1G : VM 2GB Service

[Corey N Georgie]

Is there anyway of finding out when VM will launch their 2GB service in the Cwmbrla area of Swansea?

Thanks.

[Carth]

Why on earth would you want . . or need . . 2Gb

[Corey N Georgie]

anyone know?

[gunner45]

If VM already provides service in Cwmbwrla, then 2Gbps will only be available after the network is overbuilt with fibre. You'll get a clue when new cabinets appear next to the existing distribution cabinets, and at some point afterwards you'll get invited to migrate.

[adduxi]

Originally Posted by gunner45

<snip> You'll get a clue when new cabinets appear next to the existing distribution cabinets, and at some point afterwards you'll get invited to migrate.

In theory yes, however I dd read an article that not all properties will be moved to fibre due to costs. Our area has had those small XGS-PON cabinets for at least 3 years, and no sign of any migrations. The area is ex NTL, all co-ax cable, so no RFoG.
I believe, if memory serves me right, the article inferred it all to do with how the final leg of cable to a property was installed originally, If it is a long run without any conduit, as is the case for me, then the costs of running fibre and conduit becomes expensive for a single connection and may never be upgraded?

[newapollo]

There's a new article on ispreview https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.ph...n-october.html indicating that it "might" become easier switching from VM to giffgaff from October. Currently you have to cancel the VM service and wait until the line has been ceased before giffgaff can accept an order.

Giffgaff’s Help System Statement:

“Right now, we can only support switching from Virgin Media if you’ve already ended your service with them. Once it’s fully stopped, you can place a new order with us.

We’re working to make direct switching available, potentially by October 2026, so you’ll be able to switch straight over in the future.”

According to ispreview,

"We did ask Virgin Media directly about this too last week (the switching issue seems to be on their side), but the provider said they had “no firm dates” yet and that the team were still “working hard” to deliver the solution. The language from giffgaff similarly appears to be flexible on the October 2026 date, so it could yet take longer."

[gunner45]

Originally Posted by adduxi

In theory yes, however I dd read an article that not all properties will be moved to fibre due to costs. Our area has had those small XGS-PON cabinets for at least 3 years, and no sign of any migrations. The area is ex NTL, all co-ax cable, so no RFoG.
I believe, if memory serves me right, the article inferred it all to do with how the final leg of cable to a property was installed originally, If it is a long run without any conduit, as is the case for me, then the costs of running fibre and conduit becomes expensive for a single connection and may never be upgraded?

I'm confident that you'll get your drop fibre. If there is no duct, as happens with some old pre-VM builds, or it's unusable (blocked, squashed) VM (actually its contractor like Kelly), will do microtrenching by making a narrow cut (≈12 mm) in the pavement to install the 8 mm fibre microduct from the cabinet to the property boundaries.

Note that VM will not do “one‑off microtrenching” for a singe customer as the entire area will be microtrenched if needed. Once microtrenched the area goes "Ready for Service" (RFS) and only then can customers actually order the migration to fibre.