Virgin Media Relaxes Traffic Management

Author	Gordon Kelly
Published	14th May 2009

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Virgin Media certainly runs the fastest broadband service in the UK, but its traffic management is also one of the most complex. So thankfully it has seen fit to now loosen the reins a little.

Highlights from the new deal see the total daily download allowance for 'L' (10Mbit) and 'XL' (20Mbit) subscribers increased from 3600MB to 4500MB and 7400MB to 10500MB, jumps of 25 per cent and 42 per cent respectively.

These allowances apply from 10am to 9pm (excluding one unmonitored hour from 3pm - 4pm for some reason) with the caps taken off at all other times. Users who break the threshold will see their speeds capped at lower speeds for up to five hours. As for 50Mbit subscribers, they have no download restrictions whatsoever.

"Today's changes just go to highlight how the major investment in our new DOCSIS 3.0 network is enabling all Virgin Media customers to enjoy the best of today's Web, whether viewing full screen HD video on a PC or unlimited downloads," said Virgin Media Broadband executive director Jon James.

In all fairness to Jon, these allowances are now pretty substantial. Unlike some when the boundaries are broken Virgin chooses to throttle rather than enforce additional charges too, a frustrating, but infinitely preferable course of action.

Currently 'S' (2Mbit) and 'M' (2Mbit) customers (see what I did there?) haven't been included in the changes, though M users are soon to get a free 10Mbit upgrade (where available) which will see their allowances increased.

Breaking everything down beyond this gets ridiculously complicated so I've added a full table at the bottom. In short however well done Virgin Media, just don't get any fresh ideas about the French 3 Strikes bill...

Link:
Virgin Media Traffic Policy

Latest 4 of 18 Comments

Have your say: Leave a comment below about this article.

Jay said on 15th May 2009

go virginmedia! loved their service for a very long time I have no quibbles or complaints at all.

life said on 15th May 2009

I'm glad there are other people here who have a good experience with Virgin's cable service, I was starting to think I was the only one.

We've been wi... more

Judderman said on 17th May 2009

Im in total agreement with Life above but I have noticed the traffic being throttled between 6pm and midnight most nights. It annoys me virgin have started to do this as they have... more