh WiFi system if you experience weak spots.
Why choose our superfast broadband plans?
Our superfast broadband services are designed to deliver reliable speeds for your household’s needs. Here’s what we offer:
M125 Plan: Download speeds of 132 Mbps – perfect for small households.
M250 Plan: Download speeds of 264 Mbps – ideal for streaming and gaming.
Pair our superfast broadband with the Virgin Media Connect app for seamless management of your network and devices.
Ready to switch to superfast broadband?
Superfast broadband offers the speed, reliability, and affordability you need for everyday internet use. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or working from home, superfast broadband keeps you connected without interruptions.
Check if superfast broadband is available in your area and upgrade your home’s internet experience today.
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