[newapollo]

Details from ISPreview https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.ph...t-sort-of.html

Sources indicate that broadband ISP Virgin Media UK are imminently due to start expanding the availability of their latest HUB 4.0 (ARRIS TG3492LG-VMB) router outside of the new 1Gbps network areas, which we understand will be marketed as a WiFi improvement. But there are other reasons for the move.

The current understanding is that the newer router will be marketed to selected customers on slower packages as a “free” upgrade for “improving your Wi-Fi” (the operator will call or text those they target), but as previously reported it appears as if they’ll actually be targeting this toward more vulnerable customers in areas of high utilisations (i.e. where local lines are being heavily used).

The reason for this is a bit technical but we’ll simplify. The HUB 4.0 can bond 32 channels together, while the HUB 3.0 can only do 24. In other words, the HUB 4.0 can be harnessed by those on slower packages to deliver an improvement, provided the operator supports the bonding change in those locations. At present it remains unclear precisely which locations will be targeted by the move, but it’s clearly about more than just better WiFi.

The idea behind all of this has been in the works for awhile, although we believe that issues with COVID-19, HUB 4.0 stock levels and unit costs may have delayed its deployment.. until now. All indications suggest that this will begin very soon. Separately we’re also hearing talk about another speed boost, but I won’t be writing about that until we have more sources able to confirm.