Virgin Media launches 7.2Mbit/s mobile broadband

Posted on 1 Dec 2009 at 10:33

Virgin Media has launched a 7.2Mbit/s mobile broadband service, which it dubs "one of the fastest ways to get online on the move, making internet browsing, checking emails and streaming video on the go a breeze".

The service requires a new USB dongle, so is not available to existing Virgin Media mobile broadband subscribers with the 3.6Mbit/s dongle. The new dongle comes with the claim that "it's ideal for quick browsing, downloading and even keeping up with your favourite shows via BBC iPlayer or YouTube (with less buffering and stuttering)".

This isn't the whole truth. The headline figure of 7.2Mbit/s is the fastest speed available on the T-Mobile network that Virgin Media's Mobile service uses. You're massively unlikely to get anywhere near that. In fact, when we performed our recent broadband survey we found that T-Mobile customers got, on average, around 1Mbit/s download speeds.

That said, Virgin Media's prices are competitive, with the new 7.2Mbit/s modem costing a maximum of £35 on a £10 per month rolling contract with 1GB download limit. Contract prices are also decent value with the 7.2Mbit/s modem costing £10 with 18-month contracts. Two contracts are available: £10 a month with a 1GB download limit, and £15 a month with a 3GB download limit.

However, the old 3.6Mbit/s modem is available for free on contract. Given the speeds you're likely to get, it remains the better deal.

Author: David Ludlow

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