Virgin Media Broadband XL (+ Phone)

• The only broadband you can get without a home phone line
• Save more with Virgin Media line rental
• Up to 20Mb broadband.
• Unlimited downloads.

Virgin Media broadband review: Broadband XL + Phone

Virgin Media's mid-level package is the only 20Mb broadband that you can get without having a phone line but it's got more going for it than that.

Free extras and no cap on Downloads

Broadband XL has no cap on downloads - which is always a nice hassle-saving feature, particularly if you're sharing your connection - as well as a free router.

Don't go too crazy with your connection yet, though. Virgin Media operates a fair use policy so 'unlimited' isn't an invitation to get all your favourite geeks round for a file-sharing party; the top 3% of uploaders and downloaders will find their service throttled.

Save on home phone too

As we've mentioned, Virgin Media is the only major provider which doesn't require you to have a land line.

This is because Virgin Media owns the UK's fibre optic cable network. Your fibre cable is a different line from the copper wires which carry your phone connection and the ADSL services offered by other broadband providers so you can safely chuck that home phone away.

Of course, you may still want a land line for non-technology-forward activities such as ringing other people with land lines. In that case, we recommend that you also sign up for Virgin Media's phone services.

Virgin Media's home phone is cheaper than BT's (only 25p a month cheaper but every little helps) but, more importantly, it knocks some money off the price of your broadband too.

Faster, faster!

20Mb might not have the glamour of Virgin Media's XXL 50Mb 'fastest broadband in the land' but it remains our personal fave because it's far more achievable.

Despite this, it's still worth bearing in mind that 20Mb is an 'up to' speed, meaning that 20Mb is, in theory, the fastest you can go: most users won't go that fast but we've heard from many users getting 15-18Mb speeds.

Even in a fibre cable area your broadband speed depends a lot on factors which are difficult, if not impossible, to change such as the quality of the cables in your area and your distance from the exchange.

All in All

Broadband XL is a well-priced, mid-level offering from Virgin Media. Top Marks.

A little more detail...

Broadband		Special Note...
Package:	Size: XL	-
Connection:	Cable	-
Max Speed:	Up to 20Mb
Usage Limit:	Unlimited	Fair use policy applies
Totally Unlimited:	No
Hardware:	Wireless Router	-
Internet Security:	Included free	PCGuard Total package (which includes PCguard features as well as extra Anti-Spyware, Identify Theft Protection and Parental Control features)
Online Gaming:	All major consoles supported

Home Phone
Summary:	Virgin Media line rental £11.99/month
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