Virgin Media customers are outraged that the start of the nationwide broadband speed upgrade has brought an increase in price. However, the firm is claiming that it’s simply part of an annual price review and "independent of this upgrade programme".
Yesterday Virgin Media announced that it had begun work to double its broadband customers’ speeds for free. Many PC Advisor readers have pointed out that prices will increase from the beginning of April.
In a statement Virgin Media said, "As part of our on-going review of services, we’re making some changes to our cable pricing from April and we’re writing to those customers affected now to explain what’s happening. On average, customers will see an increase of around £2.68 per month."
Virgin Media added that as part of the review it has saved customers money by putting a freeze on its line rental. It’s keen to point out that rival companies have been doing similar things over the past few months. O2 customers, for example, have just had an increase in line rental by £3 per month.
Yesterday we reported that subscribers of the 100Mb package would be getting a price decrease which Virgin Media has confirmed is the case. It said the reduction will be up to £7.75. The price changes apply to bundles rather than specifically to broadband alone.
The firm said that the upgrade scheme, which will take place over the next 18 months, is being funded by the sale of its share in UKTV. "Customers will not be paying for their upgrades; this will happen automatically and at no extra cost." said Virgin Media.
Comments
Elituray said: Who do you work for
Omendata said: Just phone them up and ask for the retentions dept - tell them you are thinking of moving to sky because of the price hike - i got a free hd box and a 4 reduction in my packageVirgin are the best for broadband so you pays for what you getsWell apart from the god awful Indian Malaysian call centres argggggghhThe South African call centres seem ok though
Acdales said: Those of us on 50Mb will be getting a 100 increase initially to 100Mb and then the upgrade to 120Mb All supposedly free but my bundled deal coincidently is going up 520 ish a month Its still good value for money but smacks of a cover up
Reader said: Interesting that Virgin Medias investor centre says the speed increase underpins its price rise see p27 belowhttpphxcorporate-irnetEx
Den said: My sky has increased By 14 a month over the last three years every company is the same I would love to join Virgin as their broadband is a premium service you pay for quality and i hear they are the best out there I get stuck with 2mb There TiVo thing also looks very good
CHRISroxby65 said: YES YES JON THEY LOSED ME TO SOON UP TO 4POUND ON A BILL
Davysewell said: Am I reading this rightIll get a 20 speed upgrade 100mb to 120mb and a price reduction of 775 but someone who has 50mb will see a 100 increase for an extra 268
Jon said: Stop increasing your prices or youre going to lose customers Hopefully BT fibre and fourth generation mobile will provide more competition for faster broadband speeds because your prices are way too high
Oxoxblogg said: bundle increased in price by 25 in three years will probably double next year
Oxoxblogg said: Bundle increased in price by 25 in tree years