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Virgin Media Broadband XXL (+ Phone)Independent review with up to date prices, details and special offers for this package...
Virgin Media broadband review: Broadband XXL + PhoneTHE UK's fastest broadband package comes with completely unlimited downloads and a top of the range wireless router... but can you get it? Use the availability checker to the right to find out. Want Virgin TV? Check out the review of Virgin Media Broadband XXL & TV. The Concorde of Broadband Ok so it's pushing it a bit to say that broadband XXL is supersonic but it definitely fits in with Virgin's planes, trains and hot air balloons. This is broadband's Concorde: exclusive and really, really fast. At 50Mb Virgin Media's XXL package is the fastest broadband in the UK. That's extra speed is unbeatable whether you're streaming video, downloading and playing games or just browsing. Virgin have boasted even that the service will allow you to download a full 15GB HD film in just 45 minutes. The burning question, though: is it achievable? Virgin certainly seem be taking their speeds seriously and a recent OFCOM report found that users were seeing average speeds of 31.8 to 35.2Mb in peak times (8-10pm) and 45.9 to 47.4Mb off-peak (4-6am). That makes Virgin Media XXL broadband not only the UK's fastest by far but one of the few providers to consistently deliver speeds nearing that elusive 'up to' (ideal-world) speed. Like all broadband speeds, however, 50Mb is an 'up to' amount which is dependent on a number of factors. Most important is your area, though, so check your availability by putting your postcode into one of our search engines or when you go to sign up on Virgin's site. With so many factors it's still hard to be sure of the speeds you'll get but shortening the odds considerably is the top-of-the-range router included in the package. Free Wireless Router Virgin Media's wireless 'N' router is included for free. The 'N' router offers better coverage than your run of the mill modem and since poor wireless connection (along with many other factors) can slow down your connection that's indispensable. Security encryption is also included to stop those pesky 50Mb broadband thieves. You will also get a free wireless 'N' router adaptor - which plugs into your USB - in case your existing wireless card doesn't work with the router. The actual 50Mb broadband has recently taken a serious price dive from a pricey £50 to just £28 a month with a Virgin phone line. Virgin line rental is cheaper that BT's incidentally, at just £11. Without a phone line broadband XXL is a slightly more pricey £38. Unlimited Downloads As you would expect with such face-aching speeds unlimited downloads are included. Unlike other Virgin Media packages, though, there is no acceptable use policy applies which will throttle you ( in terms of speed, not literally) if you're in the top 5% of downloaders so use as unacceptably as you like. More Extras Unlike other Virgin Media broadband deals, which have free installation when you sign up online, XXL requires a £20 activation fee. Luckily, however, there are some extras to ease the pain. Since only Martin Lewis is cheaper than us we were also excited to see that PC Guard Total Anti-Virus (which offers fairly comprehensive protection including a firewall), unlimited amount of online storage to back up all your files and 100 free photo prints every month are included absolutely free. All in all, Virgin Media XXL broadband offers unbeatable speeds with great phone and TV packages to match.
A little more detail...
Virgin Media Broadband XXL + Phone package options...
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Broadband: XXL & Phone: M
