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What is gigabit broadband and how fast really is it?
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Gigabit broadband is the next step in superfast internet, bringing some of the fastest speeds available in the UK. Here’s everything you need to know
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 30 April 2026
What is gigabit broadband?
Gigabit broadband is a ultrafast type of internet connection that can transfer data at speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and beyond. With this speed, you can download large files, stream videos in high-quality 4K or even 8K, play online games, and have multiple people using the internet at the same time without any delays or buffering.
Gigabit broadband isn’t just superfast, it’s fast enough to handle anything you throw at it, making it perfect for homes and businesses with many connected devices or demanding internet activities.
Our gigabit broadband deals power your whole home with Gig1, averaging 1,130 Mbps download speeds, and Gig2 reaching up to 2Gbps in selected full fibre areas, giving you more than enough speed for even the busiest households.
Looking to make the switch? Check out our gigabit broadband deals to explore all the gigabit broadband deals available in your area.
How does gigabit broadband work?
When you use gigabit broadband, data is sent to and from your home or business using fibre-optic cable, making it perfect for high-speed tasks like streaming, gaming, and downloading.
These fibre-optic cables are made of thin glass or plastic strands and use light to carry information. Because light travels much faster and can carry more data than electricity, it enables gigabit speeds and a super reliable internet connection in your home.
Gigabit broadband relies on advanced networking equipment, like routers and modems, to distribute the gigabit connection to your devices. The result is a fast and reliable internet experience that lets multiple people in a household or office connect to the internet without slowing down.
How fast is gigabit broadband?
Gigabit broadband is incredibly fast, offering speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) – and sometimes even faster. With our latest full fibre gigabit broadband, you can go faster still, with speeds reaching up to 2Gbps across our full fibre network.
To give you an idea of just how fast that is, basic ADSL broadband only reaches average speeds around 10Mbps, while most standard fibre broadband ranges from 30-100 Mbps, making gigabit broadband up to 10x faster than standard fibre and up to 200x faster than ADSL.
With these speeds, downloading or uploading large files happens almost instantly.
What are the benefits of gigabit broadband?
Gigabit broadband is fast enough for most internet-intensive activities, from competitive online gaming to streaming in 4K and more!
Here are just some of the benefits you can expect from switching to gigabit broadband:
With gigabit broadband, you can stream videos in 4K or even 8K quality without any buffering. This means you can enjoy your favourite movies and shows in the sharpest, clearest detail. Even if multiple people in your home are streaming different shows at the same time, the connection will stay smooth.
Gigabit speeds let you download big files, like movies, games, or software updates, almost instantly. For example, a full-length HD movie that might take 10 minutes to download on a slower connection can be ready in just seconds. That's because our gigabit broadband has average download speeds of up to 1130 Mbps, while Gig2 can reach up to 2Gbps, where available, which is more than enough to keep all of your downloads as fast as they should be.
Gigabit broadband provides a super-fast and stable connection when you're gaming online. This means no lag during online multiplayer games, so your gameplay is smooth, and you stay competitive. Be sure to take a look at all our gaming broadband deals to see all of our best broadband packages for gaming.
Gigabit broadband makes working from home a breeze, giving you all the upload speeds you need for high-quality video calls, quick file uploads, and fast downloads. Even if you’re sharing the internet with others in your household, you can stay productive without interruptions.
In today’s smart homes, many devices are connected to the internet, like TVs, phones, laptops, tablets, and smart appliances. Gigabit broadband ensures all these devices work quickly and smoothly at the same time, without slowing down. If you've got a lots of people at home streaming, gaming and downloading at the same time, gigabit broadband is probably the best choice for your home.
Gigabit broadband is designed to handle the growing demands of the internet, making it a smart choice for the future. As apps, games, and technology evolve, you’ll have the speed you need to enjoy the latest innovations without any hassle. Gigabit broadband gives you all the speed you need for staying connected and can be easily upgraded if you have our full fibre broadband, Gig2.
Not sure if full fibre is available in your area? Use our helpful postcode checker to see all of the speeds you can get.
Can I get gigabit broadband?
Gig1 has been rolled out across our entire network, so you’ve a fair chance of getting these ultrafast speeds. Our fastest speeds, Gig2, are currently available in selected areas on our newer full fibre network.
Don’t forget, you can also register your interest in gigabit broadband as we continue expanding our next-generation full fibre network to more homes.
Use our helpful postcode checker to see if gigabit broadband is available in your area.
Is gigabit broadband worth it?
That really depends on what you use the internet for. For many people, gigabit broadband is a great choice because it offers incredibly fast and reliable internet speeds that are ideal for streaming, gaming and working from home. If you have a busy household with lots of people streaming, gaming, working, or using smart devices at the same time, then gigabit broadband will be ideal for your home. If not, one of our other ultrafast speeds might suit you better.
Still, if you want our fastest speeds, gigabit broadband keeps you firmly in the ultrafast lane — with download speeds of 1,000Mbps or even 2,000Mbps with Gig2 in selected areas with our full fibre network.
Check out our gigabit broadband deals to see if there’s a package that’s available in your area that meets your needs.
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