VIRGIN Media has switched Bradford district’s fastest gigabit home broadband offering connectivity more than 29 times faster than the current local average.

Almost 170,000 homes across the Bradford district can now benefit from Virgin Media’s next-generation Ggi1 broadband which offers average download speeds of 1,140Mbps.

With the incredibly fast broadband speeds residents can stream 4K box sets, download video games, join video calls and upload files – all without interruption.

The major broadband boost – which is across the whole district including Shipley, Bingley, Keighley and Ilkley - is part of the company’s plan to bring gigabit speeds to more than 15 million homes across its entire network by the end of 2021.

Currently, a quarter of premises passed by Virgin Media’s network (3.6 million) have access to gigabit speeds which makes Virgin Media the UK’s largest gigabit provider.

The Government has set a target for all UK premises to have access to gigabit speeds by 2025.

Jeff Dodds, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Media, said: “Bradford is the next location to benefit from our next-generation Gig1 broadband service.

“Whether people are working from home, learning online, video calling friends and family, or binging on a box set in 4K, with hyperfast speeds 29 times faster than the average broadband connection in Bradford, Gig1 means they can do everything they want online, at the same time, without delay.

“Whatever the future holds, we’re connecting our customers to what’s next.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said: “I am delighted that Virgin Media have chosen Bradford to be the next location for introducing this service.

Having access to reliable, fast broadband is becoming more and more important for residents and businesses

“The coronavirus pandemic has seen more people than ever work from home. People are also shopping and accessing services online as business expand their online offer and the use of video calling apps to socialise and keep in touch with family and friends has also increased.”

Gig1 broadband is available to new and existing customers and can be packaged with or without telephone, TV and mobile services. Prices start from just £62 per month on an 18 month contract with a guaranteed price freeze for at least 24 months.

With Virgin Media’s hyperfast gigabit connection, ultra-high definition 4K films and TV programmes, very large files and 360 degree videos can be downloaded almost instantaneously, even with multiple devices using the connection simultaneously.

As broadband data use increases tenfold every seven years, the connection will also support innovative technologies like virtual and augmented reality headsets, 8K streaming, cloud gaming and futuristic immersive in-home entertainment.

Virgin Media will announce which further cities are set to benefit from its Gig1 service later in the year as continues its national gigabit rollout plan.

Customers can find out more and buy Gig1 at virginmedia.com/Gig1Fibre