Gig2 is Virgin Media’s 2Gb broadband package, offering some of the fastest home broadband speeds available in the UK.
It now comes in two versions:
- Gig2 Fibre Broadband, delivered over Virgin Media’s existing hybrid fibre and cable network.
- Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband, delivered over a newer full fibre network.
Both offer average download speeds above 2,000Mbps, but they differ in upload speed, minimum guaranteed speed, router and installation type.
Gig2 at a glance
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Gig2 versus Gig1
Gig1 remains Virgin Media’s most widely available gigabit package, while Gig2 sits above it as a faster, more limited-availability option.
| Plan | Average download | Average upload |
|---|---|---|
| Gig1 | 1,130Mbps | 104Mbps |
| Gig2 Fibre (DOCSIS 3.1 hybrid fibre) | 2,130Mbps | 104Mbps |
| Gig2 Full Fibre (FTTP XGS-PON) | 2,000Mbps | 200Mbps |
| Gig2 Full Fibre Symmetrical (FTTP XGS-PON) | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps |
The calculator below shows how much time each plan actually saves on a real transfer.
Gig2 vs Gig1 (download/upload time)
Network
| Feature | Gig1 | Gig2 |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DOCSIS 3.1 (hybrid fibre-coax) | XGS-PON full fibre or hybrid |
| Symmetrical | No | Only with upload add-on |
| Upload speed | 104Mbps | 104Mbps / 200Mbps or up to 2,000Mbps with add-on |
| Maximum download speed | 1,130Mbps | 2,130Mbps (Fibre version) / 2,000Mbps (Full Fibre version) |
| Latency | Higher, contention-based | Lower and more stable |
| Future capacity | 10Gbps down / 6Gbps up (DOCSIS 4.0) | Near-unlimited fibre |
Availability
- Gig1 is available to around 18 million UK premises.
- Gig2 is available to around 9 million premises, covered by full fibre from Virgin Media and nexfibre.
Symmetrical upload speeds
- Gig1 does not offer symmetrical upload (upload speed equal to download speed); in fact, its upload speed is much lower than its download speed (104Mbps to 1,130Mbps).
- With Gig2 Full Fibre, you have the option to get symmetrical speed, with the Gig2 symmetrical upload add-on, which will cost an extra £6 a month, raising upload speed from 200Mbps to 2,000Mbps.
Which plan best fits
- For most typical households, Gig1 is great for everyday streaming, gaming and video calls without difficulty.
- Gig2 is worth the extra cost mainly for large file transfers, cloud backup or several heavy users active at once.
Router
The router supplied depends on the Gig2 version, not on customer choice.
Gig2 Fibre Broadband comes with the Hub 5. It supports Virgin Media’s DOCSIS 3.1 network, offers a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port alongside standard Gigabit ports, and uses WiFi 6.
The Hub 5 offers modem mode, so it can work alongside a third-party router if preferred.
Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband comes with the Hub 5x. It supports the XGS-PON full fibre network, offers a 10Gbps Ethernet port, and also uses WiFi 6. The Hub 5x doesn’t offer modem mode, so it isn’t set up to work with a third-party router without extra configuration.
| Detail | Hub 5 | Hub 5x |
|---|---|---|
| Supplied with | Gig2 Fibre | Gig2 Full Fibre |
| Network supported | DOCSIS 3.1 | XGS-PON full fibre |
| Ethernet port | 2.5Gbps, plus standard Gigabit ports | 10Gbps |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Modem mode | Yes | No |
| Installation | Engineer visit not needed | Requires an engineer visit |
Installation differs by version too. Gig2 Fibre Broadband generally activates over an existing hybrid connection, often without an engineer visit. Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband more often requires a new fibre installation, including running a fibre line into the property, which typically needs an engineer visit.
Can I get the full Gig2 speed on my device?
Reaching speeds above 1Gbps on a single device requires equipment capable of it, not just the connection itself. The checker below identifies the most likely bottleneck.
Gig2 alternatives
Several other providers offer speeds that compete with or exceed Gig2, though availability is far narrower than Virgin Media’s.
- Hyperoptic Hyperfast 2 Gig offers an average 2,000Mbps symmetrical speed on Hyperoptic’s own full fibre network, with wider UK coverage than most alt-net rivals, concentrated in flats and apartment buildings.
- Community Fibre offers symmetrical speeds up to 5,000Mbps, but only across Greater London.
- YouFibre offers speeds up to 8,000Mbps in selected areas, though its footprint is considerably smaller than Virgin Media’s.
- Sky Gigafast+ offers a symmetrical 2,500Mbps speed in selected Openreach full fibre areas.
FAQ
Why does my Gig2 speed test stop near 940Mbps?
This usually means your device or cable is limited to a 1Gb Ethernet connection. Gig2 delivers its full speed to the Hub; reaching above 1Gbps on one device needs a 2.5Gb or 10Gb port.
Can one computer receive the complete 2Gbps speed?
Yes, but only with a 2.5Gb or 10Gb Ethernet adapter, a compatible cable, and a router port capable of the same speed.
Is Gig2 available through Virgin Media’s coaxial cable?
Gig2 Fibre Broadband uses Virgin Media’s hybrid fibre and cable network, while Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband uses a full fibre connection.
Is every Gig2 connection symmetrical?
No. Only Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband with the upload add-on offers an equal upload and download speed. Both standard versions have a faster download speed than upload speed.
Is Gig2 Full Fibre the same as nexfibre?
Not always. Some Gig2 Full Fibre availability runs over Virgin Media’s own upgraded network, and some runs over nexfibre. The speeds and contract are the same either way, but nexfibre areas can also carry other providers, such as giffgaff, over the same lines.
Can I use my own router with Gig2?
On Gig2 Fibre Broadband, the Hub 5 offers modem mode, so a third-party router can work alongside it. On Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband, the Hub 5x doesn’t offer modem mode without extra configuration.
Does the WiFi Guarantee promise 2Gbps in every room?
No. The WiFi Guarantee promises at least 30Mbps in every room, not the full Gig2 speed.
Which Ethernet port and cable are required for more than 1Gbps?
A 2.5Gb or 10Gb Ethernet port on both the router and the device, connected with at least a Cat 6 cable.
About Virgin Media Fibre Broadband
Virgin Media offers a full range of broadband packages beyond Gig2, covering both hybrid and full fibre areas.
| Plan | Average download speed |
|---|---|
| M125 | 132Mbps |
| M250 | 264Mbps |
| M350 | 362Mbps |
| M500 | 516Mbps |
| Gig1 | 1,130Mbps |
| Gig2 Fibre Broadband | 2,130Mbps |
| Gig2 Full Fibre Broadband | 2,000Mbps |
All Virgin Media broadband plans come with the WiFi Guarantee at no extra cost, promising at least 30Mbps in every room. Broadband-only deals are available with no home phone line required, and plans can be bundled with TV or an O2 mobile SIM.
