Virgin Media O2 rolls out 2Gbps broadband over coax network

Virgin Media O2 has officially launched the rollout of its 2Gbps download speed broadband service over its existing Hybrid Fibre Coax (HFC) network. This expansion brings high-speed connectivity to approximately 3 million additional homes across the United Kingdom without the need for new trench-digging.

While previous 2Gbps services were limited to customers on the company's full-fibre XGS-PON network, this new deployment utilizes DOCSIS 3.1 technology to upgrade legacy cable lines. The service, branded as ‘Gig2’, offers download speeds of 2Gbps with upload speeds of 100Mbps.

Upgrades have already been completed in 18 locations, including Newcastle, Manchester, Oxford, and Portsmouth. The company aims to expand these services to the majority of its network by 2027. Combined with its existing full-fibre footprint, more than 10 million households can now access the provider's fastest download speeds.