Sky and Virgin broadband services have both been key characters in the connectivity market and have been consistent favourites among users. They give you good internet speeds and also provide a lot of other services that sum up your daily needs. But really, who will emerge as the winner in the Sky Vs Virgin Broadband standoff? Will Sky emerge as the ultimate champion in the race with its broadband and streaming services or will Virgin take the lead with its reliable connection? Let’s find out.
Sky Broadband- An Overview
Renowned for its extensive selection of TV channels and longstanding reputation as a premier entertainment provider, Sky boasts a wide range of reliable broadband speeds. From ADSL to Full Fibre options, Sky caters to diverse connectivity needs, ensuring that customers can find a suitable plan for their households or businesses. The company’s commitment to quality extends beyond broadband, with innovative viewing services like Sky Stream, Sky Q, and Sky Glass enhancing the television experience. With offerings spanning movies, sports, catch-up options, and Box Sets, Sky empowers customers to tailor their broadband and TV bundles to their preferences, cementing its status as a go-to provider for comprehensive entertainment solutions. To learn more, visit Sky.
Pros:
- Big choice of speeds
- Great TV bundles
- Solid customer service
Cons:
- Often has setup costs
- Can be expensive
- Not flexible with contracts
Virgin Media- An Overview
Virgin Media distinguishes itself with its ultrafast broadband speeds, setting the bar for connectivity in select areas. Leveraging its proprietary cable network, Virgin delivers fast internet to households and businesses, offering unparalleled download and upload speeds. This advantage, coupled with its robust router options and Wi-Fi management tools, positions Virgin as a leader in broadband technology, appealing to consumers who prioritise speed and performance.
Pros
- Wide variety of speeds
- TV bundles are available
- High-spec tech
Cons:
- Customer service isn’t great
- Deals can be hit and miss
- Not available everywhere
Sky vs Virgin Broadband- Plan Options
Both Sky and Virgin boast diverse broadband portfolios, featuring unlimited downloads across various speed tiers. While Sky offers a broader range of slower speeds, Virgin excels in mid-range fibre speeds. With options for households and businesses of all sizes, both providers ensure seamless connectivity for their customers.
Sky’s Broadband Average Speeds
Essential Plus – ADSL – 11Mbps
Superfast 35 – fibre – 35Mbps
Superfast – fibre – 59 Mbps
Ultrafast – fibre – 145Mbps
Ultrafast Plus – ‘Full Fibre’ – 500Mbps
Gigafast – ‘Full Fibre’ – 900Mbps
Virgin’s Broadband Speeds
Virgin Media M50: 54Mbps
Virgin Media M125: 132Mbps
Virgin Media M250: 264Mbps
Virgin Media M350: 362Mbps
Virgin Media M500: 516Mbps
Virgin Media Gig1: 1130Mbps (1.13Gbps)
Broadband Coverage and Contract Length
Sky utilises the Openreach network, while Virgin relies on its proprietary cables, resulting in variations in broadband coverage. While Sky broadband is accessible to a wider range of properties, Virgin offers faster speeds to those within its coverage area. Contract lengths typically span 18 months for new customers, with limited flexibility for adjustment.
Nevertheless, Virgin offers current customers the option to avail themselves of 30-day rolling contracts. Additionally, the provider offers fixed contracts with durations of 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, or 2 years. However, it is important to note that these contracts may include substantial departure penalties.
Sky Vs Virgin Broadband- Costs and Customer Service
Both organisations provide comprehensive customer and technical support services through various communication channels, as one would anticipate. Virgin has faced criticism for extended wait times and inadequate online troubleshooting, as customers have reported problems with the app and useless FAQs on the website.
Sky Vs Virgin Broadband- Tech, Add-Ons, and Extras
Both Sky and Virgin provide top-notch routers and a suite of additional services to enhance the broadband experience. While Sky offers the Sky Broadband Hub with Wi-Fi optimisation features, Virgin provides a selection of routers with intelligent Wi-Fi capabilities. Sky asserts that it provides reliable connectivity for a maximum of 64 devices and it automatically enhances Wi-Fi performance. Additionally, both providers offer Wi-Fi management apps, landline services, antivirus protection, and access to Wi-Fi hotspots.
Virgin offers a selection of three routers: the Hub 3, Hub 4, and Hub 5. The Hub 3 is provided as a standard and delivers comparable performance to Sky’s hub. Additionally, it utilises ‘intelligent Wi-Fi’ to proactively relocate devices to more optimal channels when appropriate.
Sky Vs Virgin Broadband- Extras & TV Bundles
Sky’s extensive spectrum of television channels, along with its well-established status as a source of visual entertainment, makes it the preferred choice for broadband and television packages. Sky offers a wide range of alternatives including movies, sports, catch-up services, and Box Sets. Customers have the flexibility to customise their Sky Broadband and TV bundles according to their own watching preferences. Get Sky now!
This is enhanced by its supplementary watching options like Sky Stream, Sky Q, and the more recent addition of Sky Glass, which provides you with the ability to manage your TV viewing preferences and schedule. Given all of these factors, Sky is exceptionally formidable in this specific domain in Sky vs Virgin Broadband face-off.
However, Virgin competes strongly with its internet and TV services. Virgin’s bundles include a comparable range of movies and sports, including BT Sport, as well as all the free-to-air channels. However, when comparing Virgin’s TV technology to Sky’s, it is not as advanced. However, Virgin’s ‘360 box’ does provide similar features and possibilities for recording.
Conclusion
In the Sky Vs Virgin broadband showdown, it becomes evident that each provider has its strengths and weaknesses. While Virgin excels in delivering fast broadband speeds and advanced technology, Sky matches the steadfast speed and shines further with its extensive TV offerings and superior customer service. You can definitely consider getting Sky broadband for your home for speedy internet and reliable service. Get Sky now!
For more information on Sky Vs Virgin broadband, visit Nowandlive.