iOS 8 launch sparks busiest download day for Virgin Media

Yesterday, 17th September was the busiest ever day on Virgin Media’s network as the release of iOS 8 caused a 10% increase in peak download traffic, compared week on week. According to the network’s statistics, total data between 6pm and midnight topped 5,900 terabytes.

The increase seen on Virgin Media’s superfast cable network was equivalent to the 920MB update being downloaded over 600,000 times.

Martin Groundsell, Head of Broadband Access at Virgin Media said: “From what we’ve seen so far, the release of iOS 8 has driven more internet traffic than previous updates, with increased demand likely to last until the weekend. Even though the iOS 8 release has generated the biggest download day so far, our fastest customers have been downloading iOS 8 in as little as 61 seconds at peak times with no major problems reported.”

Despite being available for less than 24 hours, iPhone and iPad users have already made their mark on the London Underground WiFi network built by Virgin Media. Over 13% of Apple devices connecting to the network are already running the new iOS 8 operating system.

The superfast broadband provider has even seen Apple users turn to the WiFi service it provides at London Underground stations, with one BT customer tweeting that they could get the update 85 times faster at their local station compared to an estimated 10 hours on their home connection:

Luke Twomery/@goopery: “My wifi at home said 10 hours for download but the WiFi on the underground says 7 mins #ios8” https://twitter.com/goopery.

iOS 8 download times for Virgin Media fibre customers during last night’s peak times:

Virgin Media offers four multi award-winning services across the UK and Ireland: broadband, TV, mobile phone and landline.

The company’s dedicated, ultrafast network delivers the fastest widely available broadband speeds to homes and businesses. And we’re expanding this through our £3bn Project Lightning programme, which will reach 17 million premises.

Our interactive TV service brings live programmes, thousands of hours of on-demand programming and the best apps and games in a set-top box, as well as on-the-go for tablets and smartphones.

We launched the world’s first virtual mobile network, offering fantastic value and services to customers. We are also one of the largest fixed-line home phone providers in the UK and Ireland.

Through Virgin Media Business we support entrepreneurs, businesses and the public sector, delivering the fastest widely available broadband speeds and tailor-made services.

Virgin Media is part of Liberty Global, the world’s largest international cable company. Together Virgin Media and Liberty Global serve 27 million customers across 14 countries.