50Mb price drops to sub £30 from Sept 1 [Archive]

weesteev

15-07-2009, 10:52

Hey guys

Today Virgin has started briefing out news of their upcoming price change to the 50Mb product.

Heres the statement...

"We're happy to let you know that this month we'll finish rolling out the UKs first ultra-fast broadband network. To celebrate, from 1 September we're reducing the cost of our 50Mb service to just £28 when you take a phone line with us.

If you already have our 50Mb service then you'll see the reduction on your September bill"

Press release here - http://pressoffice.virginmedia.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=205406&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1307695&highlight

Virgin are also about to rollout a trial of 10Mb uplaod speeds with the 50Mb product in the North East and Midlands franchises. They also plan to keep the service unrestricted like it currently is. Jon James, executive director of broadband says...

"As the first company to bring broadband to the UK ten years ago, the completion of our next-generation network marks another pioneering moment for internet access in the UK.

We're delighted with the performance and reliability of our 50Mb service, and with the customer feedback. Now the roll-out is days from being complete, we're ready to take 50Mb to the next stage of development and reinforce our leading position in the broadband market."

Im sure you will all agree this is amazing news! Will this be enough to encourage more people to sign up? Your thoughts?

Russ

15-07-2009, 10:57

Threads merged.

weesteev

15-07-2009, 11:01

Thanks Russ, looks like we are on the same wavelength ic2 ;)

zing_deleted

15-07-2009, 11:01

I will wait till September and see what deal they can give me .I currently have a good deal with VM . MPhone xl BB xl tv on a v+ and a v box for 52 quid a month (plus whatever the price increase was recently) I do not want to risk losing the good deal for the sake of faster BB if it can be helped

joglynne

15-07-2009, 11:07

I keep reading the first 2 posts and the VM Press release. Am I being incredibly dense or can I, from 1st Sept, upgrade from my 10Mb to 50Mb for just an increase of £3.00?

|Kippa|

15-07-2009, 11:09

Do you think that they will realistically roll out 10mbit upload rate later on this year for the rest of the people on 50mbit? I would be happy with having 5mbit, but having 10mbit upload rate would be great, so long as it isn't traffic managed to hell.

ic2

15-07-2009, 11:14

Thanks Russ, looks like we are on the same wavelength ic2 ;)

Absolutely...great minds think alike....

weesteev

15-07-2009, 11:15

I keep reading the first 2 posts and the VM Press release. Am I being incredibly dense or can I, from 1st Sept, upgrade from my 10Mb to 50Mb for just an increase of £3.00?

Remember its £28 with a virgin phone so will be £39 for phone M and 50Mb XXL. Current bundle price for 10Mb L and phone M will be £25 if you are in contract so it will be a fair increase, but a massive increase in service.

zing_deleted

15-07-2009, 11:19

If you buy on the strength of the press release and the STM statement in it I take it you would be able to use STM as a get out of any new contract if and when they introduce STM.?

v0id

15-07-2009, 11:23

At £38 for a standalone 50Mb service, does that mean the price of the XL BB will face price drop too? :/
Otherwise, I couldn't really see any benefit in taking the 20Mb service

Peter_

15-07-2009, 11:32

I keep reading the first 2 posts and the VM Press release. Am I being incredibly dense or can I, from 1st Sept, upgrade from my 10Mb to 50Mb for just an increase of £3.00?
That is exactly what is says Jo.

zing_deleted

15-07-2009, 11:35

All this is going to do is clog up the 50 meg service in a shorter time. roll on STM try and convince people they are still stuck in a contract contention city here we come right back where we started from

joglynne

15-07-2009, 11:43

That is exactly what is says Jo.

Well considering that, I assume that all the 20MB customers will be able to upgrade to 50MB and save a few pennies as well.

Can VM support what could be a huge increase in customers migrating to 50Mb, give an increase in upload and still not impose STM? I would expect the whole thing to collapse under the strain.

BenMcr

15-07-2009, 11:45

It depends what pricing you are on

Current broadband prices are

XL is £20 with a phoneline and BB L is £14 with a phoneline - so that is an increase of £8 and £14 respectively

zing_deleted

15-07-2009, 11:55

It depends what pricing you are on

Current broadband prices are

XL is £20 with a phoneline and BB L is £14 with a phoneline - so that is an increase of £8 and £14 respectively

That sounds better so in theory if I upgraded from 20 to 50 it would only cost me 8 quid more? what about if I have a loyalty credit would it still just be 8 quid more? how much more would it be now?

BenMcr

15-07-2009, 12:00

That sounds better so in theory if I upgraded from 20 to 50 it would only cost me 8 quid more?£8 more per month + install/activation

what about if I have a loyalty credit would it still just be 8 quid more? how much more would it be now?
Not sure on that yet, and not sure what the price difference on the high bundles will change to either - at the moment its £10

swoop101

15-07-2009, 12:02

What will be available to those on the current vip package?

BenMcr

15-07-2009, 12:13

Not yet known

zing_deleted

15-07-2009, 12:15

£8 more per month + install/activation

Not sure on that yet, and not sure what the price difference on the high bundles will change to either - at the moment its £10

cheers for info matey

Grimpy

15-07-2009, 12:37

Just ordered 50mb this morning so hopefully i'll only have a month or two before i get a reduction in price.

amfuller

15-07-2009, 13:57

From CNET:

And as one small note, Virgin Media will soon start trialling upload speeds of 10Mbps with customers in the Midlands and North East England. This would theoretically allow you to upload data at just over 1MB per second -- handy for backing up your data to the cloud. A Virgin Media spokesperson told CNET UK that more details on how customers can take part in the trial "are to follow".

telfordcable

15-07-2009, 14:12

Hope Telford is taking part of the 10Mbps upload trial :)

cnewton2k

15-07-2009, 14:57

well i am in the midlands so heres hoping :)

Jabbs

15-07-2009, 15:50

well i am in the midlands so heres hoping :)

browney

15-07-2009, 15:58

"We're happy to let you know that this month we'll finish rolling out the UKs first ultra-fast broadband network.

Sorry, 50Mb broadband isn't available in your home yet :S

so just to make 100% sure. How much would it be for me if I got 50Mb? (on the new prices)

Description Date/period Amount
Telephone Line Rental £11.00
Talk Evening And Weekends £3.45
Loyalty Bb/Phone/TV Discount £-22.70
Additional Loyalty Discount £-1.75
Free Voicemail £0.00
TV Size: X L £23.00
1 Additional V Box £15.00
V+ Box £0.00
Add Set Box(es) Discount £-10.00

Broadband Size: X L £37.00

£60.50?

zing_deleted

15-07-2009, 16:07

Just been told with my account how it is 50 meg at the moment would cost me nearly 20 quid a month extra so ill stay on 20

BenMcr

15-07-2009, 16:07

Prices on Loyalty deals haven't been confirmed yet

dhiren92

15-07-2009, 16:10

BenMcr... this is a off topic question but today i got my 50mb installed but it still isn't live apparently.. the engineer had said that virgin would call me saying that i can connect the modem up.. So shall i ring them to see what is going on or shall i wait for that phone call btw the install was around 10:30.. Sorry for the hijacking of the thread :blush:

zing_deleted

15-07-2009, 16:30

Prices on Loyalty deals haven't been confirmed yet

I called to add it today and he had a look at my account and quoted me 18 or 19 quid.

At the end of the day I get a ridiculously good deal and I aint gonna spoil it by being any more greedy than I already am lol

---------- Post added at 16:30 ---------- Previous post was at 16:13 ----------

what time does the Indian call centre kick in for changes to accounts? been able to speak to Uk based all afternoon but now ive decided what I want to do its someone who just will not understand me

BenMcr

15-07-2009, 16:55

I called to add it today and he had a look at my account and quoted me 18 or 19 quid.

At the end of the day I get a ridiculously good deal and I aint gonna spoil it by being any more greedy than I already am lol
Yes that is the prices difference NOW - full details of the new price difference haven't been confirmed!

what time does the Indian call centre kick in for changes to accounts? been able to speak to Uk based all afternoon but now ive decided what I want to do its someone who just will not understand meIt isn't offshore only until 10pm

---------- Post added at 16:55 ---------- Previous post was at 16:52 ----------

So shall i ring them to see what is going onThere are some systems issues which is affecting activation of services at the moment - so I would suggest you leave it till later tonight

dhiren92

15-07-2009, 17:03

Oh okiee that is so not fair lol I was hoping for 50mb today but it doesn't seem like it... The engineer was saying that most of the staff couldn't work 2day because they couldn't get there install sheets or what not.. So i guess ill try it out later in the evening... I tried it and i got to the last step but the modem wouldn't reset so i guess that is the problem =| Thanks for the help tho...

WallaceTech

15-07-2009, 17:21

This is goo news. I got shot of my V+ and just kept the broadband but i am going to be getting my V+ back again at the end of the month and upgrade to 50bm at the same time.

Happy days on the price and nice one Virgin for doing this

icestar2

15-07-2009, 17:34

I've got that deal were I get £21 off our bill for having the Unlimited Triple. If I were to upgrade to the 50mb service in september would I lose this deal or is that what you mean when you said you dont know how it will effect the loyalty deals Ben. Thanks.

Gary L

15-07-2009, 17:40

I predict that there will be a new contract needed. then in the space of then until the end of new contract STM will become compulsory, and we'll go all through the can I cancel my contract because of STM, again.

saabmania2

15-07-2009, 17:56

BenMcr,
Any chance you can let us know if you find out anything about the price on vip pack, also is the modem you get just a modem or is it a router too??

Pushkar

15-07-2009, 18:05

Great to see on Virgin's part, but hopefully they can patch things up before they get the increase of customers.

Also, my favourite part:

This week the company will also launch the “Freedom” netbook, Both new and existing customers will be able to get the laptop at no additional charge when they take selected great value bundled packages.

Good deal.

BenMcr

15-07-2009, 18:06

BenMcr,
Any chance you can let us know if you find out anything about the price on vip pack, also is the modem you get just a modem or is it a router too??The only thing changing at the moment is the price. All the technical details can be found at www.virginmedia.com/50 (http://www.virginmedia.com/50)

As soon as it has been confirmed what is happening to customer on Triple XL and above I or someone else will let everyone know

---------- Post added at 18:06 ---------- Previous post was at 18:06 ----------

I predict that there will be a new contract needed. then in the space of then until the end of new contract STM will become compulsory, and we'll go all through the can I cancel my contract because of STM, again.
The price reduction will not be a new contract

zing_deleted

15-07-2009, 18:08

Ive got an install for Sunday(didnt know they worked Sundays) totally changed my package in anticipation of a rush in September ill get the new price then anyway it appears. A big seller the no STM for now anyway.

saabmania2

15-07-2009, 18:17

[QUOTE=BenMcr;34834322]The only thing changing at the moment is the price. All the technical details can be found at www.virginmedia.com/50 (http://www.virginmedia.com/50)

As soon as it has been confirmed what is happening to customer on Triple XL and above I or someone else will let everyone know

ok thats great thank you :)

sniper007

15-07-2009, 18:18

OK I'm even more confused having read your reply Ben. Jo's question was, if he pays £24.99 a month for Broadband Size L, is it not only £3 to upgrade from 10mb to 50mb ? i.e. 50mb price is said to become £28.

EDIT: Wo thread exploded! lol prob been answered, im off to read

zing_deleted

15-07-2009, 18:19

the 24 quid mentioned is including 11 for phone so the 28 + 11 = 39

sniper007

15-07-2009, 18:36

ok so basically instead of paying a premium for 50mb it now has £7 off per month?

BenMcr

15-07-2009, 18:45

It's up to £7 cheaper yes

AbyssUnderground

15-07-2009, 18:45

I can't wait for 50Mbps with 10Mbps upload, AND at £28/month! I'd snap that straight up when it comes along, since its only £3 more than we're paying now for 5x the download and 20x the upload! Bring it on VM! You're finally seeing the light! :D

SPEEDWAY

15-07-2009, 18:55

In amongst all this talk of upcoming price drops can anyone upgrading or thinking of doing so from the VIP package, advise what they have been quoted I've seen figures from 2.50 to 18.00 mentioned in various places.

I was quoted 21.00 plus the usual 30.00 for a pointless engineer and another 20.00 for activation???

Intrested to see how much of a fight I will have to put up for a drop.

watzizname

15-07-2009, 18:57

The price reduction will not be a new contract
Does upgrading to XXL mean the subscriber would be locked into a new 18 month contract? Also, regarding the install & activation fee, is it £80?

I was actualy thinking of downgrading to L, but i really like the idea of a 10Mb upload capability on XXL, and it remaining STM free..

blenky

15-07-2009, 19:03

I'm currently paying £68 for XL Phone, XL TV and XXL BB. According to my bill the 50 MB BB is £52.

Does anyone know what savings I should see?

sniper007

15-07-2009, 19:07

Does upgrading to XXL mean the subscriber would be locked into a new 18 month contract? Also, regarding the install & activation fee, is it £80?

I was actualy thinking of downgrading to L, but i really like the idea of a 10Mb upload capability on XXL, and it remaining STM free..

Realistically its hardly going to stay STM free forever is it?

---------- Post added at 19:05 ---------- Previous post was at 19:05 ----------

I'm currently paying £68 for XL Phone, XL TV and XXL BB. According to my bill the 50 MB BB is £52.

Does anyone know what savings I should see?

I thought it should currently be £46 for 50mb including the £11 phone?

---------- Post added at 19:07 ---------- Previous post was at 19:05 ----------

I can't wait for 50Mbps with 10Mbps upload, AND at £28/month! I'd snap that straight up when it comes along, since its only £3 more than we're paying now for 5x the download and 20x the upload! Bring it on VM! You're finally seeing the light! :D

I think you are under the impression that it would be £28 per month for 50mb, when that doesn't include the £11 for phone line. It works out to be £39 for you.

BenMcr

15-07-2009, 19:11

Does upgrading to XXL mean the subscriber would be locked into a new 18 month contract? Also, regarding the install & activation fee, is it £80?
12 months and £50 setup/activation

---------- Post added at 19:11 ---------- Previous post was at 19:11 ----------

Realistically its hardly going to stay STM free forever is it?It depends how well VM manage the network and stay ahead of the usage curve

Grimpy

15-07-2009, 19:31

Do you still get a dongle with the router on 50mb?

Peter_

15-07-2009, 19:38

Do you still get a dongle with the router on 50mb?
Yes it is part of the package.

BenMcr

15-07-2009, 19:42

Yes

Again nothing else about XXL is changing!

Grimpy

15-07-2009, 19:46

One more question do you own the router that comes with it?

Peter_

15-07-2009, 19:49

One more question do you own the router that comes with it?
The terms and conditions say that it remains the property of Virginmedia, hence you are supported by Tech Support but they never ask for them back.

Grimpy

15-07-2009, 19:52

The terms and conditions say that it remains the property of Virginmedia, hence you are supported by Tech Support but they never ask for them back.

Thanks,think i'll just flog it then and stick with my dlink dir-655.

blenky

15-07-2009, 21:08

I thought it should currently be £46 for 50mb including the £11 phone?

I see what you mean - if you take only BB with phone as a package its £46. The figure I'm quoting is what it says in my monthly bill as follows:

Telephone Line Rental £11.00
Talk Unlimited £7.95
Phone, TV & Broadband Saving £-25.95
TV Size: X L £23.00
V+ Box £0.00
XXL 50Mb Broadband £52.00

Wondering what saving I'll see in September?

on in an hour!

15-07-2009, 22:10

sorry if this has been posted already (this thread is long enough to read as it is!!) but has the FUP been mentioned here yet?? 9am-9pm are the times being deemed as peak times ;)

BenMcr

15-07-2009, 22:12

Before anyone goes mental - Sky, Be and O2 all have AUP/FUP clauses in their non-STM'd service

All that has happened for Virgin is they have updated the AUP posted here http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/legal/oncable/acceptableuse.html to clarify a pre-existing condition

Already in AUP:
3.2. You must not use the Services in any way that is unlawful or illegal or in any way to the detriment of other Internet users. You also must not allow anybody using your connection to use the Services in any way that is unlawful or illegal or in any way to the detriment of other Internet users.

Clarification of 'detrimental'
3.2.1. Virgin Media does not place a limit on monthly network usage. However, in isolated cases (currently less than 0.1% of customers) where excessive network usage at busy times (9am to 9pm) is having a detrimental effect on other users, we may need to take appropriate action in accordance with the terms of this AUP to notify users of the impact they are having and require them to move some of their activity into the less busy period.

on in an hour!

15-07-2009, 22:19

correct ben,i wasnt trying to cause controversy,i was merely pointing out the fact (and to silence the scaremongers who keep bleeting on about how it wont be long before stm is introduced on 50meg) that they were using a different method for 50meg users and different times.

question is this (as has been asked on numerous occasions here before) would users prefer STM or a FUP (which is in effect a limit on your downloads)..please dont reply with neither, because as BenMcr has already kindly pointed out,every ISP has some form of restrictions imposed on high users ;)

Ignitionnet

15-07-2009, 22:51

I have been thinking for a while about what to write in response to this.

The price drop, while welcome, isn't of huge interest.

The announcement regarding upstream is VM's usual obsession with PR and not unexpected given the ongoing PR offensive - it's a spoiler on BT's FTTC trials. Mentioning a 'pilot' and 'trial' of 10Mbit upstream speeds amongst others gives a nice impression that customers may be in with a chance of 10Mbit upstream when those who know the local networks know that without a lot of work this is a fantasy in some places.

Might work fine in somewhere like Warrington which will I believe be a trial area, having a few people going around the area for a few months prior to 50M rollout cleaning up network issues and ensuring all is working superbly does that, but areas such as this one where bandwidth had to be taken from the old platform as there wasn't enough upstream capacity without it, and it struggles to deliver a 9Mbit upstream to a 2000 home area let alone enough to hand out 10Mbit upstreams.

50Mbit was deployed in a hurry, given that I'm far from convinced that VM will invest the money and most of all the man hours that will be required to resolve the network issues that leave areas like this one marginal at best with the existing 50Mbit platform, let alone the demands of one giving individual users more upstream capacity than entire multiple-node areas get now.

Happy to be proven wrong of course, though hearing that local techs can't do anything with this area beyond patch it up as they simply don't have the resources to spend the days and weeks required to resolve the issues doesn't really fill me with joy. This is far from the worst area on the network too...

beanie

16-07-2009, 01:52

Apologies if this has been asked before, but I cant see the questions asked.

I have recently upgraded to 50MB and have a 12 month contract. Come september, new and existing customers can get 50mb broadband from £28 a month. But what about these people in a contract already?? Cant see the agreed price dropping down...

BenMcr

16-07-2009, 01:59

Yes it will

popper

16-07-2009, 07:54

Threads merged.

its a shame you closed the http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/12/33652775-vm-have-announced-upto-10mbit-upload.html russ as i suspect the
10Mbit UPLOAD part will get lost in the other related bits, or get missed all together as it did me with the OPs 50Mb price drops to sub £30 from Sept 1 title i and i suspect others dont usually read mundain VM price posts threads very often...

given weesteev and IC2 apparently both posted the news at the same time here, it might be better to use weesteev's "50Mb price change and Upload Speed increase trial " thread title at least.

---------- Post added at 07:54 ---------- Previous post was at 07:13 ----------

All this is going to do is clog up the 50 meg service in a shorter time. roll on STM try and convince people they are still stuck in a contract contention city here we come right back where we started from

while thats probably true, the thing that i suspect will bring a big long term problem is the DS3 UBr cards Virgin Media's 'penny pincher' had already installed, are mostly/all ? Bronze Only (I.e. No upload Bonding) certified DS3 cards , is there really going to be enough upload bandwidth to supply the current newly segmented network in a single DS2b channel for several consecutive 10Mbit uploads, or will they NEED to reseg yet again,and re-buy at least "silver" certified if not the currently very rare "full" certified DS3 cards again given they only recently allowed for the very limited 1.5/1.75 upload rate reseg in their mass 50Mbit updates.

still if this (upto?) 10Mbit upload rate does roll out to some high proportion of VM end users area's such as the massive Baguley supplyed manchester/NW area etc within no later than 12/24 months then you can start running your own CM<>LAN connected PCs intalled with your basic high speed mini-usenet servers/freeNAS storage and start free peering with other VM 1.7 and 10Mbit upload users VM IP's here overnight for far better retention rates ;)

and people can start really streaming some good 1.5Mbit/s+ D1+ AVC encodings to family and online servers like higher grade http://www.dailywireless.org/2009/07/13/video-tweets/
the new FON 11N router networks http://www.dailywireless.org/2009/07/14/fon-goes-n/ etc
without impacting the other LAN users playing games etc at the same time.

bigsinky

16-07-2009, 11:35

I keep reading the first 2 posts and the VM Press release. Am I being incredibly dense or can I, from 1st Sept, upgrade from my 10Mb to 50Mb for just an increase of £3.00?

haven't read all the posts but from the press release your 10Mbit is not getting upgraded. the 10Mbit is UPLOAD not download.

Peter_

16-07-2009, 12:12

haven't read all the posts but from the press release your 10Mbit is not getting upgraded. the 10Mbit is UPLOAD not download.
She is on about the price difference after the reduction on 50Mb not getting a free upgrade.

*sloman*

16-07-2009, 13:02

10Mbps upload woooo whoooo, I think i will now upgrade, as i play xbox live a couple of time per week

Grimpy

16-07-2009, 13:26

After ringing up and complaining about the poor service ive been recieving from 20mb lately and questioning if 50mb will be the same (ordered yesterday) theyve dropped the £30 installation charge and credited me £10 for the time my internet has been down lately.

horrorwood

16-07-2009, 13:35

They have to give it for free as part of the VIP bundle now imho...

Ignitionnet

16-07-2009, 13:47

Happy to be proven wrong of course, though hearing that local techs can't do anything with this area beyond patch it up as they simply don't have the resources to spend the days and weeks required to resolve the issues doesn't really fill me with joy. This is far from the worst area on the network too...

And on the way home from watching a movie there's 3 VM techs working on the amps feeding this area *laughs*

---------- Post added at 13:47 ---------- Previous post was at 13:43 ----------

while thats probably true, the thing that i suspect will bring a big long term problem is the DS3 UBr cards Virgin Media's 'penny pincher' had already installed, are mostly/all ? Bronze Only (I.e. No upload Bonding) certified DS3 cards , is there really going to be enough upload bandwidth to supply the current newly segmented network in a single DS2b channel for several consecutive 10Mbit uploads, or will they NEED to reseg yet again,and re-buy at least "silver" certified if not the currently very rare "full" certified DS3 cards again given they only recently allowed for the very limited 1.5/1.75 upload rate reseg in their mass 50Mbit updates.

Oooo technical stuff.

The cards will all be able to do upstream bonding with software updates. The bonding is a software functionality and the cards have onboard processors.

The network has not been newly segmented for DOCSIS 3 it has actually been recombined so the DOCSIS 3 areas are larger than the DOCSIS 1 / 1.1 both upstream and downstream. To reduce these areas requires just removal of combining, not further resegmentation.

blenky

16-07-2009, 14:10

My current bill look like this

--------------------
Telephone Line Rental £11.00
Talk Unlimited £7.95
Phone, TV & Broadband Saving £-25.95
TV Size: X L £23.00
V+ Box £0.00
XXL 50Mb Broadband £52.00
-----------------------------

What saving will I see in September?

BenMcr

16-07-2009, 14:13

Not yet confirmed

merc2001

16-07-2009, 22:29

Not yet known

Any ideas on when it will be known cant wait to see wot there is to offer existing vip customers;)

broadbandking

16-07-2009, 22:31

be towards the end of August mate

spankysmagicpian

16-07-2009, 23:08

They have to give it for free as part of the VIP bundle now imho...

Hmmmm - the VIP pack is looking much less value as time marches on.

BenMcr

16-07-2009, 23:13

It is still cheaper than doing the same services any other way

frogstamper

17-07-2009, 01:58

It is still cheaper than doing the same services any other way

Maybe Ben, but its certainly not the deal it once was, unless of course they now throw in 50MB as part of the package.

broadbandking

17-07-2009, 08:28

50Mb cost more than 20Mb still with the new price so if they let you pay the extra then whats the problem it shouldn't be part of VIP unless your pay the extra £1.

Plus not everyone wants 50Mb

swoop101

17-07-2009, 10:38

On my VIP pack, I would be happy by scrapping sports and getting 50Meg

TheDon

17-07-2009, 10:49

Just John

17-07-2009, 11:24

Will I get the savings as I am on 50Mb Broadband and XL TV, no phone though :confused:

broadbandking

17-07-2009, 12:22

Why shouldn't it?

VIP is marketed as the ultimate package, the best of everything, only it's not now is it?

Its a set bundle with set products if you want alterative products you pay the difference

virginruinedntl

17-07-2009, 13:22

i wish they'd increase the upload speed on their packages already, o2 and bethere have had packages with 2mb upload for around 1yr now. I want way faster than 0.75mb upload on my 20mb connection!

UnReaL

17-07-2009, 15:00

It’s the future, I tells ya. Upload speeds as fast as lightening, or at least faster than most broadband user’s download speeds. Virgin Media is about to test broadband upload speeds of up to 10Mbps, barely two years since Virgin and other mainstream broadband suppliers were selling us the dream of 8Mbps for downloading.

Virgin Media states that at this super duper speed, a user could upload a memory card full of full frontal images to The Hun* in just two minutes, although that’s based on a 128Mb card containing 75 photos at 1.6Mb each. That’s a low resolution and titchy card size for even an average digital camera these days; Virgin are seemingly throwing around small numbers to make the service sound more impressive when they didn’t really need to - 10 Mbps upload sounds very decent without an example.
Virgin is planning trials in the North East and Midlands.

Of course the usual caveats apply - the speeds will be up to 10Mbps, meaning the chance of actually achieving that transfer rate may be roughly equal to that of Ferne Cotton putting in a full week’s work on Radio 1.

Virgin are also cutting the price of its 50Mbps deal, which according to the company is now available in 12 million households. Currently the package costs £35 for existing customers with a Virgin Media landline, and £50 for broadband alone. From 1st September, customers with a landline will pay £28, while those without can have the service for £38.

Source: HotUKDeals; Bitter Wallet (http://www.bitterwallet.com/virgin-media-trials-10mbps-upload-reduces-price-of-50mbps-deal/15078)

Ignitionnet

17-07-2009, 16:07

I'm just grateful that upstream is finally getting some attention.

Positively ecstatic infact: http://onewayinternet.blogspot.com/2009/07/money-where-mouth-is.html

Should it actually happen I'll start up a thread in the general section asking for where to send the moolah ;)

broadbandking

17-07-2009, 16:21

Can I just point out whilst its nice VM are trialing the 10Mbit upload thats not saying you will be given it on 50Mb I just can't see how this will happen with the new lower price

BenMcr

17-07-2009, 17:47

It would PR suicide to backtrack on that figure now, and I doubt that would have been mentioned if it wasn't what they were aiming for!

Even if they had said up to 5Mbit it still would have been faster than ADSL can do

SPEEDWAY

17-07-2009, 19:05

As I stated earlier I have been quoted 21.00 per month extra over my VIP package.
I haven't time yet to get on the blower and pursue this,
Its a newer better service and I don't mind paying something extra for it and adding to my package.

If you look at the VIP bill breakdown BB XL is 37.00 now a stand alone BB XXL 50mb is coming in at 35.00 (both those amount would be subject to the 11.00 line rental so that doesn't have to be considered).
So in my book the XXL IS cheaper.

I know they will say but you have discount on the VIP - but would you honestly expected to loose your package discounts if you UPGRADE.

VIP customers getting shoddy treatment or what.

Discuss

BenMcr

17-07-2009, 19:18

As I stated earlier I have been quoted 21.00 per month extra over my VIP package.
XXL is £10 a month more for VIP customers currently

If you look at the VIP bill breakdown BB XL is 37.00 now a stand alone BB XXL 50mb is coming in at 35.00 (both those amount would be subject to the 11.00 line rental so that doesn't have to be considered).
So in my book the XXL IS cheaper.And that is where you are going wrong. The £35 price for XXL takes into account a £17 discount you get when you have a phoneline. It shows on the bill as £52

There is a £15 difference between BB XL and XXL in pre-discounted price at the moment, when you take it with VIP they increase your £34.95 discount to £39.95, making the net increase £10

Ignitionnet

17-07-2009, 20:15

Can I just point out whilst its nice VM are trialing the 10Mbit upload thats not saying you will be given it on 50Mb I just can't see how this will happen with the new lower price

Who knows, perhaps it'll be an extra cost option like Comhem (http://www.comhem.se/comhem/vara-tjanster/bredband/prislista/-/6268/6268/-/index.html) do with some of their services?

Ronsommer

17-07-2009, 23:59

I'm currently paying the following for TV XL + XXL broadband.

No phone as I really don't need one and I don't think I can save by getting one?

TV XL 23.00
XXL 50Mb Broadband 52.00
Broadband XL or XXL & TV Discount -3.50
E Bill Discount -1.00
VAT Credit -1.35

Total 69.15

Seems quite dear, any ideas what my bill will drop down to?

Is there any point ringing up and asking for a better deal prior to the XXL price drop?

Ben B

18-07-2009, 00:12

spankysmagicpian

18-07-2009, 20:06

frogstamper

18-07-2009, 21:52

50Mb cost more than 20Mb still with the new price so if they let you pay the extra then whats the problem it shouldn't be part of VIP unless your pay the extra £1.

Plus not everyone wants 50Mb

The price of 50mb is to be dropped so thats its comparable to 20mb give or take a few pounds, VM market the VIP package as the ultimate package which it was when 20mb was their top tier speed BB only now its not.
As regards your statement that not every VIP customer wants 50mb, what about when the VIP package had 10mb as its speed? VM upgraded VIP to 20mb so as to keep it as their top package, I doubt they had many complaints from customers not wanting it:) if VM had followed your logic thats where the BB speed would have stayed on VIP, along I'd imagine with a lot less customers.
As VM's premier package 50mb certainly "should" be part of the VIP package.

TheDon

18-07-2009, 23:00

Its a set bundle with set products if you want alterative products you pay the difference

Yes, and with it being sold as "the ultimate bundle" (their words not mine) then you wouldn't expect anything other than the set of products it includes to be anything but the best, seeing as that is what ultimate actually means. Ultimate doesn't mean "good but not quite as good as it could be" it means the absolute very best.

sniper007

19-07-2009, 08:08

I phoned VM up yesterday and the guy confirmed the price was coming down. He said that basically it would pay to get the 50mb over the 20mb because of this generally speaking. I said to him can he tell me how much it would cost me to upgrade to 20 or 50mb (I'm current on 10mb BB, XL TV, Weekend phone) and he basically said that I get "so much back from VM in discounts on my current retentions deal" that it wouldn't be worth my while as the price would go up loads. Nice.
I'm not on a retentions deal really. I've started a full new 12 month contract and they happened to leave on permanently a large loyalty discount. I pay about £43 per month for the above. I thought I only saved a few pounds on what a new customer would pay anyway.

BenMcr

19-07-2009, 10:26

As regards your statement that not every VIP customer wants 50mb, what about when the VIP package had 10mb as its speed? VM upgraded VIP to 20mb so as to keep it as their top package,No they didn't. VIP included XL broadband. XL broadband went from 10Mbit to 20Mbit for everyone but was still the same product so still included in the VIP bundle for the same price

XXL broadband is a different product for which it currently costs £10 more on top of the VIP deal - £5 less than the standard difference between XL and XXL

Until Virgin actually release the full details of the new XXL pricing we won't know what they are doing with the VIP bundle

But remember none of the 20Mbit modems will work with XXL so it isn't as simple as replacing 20Mbit with 50Mbit - there would still be the install/activation cost because there are NO self installs for 50Mbit

eckuk

19-07-2009, 19:04

Remember its £28 with a virgin phone so will be £39 for phone M and 50Mb XXL. Current bundle price for 10Mb L and phone M will be £25 if you are in contract so it will be a fair increase, but a massive increase in service.

It's crazy how much VM rip people off though. This would mean I would be paying £9 less than my current 20Mb internet to be upgraded to 50Mb. When I've tried to call VM about the prices I'm paying (£37 for 20Mb with a Virgin phone line M) I only get through to some ignorant asian people that have no clue what they're talking about.

ronnie_m

19-07-2009, 21:17

No they didn't. VIP included XL broadband. XL broadband went from 10Mbit to 20Mbit for everyone but was still the same product so still included in the VIP bundle for the same price

XXL broadband is a different product for which it currently costs £10 more on top of the VIP deal - £5 less than the standard difference between XL and XXL

Until Virgin actually release the full details of the new XXL pricing we won't know what they are doing with the VIP bundle

But remember none of the 20Mbit modems will work with XXL so it isn't as simple as replacing 20Mbit with 50Mbit - there would still be the install/activation cost because there are NO self installs for 50Mbit

I was just going to order 50Mbit when this was announced. I am on VIP and appreciate that I will pay £10 per month extra just now. If i do this will I be entitled to any changes that they make to the package in Sept or should I hold off?

Gadgie

19-07-2009, 21:25

I don't think that there are 2 folk on this site paying the same price for what ever service they are getting?
At least I know (well I think I do) that I am paying £20 a month for our 10Meg Internet service, as my 3 month offer of £15 is finished now.
I cant complain really as I am at least getting the 10Meg I am paying for, which is a lot better then the Sky Connect I had before.

wiserommer

19-07-2009, 21:40

Well i've just been in contact with VM and they confirmed the pricedrop, also they said STM will be happening the same month :( i want to download without any speed decreasing.

BenMcr

19-07-2009, 21:41

There will be NO STM on 50Mbit! It's in the flipping press release

wiserommer

19-07-2009, 21:46

There will be NO STM on 50Mbit! It's in the flipping press release

I'm a little niave to all this technical babble so bare with me....I need to understand this correcly...They are reducing the price of the 50mb, and then that will allow thousands of people to upgrade to this without any problem. So, the plan is not to introduce STM to control people downloading at the full 50MB speed on a frequent basis? wouldnt that overload the grid networks, also witth the 10mb upload being implemented.

It seems a little fishy to me.

Peter_

19-07-2009, 22:08

I'm a little niave to all this technical babble so bare with me....I need to understand this correcly...They are reducing the price of the 50mb, and then that will allow thousands of people to upgrade to this without any problem. So, the plan is not to introduce STM to control people downloading at the full 50MB speed on a frequent basis? wouldnt that overload the grid networks, also witth the 10mb upload being implemented.

It seems a little fishy to me.
Have a read of the press release as Ben said above it is all in black and white so nothing fishy there.

http://pressoffice.virginmedia.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=205406&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1307695&highlight

NEONKNIGHT

19-07-2009, 22:47

Looking through the thread and as already pointed out, there seems quite a few different prices quoted that people have got for the 50Mb broadband package. Just to add another price quoted to me yesterday for 50Mb BB which is being installed early August - £24 which I'm quite happy to pay.:)

BenMcr

20-07-2009, 01:02

Everyone on 50Mbit should pay the same price. However the reason people are being quoted different prices to upgrade should be due to the price that they are on with the existing services

So if someone is on Retention deal for instance it will cost them more to upgrade than some who has no discounts

bubblegun

20-07-2009, 02:16

zing_deleted

20-07-2009, 08:08

sorry if this is old because tonight i can't be bothered searching but i need to know if the activation fees for 50Meg can currently be added to your bill or is you need a one-off payment?

Thanks, as I want XXL BB, XL TV and XL Phone ASAP!!!

they did not have a advanced payment off me

blenky

20-07-2009, 09:52

SPEEDWAY

20-07-2009, 14:04

Neonknight you don't say if that 24.00 is part of a package or not,
could you elaborate a bit.

fryster2005

20-07-2009, 15:19

I am on the current bundle deal,

Line Rental £11.00
Phone, Bband XL & TV Discount £-17.00
Calldisplay £2.00
TV Size: M £0.00
Broadband Size: X L £37.00

which comes to £33 a month.

If I upgraded to xxl broadband am I right in thinking that I would lose the £17 discount, but my broadband cost would go down to £28 a month and the total cost would therefore be £41 a month, just £8 more than iI currently pay? And I'd also get a wireless n router and dongle?

What would be the install cost be?

Many thanks!

BenMcr

20-07-2009, 15:53

No - what would happen at the moment is you would keep the £17 discount but the cost of BB would go from £37 to £52 - making the cost of XXL £35 instead of the £20 you pay for XL

Then on the 1st of September changes would be made to made to make the cost of XXL £28 - full details of how this is going to be done haven't been released yet

Install/Activation is £50 and yes Wireless N Router/Dongle is included

Haighy

20-07-2009, 16:08

I have a bundle. XL phone, 50 Meg BB, a mobile and international calling or something. Nice man who organised it had to find a 4th thing to put on there to make it a big bundle. They knock me £19.46 off each month :-)
If you have more than 1 service, and one of those is a phone, then it is worth ringing CS to see if they can do you a deal.
Just rang to see about the free netbook and it is £50 because I am already on a big bundle and don't want the mobile broadband. Which is a good deal. I will have to take a 24 month contract but don't see me moving anyway.
Asked the nice Indian gentleman if that was all it would cost me and he said yes.
Gave him my card details and he went away to sort it all out. He came back and told me that it will be delivered on Friday and the postage charge, for UPS, is £14.99 and will be added to my next bill. Not quite what he had agreed to when I said, VERY carefully, "So ALL I will have to pay is the 50 pounds ?".
Pointed this out to him but he couldn't, or wouldn't, budge. It is still a good deal but I will be ringing CS to discuss the first verbal contract he made with me versus what it ended up costing me.
Maybe a loyalty/compensation for their mistake option :-)
I'll let you know

shortbread

21-07-2009, 17:46

I spoke with a few agents yesterday & @ the 4th attempt got the upgrade to 50meg & retained £22.50 loyalty discount + no install charge just activation fee to be added to DD.
(CS advised installs are free during July)

Zhadnost

21-07-2009, 20:07

Check your bill when you get it, I was advised the same thing but was charged, (untill I called them).

martyh

21-07-2009, 20:36

Peter_

21-07-2009, 22:27

i have just phoned vm about upgrading to xxl package (currently on xl )and she didn't know anything about the 1st sept price change so if i had upgraded then ,as she advised me, come the 1st of september i would be a little bit miffed
Whoever you spoke to does not have a clue about her job so you should call tomorrow after 0800 and you should get a UK agent.

What did she mean you would be a little miffed come September, was it that Virginmedia's own press release was wrong and the is no price reduction.

If you callback ask for feedback to be left for incorrect information against that agent or she will continue to mislead customers.

broadbandking

21-07-2009, 23:13

She means he would be miffed as there is no price change in that little land where she works.

mouzz

22-07-2009, 19:09

hi guyz! I don't know whether its been asked here already or not. Sorry if its already been discussed here. Today I ordered this 50 meg broadband connection. And just read about virgin reducing the price to £28. So I was wondering, will they pass that price on to existing 50meg customers also or not?

BenMcr

22-07-2009, 19:17

Yes - as it says in the press release (and the first post in the thread!)

mouzz

22-07-2009, 20:16

Yes I saw the first post, but I can't find this statement written in the press release sayin ''If you already have our 50mb service then you'll see the reduction on your september bill'' .

markknell

22-07-2009, 22:21

Second paragraph of the press release:

"Virgin Media will reduce the monthly cost of its 50Mb service for new and existing customers to £28"

Yes I saw the first post, but I can't find this statement written in the press release sayin ''If you already have our 50mb service then you'll see the reduction on your september bill'' .

pleo2005

23-07-2009, 07:06

Jabbs

23-07-2009, 07:13

Peter_

23-07-2009, 07:18

I will be surprised if we don't have some sort of traffic management on 50mb by xmas.
Well if it continues as per the press release you will have a surprise for Christmas then.

Ignitionnet

23-07-2009, 08:41

I had similar package as you just a extra V+ box and my bill was £65 it went up by £15 for the 50mb just wondering what i can expect on the September bill, i payed £20 for installation.

I will be surprised if we don't have some sort of traffic management on 50mb by xmas.

Fingers crossed they'll not introduce that but will instead send the boys round to that top 0.1% mentioned, should pull the average traffic at peak down nicely.

Broken Hope

23-07-2009, 12:50

Apparently you can get the netbook for £50 if you have 3 XL services.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14518742&postcount=85

BenMcr

23-07-2009, 12:53

No you can't. That has now stopped

pleo2005

23-07-2009, 19:14

I currently pay £67 pm for

XL TV, XL Phone, XL BB, V+(which I pay each month for) and extra STB

Any ideas how much extra to upgrade to 50meg BB (XXL)
What installation/activation costs would I incur

Thanks

Just rang VM. I have now changed to 50meg BB and had the V+ box rental charge stopped without paying a one off fee. I now pay £72 which will drop to less than what I was paying in Sept. Got free Router, Modem and USB Dongle with £20 Activation fee.

frogstamper

24-07-2009, 01:26

Just rang VM. I have now changed to 50meg BB and had the V+ box rental charge stopped without paying a one off fee. I now pay £72 which will drop to less than what I was paying in Sept. Got free Router, Modem and USB Dongle with £20 Activation fee.

So basically you were on the XL-Plus package at £67pm and adding 50mb has only cost you a fiver, nice one.:tu:

tucker61

25-07-2009, 08:33

I am going to ring and see how much it will cost me

BenMcr

25-07-2009, 08:58

Remember you will get quoted the price that it costs NOW - not what it will cost from the 1st September

tucker61

25-07-2009, 11:05

Omg to phoned twice. 1st time sales will cost me a extra £27.00 per month to upgrade to 20 mb.
Then phoned and went to option 4 and got told it would cost me a extra £16.20 to upgrade to xl broadband.
When asked about price of 50 mb was advised to try 20 first then upgrade to 50 in September when price drops.

Code601

27-07-2009, 15:42

On the virginmedia website the price listed for L after the introductory period is £14 and XL is listed as £20, I was going to upgrade to XL but the prices are listed diffrently in the selfcare section. Whats happening? Am i getting shafted? Should i ring sales and demand a better deal?

I am not the account holder but pay for the broadband. can i ring up on his behalf?

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll106/Code601/selfcare.jpg

joglynne

27-07-2009, 15:52

The £14 is subject to you paying £11 for a phone line and the other BB tiers have the same phone line proviso.
https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2009/07/15.png

http://allyours.virginmedia.com/websales/product.do?id=3264

Code601

27-07-2009, 16:15

The phone line is listed separate on the bill, I should still should be able to get XL for £20 rather than the £37 it lists in selfcare. I am referencing to broadband prices only. I don't pay the phone line, that falls onto someone else.

I understand that i am on the old 10mb so thats why im paying 25, but it seems excessive given 50mb will soon be 30 and 20mb is listed as £20 on the website.

BenMcr

27-07-2009, 16:22

XL is only £20 with a phoneline - the selfcare prices are basically correct for standalone prices

Zhadnost

27-07-2009, 16:22

You get a discount based on your package, XL is £37 for everybody and XXL is £52 for everybody, then a discount is added.

It often makes more sense to call CS rather than use the selfcare though, CS may know of an offer that the site doesn't.

AdamD

28-07-2009, 03:32

What they should've done, in my opinion, was keep the price at £50 a month and tack on the increased upload speed
Keep the 50mb product a "Premium" product, with NO traffic management
By lowering it by this amount,Im' just wondering when traffic management will rear it's ugly head.

HardyRexion

28-07-2009, 10:41

Noob here...:D

What does STM stand for?:)

BenMcr

28-07-2009, 10:42

Subscriber Traffic Management - which is NOT on the 50Mbit service

HardyRexion

28-07-2009, 11:11

Ahhh... Yes It better stay that way! But this is the UK afterall and we rarely get a say.

Mind you its mainly for gaming and the upload speed is most important for me. If it went to 10MB I'ld be a happy chappy:hyper:

broadbandking

28-07-2009, 16:49

STM will not be effecting you if all you did was game.

icestar2

28-07-2009, 17:13

STM will not be effecting you if all you did was game.

Should not.

broadbandking

28-07-2009, 17:25

Is that a correction or are you saying that you are effected by stm when gaming

icestar2

28-07-2009, 17:32

Is that a correction or are you saying that you are effected by stm when gaming

Not anymore but I did used to be. Not trying to be funny or anything and not sure if its still the case but in some areas that was the case.

Zaim7890

28-07-2009, 23:21

so does this mean that the 10mbit and 20mbit prices will drop?

BenMcr

28-07-2009, 23:26

No it does not

saabmania2

02-08-2009, 11:52

just phoned up to have 50mb installed but the lady said that i would have to pay £50 for installation and £30 to active it also it was going to be an extra £11 per month (even after sept 1st) i'm currently on vm vip pack with V+

I'm not paying that

Grimpy

02-08-2009, 12:01

Call back it should only be £30 for installation and £20 for activation.

saabmania2

02-08-2009, 12:12

yeah i should but as far as i'm concirned after the 1st of sept the extra cost should go down too, so i think i will wait until the staff know how much it is going to be, nobody seems to know how much extra it will be on the vip pack yet, and it was the indian call centre and they don't seem to know there A's from there Elbows

gunner45

02-08-2009, 13:22

I spoke to a British customer relations agent last Friday, and he didn't know of the price reduction!

So far, all we know is that there will be a monthly reduction of £7 or £12 depending on whether you have or don't have the phone line.

What interests me is the cost of upgrading. I have the Broadband L, TV XL and Phone M bundle for which I pay £46 per month. If I were to upgrade today to Broadband XXL (50Mb/s), it would cost an additional £21.50 per month (excluding activation and installation costs). From 1 September, I would expect the upgrade to cost at most an additional £14.50 per month.

tezz

02-08-2009, 21:44

I just had a free upgrade to 20Mb and had the contract come on friday
and it says £37 for the 20Mb, will this mean I will get it with no more cost to me
when it gos to £30 soon?

BenMcr

03-08-2009, 09:55

Probably not - because you will also be getting a discount with the 20Mbit, making it less than £37

bjorkiii

03-08-2009, 10:57

:p: Probably , thats a word that fills me with glee.

tezz

03-08-2009, 13:47

I just asked VM and if i want 50Mb its an extra £17 a month :(

BenMcr

03-08-2009, 16:16

Right, seen confirmed pricing

From 1st September XXL will now be £8 on top of XL across all deals - including XL Plus and VIP

TAZMANUK

03-08-2009, 17:12

Right, seen confirmed pricing

From 1st September XXL will now be £8 on top of XL across all deals - including XL Plus and VIP

So i am on triple xl with 2 v+ boxes, if i want to upgrade to xxl 50meg i just pay an extra £8 per month plus install fee is that right?

do people on loyality discounts get this

SPEEDWAY

03-08-2009, 17:45

BenMcr
Not wishing to be rude but where did you see this confirmed pricing
you mentioned, and will VM staff be aware of it anytime soon.

Its good to see someone with a finger on the pulse.:D

joglynne

03-08-2009, 17:58

BenMcr
Not wishing to be rude but where did you see this confirmed pricing
you mentioned, and will VM staff be aware of it anytime soon.

Its good to see someone with a finger on the pulse.:D

BenMcr is a member of VM staff, and only gives us such information when it is officially released to VM staff for for them to use.

The amount of time it will take the information to filter down, and other staff start using the new pricing, is a different mater. :(

BenMcr

03-08-2009, 18:06

The good thing is with this there is no choice - everyone on XXL automatically gets the price change

There *should* be no way to get it wrong

joglynne

03-08-2009, 18:07

The good thing is with this there is no choice - everyone on XXL automatically gets the price change

There *should* be no way to get it wrong

That sounds like the start of a Famous Last Words thread. :D

BenMcr

03-08-2009, 18:09

It's why I said should and not is lol

joglynne

03-08-2009, 18:17

It's why I said should and not is lol

The 'should' is what would give the thread a new slant. :)

Peter_

03-08-2009, 18:32

BenMcr
Not wishing to be rude but where did you see this confirmed pricing
you mentioned, and will VM staff be aware of it anytime soon.

Its good to see someone with a finger on the pulse.:D
I work in broadband tech support and have been aware of the price change for weeks even before it was posted on the forums.

If any of the sales staff are still unaware then that would be a training issue for their managers to address.

zerolight

04-08-2009, 16:41

So I'm just off the phone with them, waiting on a call back as he's having some issues with his system. Anyway, like some others, going from 20mb to 50mb, whilst already having V+, XL TV, and a 2nd box, is going to cost me £16 more per month. However, I gather that this is the price NOW, and that come September 1st I should get some other discount to fit in with my current loyalty deal.

Do I just call them back after the 1st to get a new deal?

I'm gonna go for the 50mb now anyway.

BenMcr

04-08-2009, 17:22

and that come September 1st I should get some other discount to fit in with my current loyalty deal.

Do I just call them back after the 1st to get a new deal? There will not be an additional discount and the price change will be automatic so you will not have to phone back

On the 1st September the core XXL charge before discounts will be reduced from showing on the bill as £52 to showing as £45.

This makes it £8 more than the XL charge which shows as £37 before discounts.

So in theory no Loyalty deals will need to be changed, just the XXL charge put onto the account.

zerolight

05-08-2009, 09:12

There will not be an additional discount and the price change will be automatic so you will not have to phone back

On the 1st September the core XXL charge before discounts will be reduced from showing on the bill as £52 to showing as £45.

This makes it £8 more than the XL charge which shows as £37 before discounts.

So in theory no Loyalty deals will need to be changed, just the XXL charge put onto the account.

Cheers, I hadn't noticed your "should" change to an £8 increase until after I posted. That said, the guy at the call centre seemed to reckon that as I've been with you guys for almost 8 years, there might be room for an improved loyalty discount on my package, not specifically the 50mb price, but that's another conversation. :)

BenMcr

05-08-2009, 09:52

there might be room for an improved loyalty discount on my packageUnlikely, most Loyalty deals now discount less from the standard prices than they used to - whereas you many have been able to get £10/£20 off advertised prices, you would now normally get a maximum of about £4-£7 if that.

Most of deals also require you to take quite high services too

merc2001

05-08-2009, 10:14

any news on wether espn will be included in the vip package by chance :D

BenMcr

05-08-2009, 10:24

Er it already is?

Gruffy

05-08-2009, 16:43

Hi all - I'm just waiting for my install / upgrade to 50meg today.
Just go through to cancellations.
Was on XL 20meg @ £37 & here is what I've managed to get -
I got £12 (credited to my account)
I got £5 (off my 1st XXL 50meg bill)
I got half price £25 (install / activation)

It seems that Virgin do not inform their employees about price drops etc , not until the week before & plus they don't offer any deals unless you're going to leave.
It's hit & miss if you get a good rep to help you
As the 50meg is going to be £38 per month, I just thought I'd pre-empt the price drop & get it now.

howden

05-08-2009, 16:47

http://www.top10-broadband.co.uk/news/2009/08/virgin_media_broadband_top_10_reasons_to_switch/

BenMcr

05-08-2009, 16:54

I think they only have 9 there....

8 UK-based customer support

Fed up of unintelligible customer support agents who struggle to comprehend your every utterance? Virgin Media’s expert teams are all UK based, so you’ll never need to spell out an entire sentence phonetically ever again…

EDIT: oops that list is for National, not Cable ;)

Zhadnost

05-08-2009, 17:06

I always found Upto 20Mbit misleading, when some of the C&W DSLAMS at exchanges are still only ADSLMax.

GazCBG

08-08-2009, 22:00

Hi,

Does anyone know the new monthly pricing yet for the following
Phone and 50MB ?

gumpy321

09-08-2009, 00:01

Toilet-Duck

09-08-2009, 02:37

Hi,

Does anyone know the new monthly pricing yet for the following
Phone and 50MB ?

It tells you here...:

http://pressoffice.virginmedia.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=205406&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1307695&highlight=

From 1st September Virgin Media will reduce the monthly cost of its 50Mb service for new and existing customers to £28, when taken with a phone line, or £38 if taken as a sole product.

BenMcr

09-08-2009, 13:06

Just thought I'd add to this. Rang up today to enquire about 50meg on the 1st September.

I'm currently on Triple XL with loyalty discounts. The woman I talked to could not be so sure as she said they had not been given specific details about the new pricing so could not give me price. If I was to add it now, she said it was an extra £16 or £17 (Can't remember exactly how much).

She said to call back on the 1st, then the CS staff will know the full details.
We do know the full detals XL Phone, TV and 50Mbit i.e. Triple XL 50 will be £66 - £8 more than the normal Triple XL

---------- Post added at 13:06 ---------- Previous post was at 13:05 ----------

From 1st September XXL will be £8 more than the advertise price for any bundle including XL broadband

gumpy321

09-08-2009, 14:45

We do know the full detals XL Phone, TV and 50Mbit i.e. Triple XL 50 will be £66 - £8 more than the normal Triple XL

---------- Post added at 13:06 ---------- Previous post was at 13:05 ----------

From 1st September XXL will be £8 more than the advertise price for any bundle including XL broadband

I have discounts though. That's why they want me to ring back on the 1st.

BenMcr

09-08-2009, 15:01

The answer after the 1st will be the same it is now. They will either offer you:

1) Keep your Loyalty deal, upgrade you to XXL for £8 a month more + £50 install/activation

2) Say no you can't keep the Loyalty discount and you have to pay the same price as everyone else for 50Mbit

Personally I hope it is Option 2

gumpy321

09-08-2009, 15:52

If it's option 2, then I'll keep my current deal.

Ignitionnet

09-08-2009, 15:56

I always found Upto 20Mbit misleading, when some of the C&W DSLAMS at exchanges are still only ADSLMax.

ADSLMax is a BT term for the 'up to' 8Mbit service. In any event if you are only able to get 8Mbit you aren't on a C&W MSAN but connected to an exchange that C&W haven't unbundled so using BT Wholesale MSANs *shudder* or VM haven't asked C&W to migrate you to their own equipment yet.

cook1984

09-08-2009, 22:58

Ignitionnet

09-08-2009, 23:03

Any word on when the 10mb upload might be available?

If I could get it at a reasonable price I might finally be able to share a connection with the other people living here. 1.5Mb just won't cut it for two users.

Absolutely no idea at all. One of those things, will be happening as they've made too much noise over it now to not get it done, but it will be a somewhat painful process in some areas. Some areas will be a config change, some will be replacing circuit boards in amplifiers/nodes, some will be replacing most of the guts of cabinets.

zing_deleted

09-08-2009, 23:41

BenMcr

09-08-2009, 23:45

zing_deleted

09-08-2009, 23:51

Actually it was more the fact that I don't see why people should get money off a new service.

Loyalty deals (which I don't like anyway but thats a different thread ;) ) are there because someone has said they are going to leave to go somewhere else and match a deal from that provider.

However if someone is then going to upgrade - especially to 50Mbit which you can't get anywhere else - then why should they not pay the same price as everyone else with those same services?

because its a competitive market and revenue is revenue. They are not selling it at a loss to anyone who gets a discount . As I have said many times before this is a capitalist society and greed is bred into each and every one of us so why should the customer not try it on? after all its in VMs power to say no and as you so rightly say they tend not to say no. You are staff and you do not have a say on company policy same way as I dont :)

BTW I gave up a loyalty bonus on the grounds I do not want VM tv or phone anymore so reduced them and went £50 meg mainly cuz of the price drop next month so I am paying full whack and do not mind but in 12 months ill most likely try it on again

Nero182

10-08-2009, 15:49

If I signed up for 50 meg today would the price come down on Sep 1st? I am on the VIP package

BenMcr

10-08-2009, 16:07

Yes it would - by £2. XXL on VIP is currently £10 more. From 1st Setember it will be £8 more

Nero182

10-08-2009, 16:23

So the package with XXL broadband whud be £93?

gumpy321

10-08-2009, 17:11

We do know the full detals XL Phone, TV and 50Mbit i.e. Triple XL 50 will be £66 - £8 more than the normal Triple XL

---------- Post added at 13:06 ---------- Previous post was at 13:05 ----------

From 1st September XXL will be £8 more than the advertise price for any bundle including XL broadband

Every CS I have spoken to has not even heard of this price drop.

Topgun

10-08-2009, 17:48

Every CS I have spoken to has not even heard of this price drop.
Phoned earlier on today to upgrade to XXL broadband, I am currently on the VIP package, and was told by a very efficient CS exactly what is quoted above, ie £10 extra until 1st Sept then £8 extra from then.
Can't wait!:)

BenMcr

10-08-2009, 18:03

So the package with XXL broadband whud be £93?I think you have your sums wrong there

VIP is £88 + £10 XXL = £98 - £2 after 1st September = £96 ;)

TheDon

10-08-2009, 18:20

I think you have your sums wrong there

VIP is £88 + £10 XXL = £98 - £2 after 1st September = £96 ;)

+ £1.50 sky premiums price rise = £97.50 :(

Zhadnost

10-08-2009, 20:44

ADSLMax is a BT term for the 'up to' 8Mbit service. In any event if you are only able to get 8Mbit you aren't on a C&W MSAN but connected to an exchange that C&W haven't unbundled so using BT Wholesale MSANs *shudder* or VM haven't asked C&W to migrate you to their own equipment yet.

Some of the C&W DSLAMS on unbundled exchanges do not support ADSL 2. Southampton being one.

Ignitionnet

10-08-2009, 21:49

Some of the C&W DSLAMS on unbundled exchanges do not support ADSL 2. Southampton being one.

Do you have anything more on this, a link showing it, it's a line card swap nothing more and all MSANs in all exchanges should be capable.

Which Southampton exchange is it that's not compatible? Central, Shirley, Wooton, Moorhill, Hampton?

Zhadnost

11-08-2009, 00:02

STSOTON, (Southampton Central). Part way through doing the upgrades, they just stopped.

The link I have showing it, is the one connected to the c&w DSLAM at the exchange.

Ignitionnet

11-08-2009, 00:53

No upgrade done in STSOTON, it wasn't enabled until after C&W started offering 16Mbit. That's pretty weird that they enabled it with obsolete equipment.

EDIT: Just tried ordering a C+W based LLU product on STSOTON, Demon HomeOffice 2+, and worked just fine with an expected speed of at least 11.1Mbit.

Zhadnost

11-08-2009, 09:11

Weird, I remember when the upgrades were rolling out, (was already on the 8Mbit service).

They never did change the database to having supporting a service other than Up To 8Mbit.

I've got an ADSL2 modem on it atm. (mostly because the one that was on it overheated). Synced at 2Mbit (usually gets more than that) Annex A, G.dmt. Doesn't tell me anything more helpful like G.992.x, although the modem that's on the line next to it syncs at a health 7.5Mbit on be.

Oh, for some reason I can't even get on demons site atm. :-)

zerolight

11-08-2009, 15:29

Got my 50mb installed today. Painless, and getting the advertised speeds. The Wireless N usb dongle is a waste of space though, I get a stronger signal with my built in wireless G laptop card. I think that's just the way of these dongles though. Anway, happy customer.

tjay2

11-08-2009, 15:35

Peter_

11-08-2009, 19:51

Quick question i wondered if any existing customers were getting VM to waive the installation and activiation fee?

My current contract expired about a month ago and havent done any changes yet as wanted to see what the news was about the Freedom netbook which was rubbish for me really.

So im going for 50mb upgrade instead currently on triple XL i see its free installation if you order online plus £20 credit on your first bill. If i call and enter into a new contract will they offer me this as well? anyone else tried this?

Cheers
Tjay
Well it does say free installation here for 50Mb but you still have to pay the £20 Activation fee, its in the small print.

The £20 is only if you order 3 services online.

http://allyours.virginmedia.com/websales/product.do?id=15208