Cable broadband

Cable broadband is only available in the UK through Virgin Media. Below we list their latest cable deals. Not everyone can get cable broadband - it depends where you are as Virgin Media only service approximately 65% of the UK.

Compare cable broadband below.

If required, you can check your cable broadband availability with our postcode checker.

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Cable broadband explained

Cable broadband is the latest innovation in broadband technology in which your internet connection operates through a series of underground cables rather than through your phone line, as is the case with ADSL broadband.

The cable network in the UK is currently owned by Virgin Media and has been since 2006 when was bought from NTL Telewest. Although it has been calculated that 65% of the UK have "cable access" this is not necessarily representative of the extent to which cable broadband is fully installed. Largely, cable is only available in urban centres such as London with limited availability in Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.

The major benefits of cable broadband

  • Lightning speeds
  • Sustained, reliable connection which result from transmission through fibre-optic material rather than ordinary copper wires.
  • Option to receive cable TV and excellent deals on phone calls with packages such as Virgin’s XL.

The most efficient connection available from a basic ADSL ISP wavers around 8Mb, with speeds as much as double this from the more advanced (but less available) ADSL2+ technology. However, with Virgin, the UK’s sole cable broadband provider, you could benefit from an ultra fast 20Mb connection.

The efficient connection that is supplied by cable broadband is perfect for those with busy lifestyles. In light of this, cable broadband is best suited to city-dwelling young professionals who enjoy a luxurious entertainment lifestyle and want to maximise their internet usage by enjoying download-intensive pursuits such as live TV streaming and gaming.