Re: 500mb Question
 

Couldnt agree more

Re: 500mb Question
 

One of the unfortunate side-effects of DOCSIS, at least for now. Meanwhile our friends in Scandinavia, Romania etc can have symmetric 10Gbps FTTH for 25 Euros a month, or symmetric gigabit FTTH for a tenner. :td:

Re: 500mb Question
 

JFYI, I have added the 500M prefix to the forum now, and updated this thread.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I pay £163.63 for Full House TV, Vivid 200 BB, & Talk more Anytime for Phone.

So will I get this?

Re: 500mb Question
 

Why are you paying that much? The VIP package is £129.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Agreed, seems very overpriced there.

Anyway, seeing lots of complaints about the 500 only being available on V.VIP - but I can see why Virgin are doing it. Think about how Virgin generates revenue - they don't just count the number of customers, they count the number of services ("Revenue Generating Units") each customer takes up. By putting a premium product on their top-tier VVIP package, it's encouraging those that really want it to pick up more RGU's along the way.

Come their next financial results, they'll be able to report that the average RGU's taken up has gone from something like 2.3 to 2.5 or whatever.

I'm not saying I like it or agree with it, but ultimately Virgin is trying to keep its profits up in a land where more and more people are dropping RGU's in favour of just broadband.

Re: 500mb Question
 

If that's true, Kushan, why did they give 350Mb the upload uplift? Surely they could have driven more sales of V.VIP if it exclusively had the higher upload? That's what most people seem to have wanted anyway.

I really can't see the logic in what they're doing. I don't want or need all the extras V.VIP comes with apart from the 500Mb. Instead of getting some extra money from me, they're getting none.

Re: 500mb Question
 

It's all about advertising and headline speeds. 500mbits sounds stupidly fast and we can moan about how they are doing it with vvip but you wait until docsis 3.1 gets rolled out. They are going to want to do something special for that and you can guarantee that will launch as 1gbit on a new exclusive package. People will go for it just so they can say they have got a gigabit connection. 100mbits up sounds nice as well.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I suspect the upload speed uplift is a separate thing and part of a larger plan going back years to get 10:1 speeds. What do I know, though.

One thing I am pretty sure about though - 500Mbit is hefty on the network without 3.1 to keep it going. I suspect Virgin are deliberately keeping it in the premium packages to limit uptake for that reason as well.

It'll eventually come to lower tiers, I have no doubt.

Re: 500mb Question
 

You're paying far too much.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Still awaiting the 35mbs upload boost in the Blackburn area:(

Re: 500mb Question
 

I assume you have done the obvious and rebooted the modem?

Re: 500mb Question
 

Yes,I did it at the weekend,and just now as well to be sure.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Finally, having run the gauntlet of bots, who insisted that V.VIP wasn't available in my street, I have been upgraded. I had to Remain on my current tariff, but that's ok. I am told that CS will give me a loyalty discount.

Be patient. Be polite. Be insistent. Be prepared to call multiple times to get an operative who has initiative. Make sure you are forwarded to the department that actually actions the new package.

https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2019/05/5.png

Re: 500mb Question
 

Wow you seem to be paying way to much. I have what you have with Sky premium channels for £85.75 plus line rental which I pay in advance.
I think you need to make a phone call!

Re: 500mb Question
 

Surely you have more services than that I have exactly what you listed and only pay £76 and after 12 months it'll go up to £90 odd which is the normal price.

I am guessing you have premium channels too but you're still paying far to much.

Call the thinking of leaving department and watch your price drop.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Blimey! Massive edit to my earlier comment today.



CS, onshore department, just gave me a call back and said that my new service had been all set up wrongly by offshore operatives and that they needed to rebuild it and that I didn't need a loyalty discount to match the V.VIP entry price.

The upshot of this is that I am now on V.VIP 500Mb, with limitless SIM etc for £99.00 + some phone call enhancements, all for £105 pm.!! That's a saving of about £60 pm for me. The operative also suggested I ring back in 11 months, just before the £99.00 ends, to see what can be done to keep costs down. Duly noted in my diary.

The key thing is to get through to the newly set up onshore call centres where operatives are thoroughly trained in every aspect and can do 90% of all functions to do with TV, mobile, broadband and landline. They only pass you elsewhere 10% of the time. To get through to them I went for the billing option then to the option where you want to speak to a human. (08.00 - 21.00 only) Other options may work. DO NOT try to get your new package arranged offshore! The inconsistency of training and honesty levels is deplorable!

Having been more than satisfied by today's experience I did leave comments about the frustration and confusion, caused by the obstructive and robotic behaviour of some of the offshore centres and operatives. I was thanked for this and a complaint case is being generated.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Thanks for your post roughbeast

After speaking to 6 people last Friday,I was told that someone will phone me on Thursday from the newly formed V.VIP department to complete the upgrade. Those that I spoke to from Team India were clueless so I might get a sensible conversation tomorrow.

One of the things mentioned on Friday was that someone needs me to consent to is the sim card because apparantly I have reached my quota. This is strange because there is only my wife and myself on my mobile account and we still have a year to go on our contracts.

Another thing I was told was that on the 2x V6 offer is that I can't have one. We currently have a V6 and a very slow Tivo so I intend to dig my heels in over this and insist on recieving a V6 to replace the Tivo.

I wonder if I will recieve the Sky channels and the 500 mbit upgrade at the same time or when I activate the V6 (if they send one) after Ive set it up on quick start?

Watch this space

Re: 500mb Question
 

It all happens at the same time. I was asked to reboot my SH3 and my V6 boxes straight away, to pick up the new config. If you get on the V.VIP package you will have to wait for the second V6 box, but your services will be up straight away as soon a they have flicked the switch at their end.

To avoid problems try to get on a UK call centre if you can. They'll sort out your SIM properly at the same time.

Re: 500mb Question
 

As expected,I didnt recieve the call back that they promised on Thursday so as I got home from work at 3pm on Friday I thought I'd better ring them to increase the chances of getting through to a UK call centre.

Yet again,I got through to Team India who when I asked for the dedicated V.VIP department put me through to another Team India colleague who then put me throught to yet another Team India colleague.

I was impressed with the third person who sounded like he knew what he was talking about. He took me through everything and it was seemless.

Last Friday,I was told that I wouldnt be getting another V6 but that wasn't true at all. My second box will arrive on Tuesday which happens to be my day off. He was going to send someone to install it but I will do it myself as it's easy enough. He then told me it will be delivered by Yodel but I asked for collect + to save a fiver but was suprised to be told it will be free delivery. I didn't need the wifi boosters as I recieved some 3 weeks ago through the connect app. Ive also having a talk international add on for £2 a month for my wife to call her family on Indonesia.

Another thing that suprised me was that the Sky channels came on within 15 minutes and my 500 mbits was upgraded straight away when I thought I would have to wait for Tuesday for it all to be activated. I had another suprise this morning in an email from Virgin that stated that there will be no activation fee.

Overall it was a good quick experience unlike the previous Friday. I forgot to ask what I should do with the old Tivo. I doubt that Virgin will collect it.
So all this for just £10 a month more than I have been paying,

Re: 500mb Question
 

Fantastic, that is what it should be like fir everyone first time round. They wont collect the boxes, you need to take them to your local tip for recycling.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Cheers for that GM

Re: 500mb Question
 

Keep hold of the TiVo for now in case they do ask for it. Plenty still get refurbished.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I'm pretty sure that VM are currently collecting the 500GB TiVo boxes again.

It should be made clear in the box that new V6 comes in VM want the old TiVo box back.

Re: 500mb Question
 

they said that with mine, and previous shubs and they never come and get them.

Re: 500mb Question
 

They took both my old boxes away when I had my V6 boxes installed.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I know but he is doing a self install so they aren't coming to pick them up

Re: 500mb Question
 

Ive still got my old Superhub 2 and VHD box so I will hang onto them and my Tivo for a year and if I don't hear from them I will dispose of them responsibly.

Thanks for your replies everyone

Re: 500mb Question
 

The Sh2 and V HD definitely won't be asked to be returned once they're not in use.

Re: 500mb Question
 

im currently on the vip package will i get the speed boost im on the VIVID 200 b/b

Re: 500mb Question
 

What speed boost?

Re: 500mb Question
 

lol i gather its a no then. was supposed to get 300 when i signed up but could only get 200 in my area then ,now they're saying 500 is available in my area.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Only if you upgrade to VVIP.

https://www.virginmedia.com/shop/bundles/vip

Give them a ring, you never know.

Re: 500mb Question
 

will do ,my contract runs out in 2 months i look forward to getting the 500 then.

Re: 500mb Question
 

... and be persistent!


https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2019/05/7.png

Re: 500mb Question
 

These days they send prepaid packaging so you can send the TiVo back to them

Re: 500mb Question
 

Cheers for that Mike. I'll look out for that when the 2nd V6 arrives tomorrow

Re: 500mb Question
 

Yep,as you said Mike,I can send the Tivo back in the same box that the V6 came in this morniing with a barcoded label for the collect + shop around the corner.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Interesting on the VMB side doing the 500mb upgrade - already have the 4 port Hitron and they're insisting on sending out an engineer (tomorrow, 15th) to install the 500mb service.

Not complaining but thought it would have been a remote upgrade as I already have the four port

Re: 500mb Question
 

I also have a pending order for the business 500 Mb/s service (as I am on an old tariff I will actually save money!) Initially they told me it would simply be a remote upgrade, but was called today to apologise to say they need to send an engineer on Thursday to swap the Hitron. In my case the reason given is because I have the original 2 voice port Hitron and they will only offer the service on the second generation 4 voice port Hitron. No idea why....

I don't even want to use the voice ports, but telling them that made no difference - it has to be changed. BenMcr - any insight you can offer on this?

On another note the Hitron firmware updated last night.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Same here on the tariff - only £2 but better than nothing :) The voice ports are useless to me as they're not something I personally use. They used the same reason for the engineer visit to me even though I've got the 4 port version. Not gunna complain with new hardware though :)

Saw your post about the firmware but didn't both doing anything with the new hub tomorrow. The new one should auto upgrade as soon as it's connected though.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I thought they were talking about the LAN ports �� I definitely had one of the older 2 ports as well.

Upgrade is complete though
https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2019/05/10.png
https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2019/05/11.png

Re: 500mb Question
 

Did the engineer say why you need the swap for the 4 voice port version for the upgrade?

Re: 500mb Question
 

He mentioned something about them wanting to get rid of all the 2 port versions ... didn't really make sense but I can see if they want to do that

Re: 500mb Question
 

I had not been on this forum for some time until yesterday and so saw VVIP mentioned for the first time.
We have a mobile deal with Virgin already paying just over £10 for nothing like unlimited.

I selected thinking of leaving hoping to get UK which used to happen but got offshore. They transferred me to the special VVIP department and without even asking they just offered the package for £99 per month and told me to call in April to see what they could do when it was close to ending.
They are going to transfer the existing phone sim to the new unlimited today.

Well impressed and quite a saving for the next year at least.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Been on the 500mb package for 3 weeks now and still waiting to see over 350mb the offer was too good to be true the boffins can't understand why my devices won't reach 500mb I was on 200 mb before and constantly reach 218mb all day long

Re: 500mb Question
 

If I run speed tests from a device I don't get 500Mpbs - but I don't expect too.

Only see 500Mpbs with a direct ethernet connection to the router using a 1000mpbs ethernet connection.

Re: 500mb Question
 

yeah, if I was going to try and get 500mbits on a single device/connection I would be wanting to make sure my router was more than capable of the speed, I was using a wired gigabit link and the device (e.g. my pc) was using an ssd.

Re: 500mb Question
 

You need to make sure your 5ghz wifi is set to 20/40/80 and you have a decent wifi device like a flagship phone. 500mb is t really needed for one single device, its handy for busy houses

Re: 500mb Question
 

... or a top notch phone. I get >520mb on my Galaxy S10+ in the same room as my router.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I don't know if it'll affect anyone else, but when I set my RT-AX88U to 20/40/80, nothing could connect to the 5Ghz at all. Probably just a bug in the router more than anything.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Can get decent speeds on my iPhone XR. Bit more when wired.

Re: 500mb Question
 

500Mb is already out. A new hub will be required only when DOCSIS 3.1 is deployed.

https://www.virginmedia.com/shop/bundles

Re: 500mb Question
 

Is 500 generally available yet, or still just on that stupid package ?

Re: 500mb Question
 

Nope you still need to take the Ultimate Oomph Bundle it’s a joke.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Is the ultimate bundle just for new customers?

I already pay close to £99 each month for what i have.

Re: 500mb Question
 

You should be able to upgrade to it, not sure if you need to phone up.

I see there is a Lenovo Smart device or bill credit currently available until tomorrow, maybe new customers only but you could try asking for it too.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Yes phone up. You shouldn’t have to try too hard.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I think it is for anyone - but you need to re-contact for 12 months.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Was only for new customers, if they had of offered it to me i would of taken the deal.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I got it as an existing customer. It worked out less as I no longer pay for the mobile.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I meant the free Lenovo or credit.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I think that was new only for the freebies - I would have gone for the Xbox otherwise which i've seen mentioned.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I was still in contract until November but have just upgraded to the Ultimate Oomph package for 12 months and my payments have gone down to £99 a month, the same price as a new customer. I didn't even have to negotiate the price. Just done a speed test 519.26 download and 42.58 upload . I've checked and I still have all the channels including the kids, so top marks from me.
https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2019/06/12.jpg

Re: 500mb Question
 

Well I phoned them. VIP customer for 20 Yrs, told to pay £100 for a 2nd V6 box, but they mailed me with the offer and then refused me unless I pay £100 for the 2nd box. I pay £98 a month plus another £21 a month for 2 mobiles, not a happy customer :(

Re: 500mb Question
 

Just a heads up if others haven't seen the other thread, M200 now has an upload on 20mbit.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Interesting, what does your config show for the upload?

Re: 500mb Question
 

M200 upload news is here. :)

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/show...6#post36000796

Re: 500mb Question
 

I know :)

I was wondering what his 500 config was for the upload, if they've set it to 45/50 if he's getting over 40

Re: 500mb Question
 

Not for me :(

Re: 500mb Question
 

Hi Synthetic, is this what you were asking for?https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2019/06/13.jpg

Re: 500mb Question
 

You're provisioned at 38 the same as everyone else on M500.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Yep that's what i was after :)

Re: 500mb Question
 

Thanks to this M500 there be a Price rise in September....I say those that want the M500 should pay this price rise whilst the rest of us stay as we are.

Re: 500mb Question
 

The price rise happens every year, nothing to do with m500

Re: 500mb Question
 

Probably a freak result then , the sort you get sometimes when your processor is struggling with the demands of the speed test. You can get wild fluctuations that don't reflect your real speed. Or possibly the Speed test opp is misbehaving as usual. I have had bizarre results using that too.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Question regarding 500 and anything above 200 actually. What does it take for Virgin Media to offer those speeds in an area? For example on a new housing estate with a fairly new cabinet installation but only 200 is available at the moment.

Re: 500mb Question
 

this is a very funny and long story. The top tier will be available to your area but there is a process VM go through for new builds to make sure everything is up and running properly. Another forum member moved to a newly built estate last year which VM was actively working on putting in brand new everything. The estate was still under construction and being completed in sections. Promises were made regarding connection dates and tier availability and even though half of the estate was fully completed and connected, VM waited several months for all work to be completed on the estate and additional upgrade work off the estate before they made all services fully available.

The delay is frustrating from a customers point of view because you think "just connect me and if it works great but if it doesn't no worries" but tbh I applaud VM for sticking to a robust and logical work ethic and putting quality first by making sure everything works and is in place to deliver a quality service.

I wouldn't even bother ringing VM because I can guarantee any date they give you for anything won't be true. Whether they lie to get you off the phone believe they are giving you a genuine date on the system, it will inevitably be delayed and put back again and again and again.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Somewhat makes sense - As I do believe there is a section of the development that still needs to be completed. But yeah we got VM installed last weekend and working great so far. We shall see how long it takes for them to be sending emails or something saying we can get faster internet :P

Re: 500mb Question
 

I was offered 500mb from 200mb 2 months ago but have yet to reach 500mb kinda disappointed with this tier as the 200mb I would get on a speedtest all day long maybe its because its new my daughter was offered the similar package with the 350mb package

Re: 500mb Question
 

Can you remind me where this is?
I've had a look and under admin/info there's nothing.
I've just moved across to the ultimate ooomph so I want to check to see when the 500 kicks in
thanks

Re: 500mb Question
 

On the sign in page of your hub under router status top right.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Tools/Network Status/Configuration.

Re: 500mb Question
 

We just got back from a 2-week holiday in Keffalania. I'm so impressed with the unlimited mobile data sim element of the 500Mb Ooomph package.

As expected, our WiFi access was typically limited for a location on Keffalania, but we had excellent 4G over the whole Island, unless we were in a cave or below a cliff with no view of the 4G transmitters. Download speed was up to 50Mb and never below 20Mb. Upstream was between 5Mb and 12Mb. The connection in speed tests appeared to be routed to VM in the UK. Does this explain why my access to bandwidth was so good?

The best bit was the unlimited data feature. I set my Galaxy S10+ to be a mobile hotspot. This was accessed by my wife's phone, our 18-year old twins' phones and a laptop. Data usage throughout the holiday was 187.2Gb, due mostly to photo transfers and the twins steaming video, via Amazon, Netflix and YouTube. Fantastic! Not a penny to pay and no breaks in service as we travelled around the island. The only drawback was that my phone needed to be near the twins or there was hell to pay!

We're crossing fingers that our data roaming rights throughout the EU do not cease after midnight 31st October!

Re: 500mb Question
 

I'm sure you're only supposed to use around 11Gb while roaming. Something to do with fair usage.

https://store.virginmedia.com/FUP-Calculator.html

You use £27 for the unlimited sim I believe, giving you 11.60GB to use. I'd check your bill.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I think you may be in for a bit of a shock.

Re: 500mb Question
 

He maybe ok if he hasn't disabled his cap, but there is no way i would have risked using my data abroad like that!!! Maybe a shocking bill coming.

https://www.virginmedia.com/content/...ide-280619.pdf

Re: 500mb Question
 

I already checked. No charges, either on a daily basis or for the whole period from 1st August to 15th August whilst we were away.

Here's a snapshot from a typical day whilst in Keffalonia. I make that over 11Gb just for that part of one day.

Attachment 28001

Now multiply that up by 14 whole days! My billing cycle ends on 12th August. There is no charge for data for the month until that date. No charges accrued since then. Is it not possible that unlimited SIM actually means unlimited SIM?

Re: 500mb Question
 

I'm no expert on this, someone who works for Virgin should be able to clarify but it isn't unlimited for roaming.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Given that Keffalania is in Greece and that Greece is in the EU and is therefore one of those countries where you can "Roam like Home" then it appears to be genuinely unlimited. I can use unlimited data at home, so can use unlimited data anywhere in the EU. Normal data costs and limits don't apply.

https://www.virginmedia.com/help/vir...-roaming-costs

Re: 500mb Question
 

According to that document it's £4.65 per GB above the 14.18 GB fair use.
I remember the last time I was abroad, I didn't get my bill for the roaming (before they had 'free' EU roaming) until the month after as they have to confirm the data usage with the foreign provider.

If that's the case.... <gulp>

---------- Post added at 17:06 ---------- Previous post was at 17:03 ----------

Thanks Snoopz and heero_yuy.

Found it now, config has been updated but yes, you've guessed it, it's actually no better of slower than my original M350. Oh well, I'm now paying less than I was before so can't complain.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Fair usage policy applies, it's not unlimited while roaming. The calculation was at £27pm (how much the unlimited sim cost) worked out at you can use 11.60GB while roaming.

Re: 500mb Question
 

Was your SIM unlimited as in those you get with the Oomph deal?

At home I roam with unlimited Sim data. In Greece I roamed like at home, like it says on the tin. I checked the fair use policy. It says nothing about unlimited SIM cards.

https://www.virginmedia.com/content/...conditions.pdf

Re: 500mb Question
 

I've already linked this to you, I'm trying to help, if you don't want to listen then that's up to you.

https://store.virginmedia.com/FUP-Calculator.html

Re: 500mb Question
 

That was my first port of call! I listened. It doesn't apply in a sensible way.

I entered my details. My fair use amount is 0Mb. As I keep saying I have an unlimited SIM. My Virgin Mobile plan costs £0.00. It is subsumed within the cost of my Oomph package. That nominal £27.00 you suggested I apply doesn't work if there is an "I have Unlimited Data" box to check.

Attachment 28002

Attachment 28003

Re: 500mb Question
 

Going by VMs own terms and conditions you SHOULD be getting charged for most of those GBs as it is over your fair usage, but according to the same conditions your data usage while roaming should be capped at £51.50 unless you told them otherwise so this is all very confusing?

https://store.virginmedia.com/virgin...ng-abroad.html

Re: 500mb Question
 

That was my first port of call! I listened. It doesn't apply in a sensible way.

I entered my details. My fair use amount is 0Mb. As I keep saying I have an unlimited SIM. My Virgin Mobile plan costs £0.00. It is subsumed within the cost of my Oomph package. That nominal £27.00 you suggested I apply doesn't work if there is an "I have Unlimited Data" box to check. Where would a typical punter glean that £27 from anyway?

Attachment 28002

Attachment 28003

Re: 500mb Question
 

To be fair I can't see how that can apply to Roughbeast because they have designed it to make it applicable and usable only by customers who have a standalone mobile contract and there is no way roughbeast could use that as a tool to plan in advance. If your sim is part of a bundle then it doesn't have a cost. It is the same as when I tried ringing up years ago to ask them how much my BB costs because I was shopping around comparing prices and they told me they couldn't give me a cost because it is in a bundle with tv and phone and I pay for the bundle which costs £xxx.

I hope this is something they are going to be challenged on anyway because I have just used the calculator out of curiosity to see if putting in the bundle cost could be used as an argument to justify the data limit but if you put in £100/month with a normal 50gb allowance that only gives you 42gb under the FUP which is about 1.5gb/day which is shit. You can't say something is unlimited and then cap people to 1.5gb/day. If I ever got charged for anything I would be straight off to Ofcom and the ASA and say when they send you the contract through and any correspondence the onus is them on make it crystal clear that "the "unlimited" service has a user specific data limit based on monthly rental and your data limit is ....." This is just as bad as back in 2009 when VM advertised unlimited BB but sent customers letter saying they were using it too much.

Re: 500mb Question
 

You're not listening. It's not unlimited when roaming, there is a fair usage policy. You put in £32 (not £27 as I previously stated as the cost as gone up). The £32 is the cost of the unlimited sim from VM, the same one you have in the oomph package which you pay for just as a package.

Re: 500mb Question
 

I am with roughbeast on this. If you looks at the T&C's it says:

and the roam at home policy says:

he hasn't got an allowance to start off with so he can't exceed his allowance therefore a FUP policy cannot apply.