Virgin Media 20MB to 30MB

[xxMATTGxx]

Virgin Media has launched a new 30Mb broadband service which will replace its existing 20Mb service from February 1st.

The broadband provider claims that users can expect to see speeds close to the stated headline speed, as it does not use VDSL technology that can see internet users subjected to a "speed lottery" depending on where they live.

Costing £18.50 per month, the XL service gives users unlimited downloads and is expected to provide faster average speeds than BT Infinity.

"As consumers continually demand more and more from their broadband, the unique power of our next-generation network means that we're able to turn up the dial to meet their needs," said Jon James, executive director of broadband at Virgin Media.

Customers who are already using the 20Mb XL package will be invited to upgrade to the new plan through a one-time upgrade fee of £30 in exchange for the new SuperHub DOCSUS 3.0 modem and router.

So if anyone is currently on their 20MB package, you can pay a one off fee of £30 and get upgraded to their 30MB package if you wish to do so.

Link: http://shop.virginmedia.com/existing-customers/customer-offers/upgrade-to-faster-broadband.html

[Stephen!]

Brilliant news!

Although, the free installation and activation on the 50MB looks very tempting.

[Conservative,]

I can't remember what package we have with Virgin, but it's good news to see this anyway ;D

[xxMATTGxx]

Brilliant news!

Although, the free installation and activation on the 50MB looks very tempting.

How much more is that monthly? Was looking but couldn't see.

[Stephen!]

It's £6.50 more than the 30MB.

On paper anyway. VM customer support always tell you different over the phone.

[Stephen!]

Just got my upgrade booked. Engineer is coming on the 12th.

It's not actually free though, since I have to pay £3 per month more on top of the £30 activation.

[myke]

Just got my upgrade booked. Engineer is coming on the 12th.

It's not actually free though, since I have to pay £3 per month more on top of the £30 activation.
What have you got atm?

[Stephen!]

I'm on the 20MB atm.

[xxMATTGxx]

Just got my upgrade booked. Engineer is coming on the 12th.

It's not actually free though, since I have to pay £3 per month more on top of the £30 activation.

Why are they charging you £3 extra? :S

[Stephen!]

Why are they charging you £3 extra? :S

Because they are very sly. Apparently, for upgrading, we lose our loyalty discount. I have been with them for 10 years since NTL and I don't see how upgrading my service makes me any less loyal.

[xxMATTGxx]

Because they are very sly. Apparently, for upgrading, we lose our loyalty discount. I have been with them for 10 years since NTL and I don't see how upgrading my service makes me any less loyal.

"Upgrade from 20Mb to 30Mb broadband for no extra monthly cost, just a one-off payment of £30."

And that's under the existing customers page, so what the hell are they playing at.

[Stephen!]

"Upgrade from 20Mb to 30Mb broadband for no extra monthly cost, just a one-off payment of £30."

And that's under the existing customers page, so what the hell are they playing at.

Yeah. The woman on the phone told me the upgrade is classed as taking out a new service, therefore the loyalty discount is reset. Or something (She was Indian).

Either way I'm not too fussed. £3 extra isn't bad for a 50% speed increase.

[xxMATTGxx]

Yeah. The woman on the phone told me the upgrade is classed as taking out a new service, therefore the loyalty discount is reset. Or something (She was Indian).

Either way I'm not too fussed. £3 extra isn't bad for a 50% speed increase.

Even so, unless it's in the very small print (I haven't read) they shouldn't really be charging you extra.

[Stephen!]

The guys on the VM forum are saying there is something about it in very, very small print on the back of the letters that they sent out (I didn't get one).

[Markeh]

Won't be upgrading then. We've had NTL since the dial-up years. Not going to lose our loyalty discount for that.

[Stephen!]

Just phone up and see what you get. It varies for each person you talk to as they offer you different deals. If you don't like it then just call back a few hours or a day later.

[xxMATTGxx]

I can't seem to find the bit of information about the monthly price going up because it states it wouldn't do in the main text, ASA anyone? LOL

[N!ck]

Hmm, would this work for me? Currently on a 9 month student contract paying £20 per month for the 20Mbps (no phone line or any of that, just internet).

[Ajthedragon]

does it need to be that quick ;s mine is 15 and i don't have any problems with lag. :P

[Chris]

Im on the 20mb one so this is great news for me. I'll look into it. :D

[Jam]

Hmm, would this work for me? Currently on a 9 month student contract paying £20 per month for the 20Mbps (no phone line or any of that, just internet).

Probably not, you seem to be getting that at a deal to start with.

[Chippiewill]

This definitely seems like a worthwhile way to spend thirty pounds, also a new free router makes it more awesome. Good thing I haven't had Virgin for that long, no LPs to lose. Although I might try and tempt my Mum towards the 50MB...

[xxMATTGxx]

This definitely seems like a worthwhile way to spend thirty pounds, also a new free router makes it more awesome. Good thing I haven't had Virgin for that long, no LPs to lose. Although I might try and tempt my Mum towards the 50MB...

Just bare in the mind it's a modem and router in one device, not got very good remarks from current users on VM who use it but hey ho. :P

[Chippiewill]

Just bare in the mind it's a modem and router in one device, not got very good remarks from current users on VM who use it but hey ho. :P
I think I can still just run it like a router if I want, but sexiness of N is worthwhile.

Also, bear*.

[xxMATTGxx]

I think I can still just run it like a router if I want, but sexiness of N is worthwhile.

Also, bear*.

Oh I meant yeah it's a router but it will also be your modem as well. So you won't have a modem on it's own and also a router like you may of had before hand, I believe there is a update coming to it whenever so you would be able to just use it as a modem and then use your own router.

[Stephen!]

The only thing that is bad about this deal is that you can't run the "Super Hub" in modem only mode yet. As said above, an update firmware is "In progress". I have not read much in to it, but apparently there is an unofficial method of achieving the same thing. Not sure if it involves installing any mods on to the router software though.

[Niall!]

Yeah I would but I'm on the 20mb package and my average speed AT NIGHT is 6MBPs according to speedtest.net...

[Chippiewill]

Oh I meant yeah it's a router but it will also be your modem as well. So you won't have a modem on it's own and also a router like you may of had before hand, I believe there is a update coming to it whenever so you would be able to just use it as a modem and then use your own router.
Usually you can just attach another router in blah blah something mode and it'll use the router it's attached to for internet access and DHCP, basically it'll turn a router into a switch which'd be just as good (Unless the virgin router is bad at DHCP).

[Stephen!]

I would not go for it then. It's obvious your city/town's UBR has utilization issues or just generally high traffic. I would only recommend the 30MB or even the 50MB to users who get 20MB all day, every day.


Usually you can just attach another router in blah blah something mode and it'll use the router it's attached to for internet access and DCHP, basically it'll turn a router into a switch.

The thing is though, I have a high end router just before my current cable modem. I don't want to use their piece of crap Netgear equipment because it then removes the point of me having a decent router, since it all goes through the super hub anyway and that becomes the bottleneck. I'm not sure how good/bad the new hub is, but the concensus on the VM forums say it's pretty bad. DMZ and port forwarding don't work and I use them quite a lot.

[Chippiewill]

I would not go for it then. It's obvious your city/town's UBR has utilization issues or just generally high traffic. I would only recommend the 30MB or even the 50MB to users who get 20MB all day, every day.
Or close to..

Although I would expect a 1.5x speed bonus on any connection and it is only a single £30 payment unless you have loyalty points.

Edit: Does anyone know if there's an upload speed change?

Edit2: it's 700kbps on 20mb up to 1mbit on 30mb up and a slightly higher trottle threshold.

[Niall!]

I would not go for it then. It's obvious your city/town's UBR has utilization issues or just generally high traffic. I would only recommend the 30MB or even the 50MB to users who get 20MB all day, every day.

Yeah I know. I'm extremely pissed off with the service I'm receiving considering I'm paying 20mb prices for less than 10mb..

[Stephen!]

Edit: Does anyone know if there's an upload speed change?

Only in the upgraded areas. There is a list somewhere of all the cities and towns and the ETA of the upgrade.

For those with the upgrade, it will be 30MB Down and 3MB Up
For those without, it's is 30MB Down and 1MB Up.

[Chippiewill]

Only in the upgraded areas. There is a list somewhere of all the cities and towns and the ETA of the upgrade.

Is that the 100mbit capability upgrade?

[Jam]

No. <space>

[Chippiewill]

Found a dynamic image in someone's signature on another message board which allows you to check the status. June 11th to get upload bonus... can't wait.

[Stephen!]

Mine's July something. 100MB is coming in September.

[Chippiewill]

Mine's July something. 100MB is coming in September.

I've only got 100MB planned :(

Then again I don't think it's worth the price for mostly web surfing.

[Niall!]

Does anyone know if I can sue virgin for giving me 0.56KBPS download at 11 OCLOCK?!?

[Chippiewill]

Does anyone know if I can sue virgin for giving me 0.56KBPS download at 11 OCLOCK?!?

No. You probably violated the traffic management policy and are still waiting those several hours for it to be restored.

[Stephen!]

No. You probably violated the traffic management policy and are still waiting those several hours for it to be restored.

The 20MB goes down to 5MB if you download over 3.5GB in the evening. I doubt he's having that problem.

[Niall!]

No. You probably violated the traffic management policy and are still waiting those several hours for it to be restored.

That could be true if it weren't completely impossible. Housemates have been out all day and so have I. They aren't back yet and I haven't done anything but browse HxF since I got in.

[Chippiewill]

That could be true if it weren't completely impossible. Housemates have been out all day and so have I. They aren't back yet and I haven't done anything but browse HxF since I got in.

Someone may have been naughty and run torrents or something.

[Niall!]

Someone may have been naughty and run torrents or something.

One of them has a computer. It's broke.

[Technologic]

Just installed, now getting 31 megabits down and 3.5 up on the study computer (via ethernet) and all the others (over wirelesss inc. mine) are getting about 27/28 down and 3.0 up. Before we were getting like 15 over the wireless down and 1.5 up so big improvement!

[Stephen!]

Same here. Getting 30.7 down and 1.07 up (upload hasn't been upgraded yet)

The superhub isn't bad at all. I think I'm gonna get rid of the router I had before and just use this two in one thing. Makes my shelf a lot neater, too.

[Technologic]

Same here. Getting 30.7 down and 1.07 up (upload hasn't been upgraded yet)

The superhub isn't bad at all. I think I'm gonna get rid of the router I had before and just use this two in one thing. Makes my shelf a lot neater, too.

... Why would you even bother having a separate router?

[Stephen!]

Because many people had complaints about the superhub.

[Technologic]

Because many people had complaints about the superhub.

Ah right, it seems fine to me and it looks pwetty.... Only problem was i couldn't work out why it wans't turning on. Took me 5 minutes of getting frustrated to find the on button....

[Stephen!]

Ah right, it seems fine to me and it looks pwetty.... Only problem was i couldn't work out why it wans't turning on. Took me 5 minutes of getting frustrated to find the on button....

It has an on button? The instructions just told me to turn it off and on at the wall lol.

[Jam]

How long did it take yours to be installed/sent? I'd prefer a self-install but I imagine they have to change the frequency or whatnot.

[Technologic]

It has an on button? The instructions just told me to turn it off and on at the wall lol.

Yeah on the left at the bottom, theres an on/off button. I was like unplugging it and plugging it again over and over like "WHY WONT YOU WORK" then i found the button....

[Stephen!]

Ah, the tech bloke must have turned mine on :P

[Technologic]

Ah, the tech bloke must have turned mine on :P

Ahaha, self-installed mine. The box turned up at the door this morning, wasnt expecting it til monday

[Jam]

Ahaha, self-installed mine. The box turned up at the door this morning, wasnt expecting it til monday

Did you replace a normal hub or a SA/Cisco Modem?

[Technologic]

Did you replace a normal hub or a SA/Cisco Modem?

Twas a foxconn modem & netgear router i had previously

[Stephen!]

Loving this new connection.

I don't have any traffic management on my account... The site clearly says you can download 10GB between 10am and 3pm. I've just hit 20GB and still on the full 30MB speed.

[Chippiewill]

Loving this new connection.

I don't have any traffic management on my account... The site clearly says you can download 10GB between 10am and 3pm. I've just hit 20GB and still on the full 30MB speed.

Virgin are clever and they'll only enforce it if they have too, that's how they keep as many customers as possible on super high speeds.

[Stephen!]

Virgin are clever and they'll only enforce it if they have too, that's how they keep as many customers as possible on super high speeds.

It seems you are right. I got speed capped LOL. Ah well, managed to snag 50GB before they did. I'm probably on their "list" now.

[Recursion]

It seems you are right. I got speed capped LOL. Ah well, managed to snag 50GB before they did. I'm probably on their "list" now.

There's a 50GB cap? I assume this is in one day or something otherwise thats crap.

EDIT: Oh lol read above, nvm

[Chippiewill]

It seems you are right. I got speed capped LOL. Ah well, managed to snag 50GB before they did. I'm probably on their "list" now.
I'm fairly certain you have to be a repeat offender, they hardly want to start punishing half their customers for occasionally downloading a bit too much.

[xxMATTGxx]

We just got upgraded to 50MB today, we was going to do the 30MB upgrade but we thought we may as well just do the 50MB. Although the guy who came actually left me to do the rest of the set-up because at first he connected the SuperHub up with our older router and obviously it wasn't going to work right because it would be like conflicting/fighting and stuff. So then I mentioned that the fact DHCP and needs turning off and stuff, so he left us the mobile number for him and I sorted it out. :P

But heres what speedtest shows at the moment:

http://www.speedtest.net/result/1162797019.png

[Stephen!]

How much extra was it a month from whatever you were on before?

[Niall!]

I'm loving the 50 MB, NO CAP AT ALL so I've had to buy another TB external HD.

Hitting 49 MB/s with 4.87 upload.

[Recursion]

I'm loving the 50 MB, NO CAP AT ALL so I've had to buy another TB external HD.

Hitting 49 MB/s with 4.87 upload.
There will be a cap.

[Flisker]

I'm loving the 50 MB, NO CAP AT ALL so I've had to buy another TB external HD.

Hitting 49 MB/s with 4.87 upload.


There will be a cap.

What Tom said.

Usually its "Unlimited*"

* Subject to fair usage policy applies

[Stephen!]

Nah, there are no caps on the 50MB. only the 2, 10, 20 and 30 have caps.

[Recursion]

Nah, there are no caps on the 50MB.



However during peak times we'll need to slow you back to 1.75Mb if your upload usage is particularly high.

---

At peak times we also slow down the speed of file sharing traffic – that's services like Limewire, Gnutella, BitTorrent and Newsgroup (Usenet) traffic. You will, of course, still be able to use these services, but downloads and uploads will take longer during these peak periods.

Traffic management is just as bad as a cap.

[Stephen!]

Unless you're a heavy uploader (warez) that would not worry me.

[xxMATTGxx]

How much extra was it a month from whatever you were on before?

Would love to tell you but they actually never told us that, they said they would phone us up within 48 hours but we got an email the next day saying a technician would be around (today) and so on. Although Mum said she doesn't really mind, so whatever! I will let you know when the bill gets updated though.


---

Question about speedtest:

What would cause my speedtest to show like this, on this computer only:

http://www.speedtest.net/result/1163483557.png

Any other computer that is wired, gets the normal test but mine just goes OTT all the time.

[Stephen!]

Sometimes speedtest uses the cache, or something.

[xxMATTGxx]

Sometimes speedtest uses the cache, or something.

It seems it was my firewall what was causing it to happen. After looking at VM forums It seems I may have high power levels which need to be lower, not sure what kind of problems this would cause on the connection but looks like VM need to be called out.

[Snatter]

I really want to get some sort of fibre optic broadband - unfortunately I'm in a rural area and there's nothing here :(

[xxMATTGxx]

Virgin media broadband users have fallen foul of technical problems with UK cable broadband giant's new SuperHub. The hub which is custom built Netgear hardware, combines a cable modem and wireless router in one. It has had a large volume of issues since it launched on Virgin's 30 Megabit service earlier this month. Users are reportedly having trouble maintaining synchronization with the cable network, dropping wireless connections and the speed dropping to unacceptable levels. The hub also seems to reboot randomly if you change the wireless frequency from 2.4Ghz to 5Ghz.

A large number of users have been very vocal on the issue in the Virgin Media forums. At the start of the month, Virgin began tempting existing 20Mbit customers with offers to assist them migrating to their new DOCSIS 3.0 platform which will allow much faster speeds in the long run.

Virgin has said that the issues are being caused by faulty firmware in the devices. Staffers have stated that they are looking to issue a firmware update in May which should resolve the issues as well as introduce a new bridge mode which will allow connection of a standalone wireless router.

"Testing is under way, and we expect to resolve the issue by a firmware update which will be automatically pushed out to SuperHub users as soon as a fix has been confirmed."

Users affected by this issue should keep an eye on the Virgin Media forums for updates.


http://www.neowin.net/news/virgin-media-has-faux-pas-with-30mbit-service-upgrade


----

Came across the article, yeah it does seem many people have had issues with the new SuperHub but I got mine last week and haven't seen any issues so far *fingers crossed*