Virgin Media has connected 1,200 new homes in Cramlington, Northumberland, which will bring the UK’s fastest widely available speeds to the area.
As part of its ‘Project Lightning’ network expansion programme, Virgin Media is expanding its ultrafast broadband network across the UK, bringing average top speeds of 516Mbps to residents and small businesses.
This will help transform the quality of broadband in Cramlington where the average (median) download speed is 39Mbps.
The new homes in Cramlington will benefit from fibre to the premises (FTTP) technology which allows for smooth, reliable connectivity in the home. With a 516Mbps connection, files, films and games become unbelievably quick to stream, download and upload:
- Download a standard HD movie file (5GB) in two minutes, compared to more than 18 minutes on the average local connection;
- Download a 25GB console game in 10 minutes, compared to more than one hour and 30 minutes on the average local connection
Virgin Media recently connected a few hundred homes in Klondyke to its ultrafast broadband network and has now brought its services to new housing developments, working with major developers at sites across Cramlington, including Barley Meadows, Arcot Manor, St Nicholas Manor and The Fairways.
Hugh Woolford, Regional Director for North East and Yorkshire, England at Virgin Media, said: “It’s essential that all new homes have the fastest broadband speeds from day one and that is why we work closely with developers to bring our ultrafast network to more homes. Good quality internet is an essential part of everyday life – from doing the weekly grocery shop to streaming the best new shows – so no wonder it’s high on the priority list for people looking to buy a new home.”
Cllr Nick Oliver, cabinet member with responsibility for ICT connectivity at Northumberland County Council, said: “The council is very keen to support full fibre broadband roll out across Northumberland and is working with the Government and private sector partners towards wide coverage. We have been working with Virgin Media for a number of years with a view to them bringing their FTTP technology to parts of the county, and I am extremely pleased to see the first properties being connected.”
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