Virgin Media Ponder a Budget Broadband Package – Project Prosecco

Cable operator Virgin Media has tended to pride themselves on offering premium unlimited broadband packages with speeds of between 50Mbps and 300Mbps, but a new report suggest that they may be planning to launch a cheaper budget option (aka – “Project Prosecco“).

Prosecco, which in recent years has experienced somewhat of a resurgence, is an Italian white wine that is often consumed and considered to be a cheaper alternative to Champagne. However a new report from The Telegraph suggests that this may also be the inspiration behind Virgin Media’s new Project Prosecco.

Apparently the new package, which would be positioned to challenge the cheaper and slower broadband packages from Plusnet and TalkTalk, could launch in 2017 but a final decision on whether or not to include such an option into their line-up has yet to be taken.

Tom Mockridge, CEO of Virgin Media, said:

“There are a lot of people down in the more economic sector. But we think there is room for everyone in this market.”

The move would make sense, particularly given Virgin Media’s effort to expand its network coverage to reach around 60-65% of the UK by the end of 2019 (i.e. more mass market appeal).

Similarly they’re no doubt mindful of the success that their on-going £18 per month special offer has been having for the standalone 50Mbps broadband package (£32.25 after the 12 month discount), which has been challenging the similarly priced ‘up to’ 17Mbps (ADSL2+) packages of rival ISPs.

Mind you it’s worth remembering that Virgin Media already has a budget option of sorts via their often overlooked 50GB capped package (here), which is about -£5 per month cheaper than the unlimited 50Mbps option. But to impact the mass market they’d ideally need to offer a cheaper service with unlimited usage.