OFCOM report: Virgin Media is the fastest ISP in the UK

BenMcr · 28-07-2009, 10:17

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8171074.stm

Broadband users are not getting the speeds they are paying for, according to the largest survey of its kind ever undertaken by telecoms regulator Ofcom

The report also ranked the average speeds of nine major UK ISPs, with Virgin Media - which primarily operates in urban areas and uses high speed cable networks - coming out on top

28-07-2009, 10:22

I think they were going to always be top irrelevent of the 50 meg. Over the next few years though they will not be having it all their own way and my town is gonna be one of the first woohoo

aseriouscat · 28-07-2009, 10:36

my cable broadband has always been perfect! Except for STM! :@

Kymmy · 28-07-2009, 10:38

Never had mine drop from it's 10Mb even in the evening..

nutellajunkie · 28-07-2009, 11:37

Never had to complain, always solid connection. I cope with the STM when I deserve it.
Glad Virgin Media is top, but you know it could be better.. Keep hinting for higher upload

Pierre · 28-07-2009, 11:50

Nothing new there.

No other ISP is able to touch VM, as they all use the same network for their final leg.

Their speeds will only improve if they take advantage of the various dark fibre suppliers that are now cabling up certain areas, or if they can hop onto the BT FTTC program.

But even then coverage will be even more sporadic than it is now.

VM will continue to be ahead of the game for some time yet.

broadbandking · 28-07-2009, 14:26

Due to the nature of Virgi network if they keep the areas upgraded they can keep in front of the competion, as for the DOCSIS 3.0 roll out this is going to help areas been overloaded but not for ever just a short term fix.

Stuart · 28-07-2009, 17:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadbandking

Due to the nature of Virgi network if they keep the areas upgraded they can keep in front of the competion, as for the DOCSIS 3.0 roll out this is going to help areas been overloaded but not for ever just a short term fix.

That's a big "if". Even assuming they do upgrade the network, they seem to have no qualms about getting as many people as possible on it, which would reduce the speeds to pre-upgrade speeds (or below).

As someone once said in their sig on this forum a properly maintained cable network can provide the best broadband. Trouble is, they do need to do that (and VM are actively upgrading the network) and they need to avoid overselling capacity (sadly, there is some evidence that VM are overselling capacity in some areas).

broadbandking · 28-07-2009, 17:31

Thats something that all ISP's are guilty of not just VM, I was merely suggesting IF they upgrade the capacity in the network then there speeds are going to be top of any leader board.

Zee · 28-07-2009, 17:38

I've always been quite happy with my connection from Virgin, will be upgrading to 50Mb in September when the new price plans come into effect.

tweetypie/8 · 28-07-2009, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8171074.stm

Broadband users are not getting the speeds they are paying for, according to the largest survey of its kind ever undertaken by telecoms regulator Ofcom

The report also ranked the average speeds of nine major UK ISPs, with Virgin Media - which primarily operates in urban areas and uses high speed cable networks - coming out on top

no complaints from me.

Ignitionnet · 28-07-2009, 21:14

More amusing BenMcr pointing this out and emphasising the positive VM bits

Not at all surprising VM came out on top given the network advantage, highlights the appauling state of real competition rather than this fantasy competition that Ofcom consider the UK to have with several operators reselling the same thing.

Overall usual nonsense from Ofcom - http://eurotelcoblog.blogspot.com/20...r-trabant.html

caph · 28-07-2009, 21:16

There's an irony in there somewhere. The past 9 months I've been lucky to get 2Mb from my 20Mb connection and there are others who have had this problem for years due to oversubscription.

Ofcom wouldn't do their job and force VM to supply the service they were contractually obligated to provide, but they seem to have no problem singing their praises.

After 9 months of taking this through CICAS (the Ofcom representative) it is finally fixed for me and I now get the service I pay for but this survey really rubs salt in to the wounds.

VM shouldn't be too quick to pat themselves on the back.

Rik · 28-07-2009, 22:39

I cant pat VM on the back enough!

My service for the last 7 or so years has been flawless!

Well Done VM

jab1990 · 29-07-2009, 07:53

Well i pay for 20 mb but a luckly to get over 10. However, i am using a wireless router which maybe why the speed is significantly lower.