What is Virgin Mobile's traffic management policy?
Learn all about Virgin Mobile’s traffic management policy and how it affects data speeds on your phone.
What is traffic management
Network providers use traffic management to limit the usage of a minority of heavy users, so they don’t negatively impact the speeds of everyone else.
Check out our traffic management policies explained.
What speeds can I get on 4G?
On average, you can expect download speeds of around 37Mbps and upload speeds of around 13Mbps. But depending on where you are, Virgin Mobile customers can get speeds of up to 85Mbps download and 35Mbps upload on our 4G network.
Find out more about 4G.
It might not always be possible expected to get the speeds. Things like environmental factors or the device you have can affect your data connection.
Let’s have a look at what can affect your mobile data speeds, and what you can do to speed things up:
- Device – generally, newer devices or devices with more powerful hardware will get better speeds than older or cheaper devices. It might be time to upgrade your phone.
- Congestion - if you’re using your phone in a crowded place, you might find your connection is slower than usual. If you can, try getting away from the crowds when trying to use your data.
- Buildings - if a building has been constructed using certain materials, then you might find your connection is slower inside. Try going outside or stand by a window.
- Distance from mast – if you’re a long way from a mast, this can affect data speeds. You might find your connection is a little lower in some more rural areas for example.
- Weather - even the weather can affect speeds. See if your speeds improve when the weather clears up.
Yes, if you use up your monthly data allowance, you'll continue to get full speed data. However, you will be subject to data add-on costs or out-of-bundle charges. See our rates for more information.
Check out our broadband usage policy.
What does video optimisation mean?
Video Optimisation works by delivering video at a data rate just above the rate required for playing that video, streaming the same content at a gentler pace while ensuring smooth playback at the best suitable quality for your connection speed. This also means quicker video loading times and less buffering on your device.
The primary purpose of this is to enhance the mobile video experience for you while delivering videos most efficiently through our network.
Why do Virgin Mobile block certain content?
Sometimes we’re required to block content, meaning you can’t access certain websites or servers using our service. Blocking access is something that we only do when absolutely necessary. There are two possible reasons why a site may be blocked:
- The Internet Watch Foundation can ask us to block a particular website to protect children and our customers from potentially illegal content
- The Courts can order us to prevent access to a certain website or server (for example to protect copyright) – this is a legal obligation
What personal data do we process?
So we can make your Virgin Mobile service even better, we’ll collect data when you use our services, buy something from us or get in touch. Of course, you’re always in full control of your data, and we are fully compliant with the Data Protection Act 2018.
Learn more about marketing preferences, and how we use your information to improve your experience.
To find out what personal data we collect and process, check out our full privacy policy.
What can I do if I’m unhappy with the mobile speeds I am getting?
We’re sorry to hear you’re unhappy with your Virgin Mobile service. Contact us to get help with your virgin mobile speeds.
Alternatively, you can call us on 789 from your Virgin Media phone or mobile, or 0345 6000 789* from any other phone.
*See our call costs page
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