Virgin Media UK Launches 50GB Capped Cable Broadband Packages

One of our readers, Mike, has today informed ISPreview.co.uk that cable operator Virgin Media appears to have quietly introduced a new range of 50Mbps, 100Mbps and 200Mbps broadband packages, all of which feature a 50GB (GigaByte) monthly data usage allowance.

Traditionally Virgin Media has preferred to offer “unlimited” services and indeed this is still what shows on the main website. However customers who click through to use Virgin’s “Build Your Bundle” order service are now also being given the option of a 50GB capped package, which can be taken either as a cheaper bundle with phone etc. or as a standalone broadband service.

It’s worth noting that if you choose to order the package as a standalone broadband option then it generally seems to attract a -£5 per month discount over the equivalent “unlimited” usage package of the same speed. For example, the unlimited SuperFibre 50Mbps service is usually £30.25, but if you take the 50GB cap then this falls to £25.25.

Alternatively if you add a phone (line rental) service to the same 50Mbps (50GB) package then it becomes £23.99 a month for 12 months and then £31.99 thereafter (this includes the cost of phone line rental and free UK weekend calls).

We suspect that the aim of this service is to try and attract subscribers who have a lower level of Internet usage. Similarly the reason they’re hiding it away is perhaps because they want to avoid confusing potential subscribers (“unlimited” is still their main focus).

Virgin is by no means alone in this field. BT, Sky Broadband and many smaller ISPs also offer packages with capped usage options, which similarly tend to be a few pounds cheaper and aimed at less active Internet users.