Virgin Media - When does my speed get doubled?

VoucherMan

I've checked their website. My area was completed in December. I think I read somewhere that even when the upgrade is complete it may take a while until you get the increased speed.

Anyone know how it works? Do Virgin email you to let you know when it's ready or do I have to contact them to see what's going on?

After three weeks I'd have expected everything to be up and running.

Nilrem

Have you logged into your modem to check the config file? (usually 192.168.100.1 and look for the config tab)
As when they upgraded ours we didn't get an announcement, but noticed that the config file had changed from a downstream speed of 50000000 to 100000000and now 120000000 bps (roughly, it's actually set to 133000000 bps).

Have you turned the modem off and on again?
Sounds daft but they tend to get their config files when they boot up, so turning it off for a minute can force it to get a new one:)

Also what speed are you, and what modem do you have?
I ask as with some speeds you'll need a new modem if you don't have either the 50mb one or the superhub (as anything over about 30mb requires multiple tuners in the modem, and the old 10-20-30mb modem only had one).

IIRC you can log into your VM account online and that will give you a message if you need a new modem but any new equipment tends to lock you into a new 12 month contract from memory.

in_my_bumble_opinion

Nilrem wrote: »

but any new equipment tends to lock you into a new 12 month contract from memory.

I got a new super hub without signing a new contract last year by grumbling, then I got my speed increased from 10mg to 30mg without signing a new contract a couple of weeks ago (also by grumbling). Neither change resulted in increased charges.

Just had £40 bill credit because of poor speeds and drop-outs I've been having over an extended period of time, too.

VoucherMan

Nilrem wrote: »

Have you logged into your modem to check the config file?
No. But then I've never checked it so have nothing to compare.

Have you turned the modem off and on again?
Yes. I usually just use wireless but wanted to connect properly to test the speed so I switched everything off first before I connected the cable.


Also what speed are you, and what modem do you have?
Only just noticed this when I went to copy the speed details from the Virgin page -


Your area isn't ready yet

Our engineers are still upgrading the network area by area so that you can enjoy more of the UK's fastest broadband.

Find out when we're upgrading your area. Check my area
Here's what you're on now and what you'll get after you've been upgraded:

Your current speed is up to 10Mb

Your new speed is up to 20Mb

Do I need to do anything?

No, there's nothing to do right now. We'll let you know as soon as there's any news about your upgrade.

Some people may need a new modem to make the most of the upgraded broadband speeds. If you're one of them we'll be in touch, so keep your eyes peeled for letters and emails from us.

Yet when I go to the Check my area page it says

Your area is ready

Congratulations! The new double speed boosts are already up and running in your area.


I've had this message for about three weeks now. Hadn't noticed the other comment until this morning. Obviously an error on their site somewhere.

The modem is an Ambit E080C013 which, if the comments on some of the pages found by Google are correct, is fine for 20Mb.

any new equipment tends to lock you into a new 12 month contract from memory.

I would be happy to be locked into a new contract if the price was right.

I've only got BB. I neither have, nor want, a phone line so have no plans to move. However I'm nearing the end of a discounted 12 month contract (£15.50 a month) so I'm hoping I may be able to use this as a bargaining tool for a new discount.

10Mb is fine for me even when I get throttled back to 2.5 I manage okay. But if 30Mb is the smallest option for new customers then I feel duty bound as a user of MSE to try and get a better deal.

victor2

Mine got upgraded a couple of weeks ago. No notification, I just noticed the announcement when I logged in to see my latest bill.
I got a Superhub (their name, total exaggeration IMO) last year, when my old modem finally died on me. So that cost me nothing and no new contract, but they did change my package from broadband "M" to "L" and charged me extra. Had to complain and they did accept that I hadn't asked for an upgrade, but couldn't put me back to "M" as it no longer exists. So they're crediting me the extra cost monthly for a year. After which, I'll be paying for something I did not ask for or particularly want.
Anyway, I've now got 20MB, but my connection regularly "freezes" for about 30 seconds. Since having the S!!!hub, I've had to reboot it about once a fortnight as my wireless login to the administration gets locked for no apparent reason.
The wireless range is carp. The G band wireless router I used before gave a better signal - my main computer is upstairs (in a regular 70's built house) and router downstairs. I had to buy a 10m cable to replace the VM supplied one to position the S!!!hub in a better place to give a slightly improved signal upstairs. Also found manually putting it on channel 13 improved the strength just a little.