Broadband ISP Virgin Media UK Upgrades Customers to Hub 5 Router for Free
Customers of fixed broadband provider Virgin Media (O2) have today been informed that the ISP is “starting to upgrade” those with their older Hub 3 (TG2492S/CE) and Hub 4 (TG3492LG-VMB) Wi-Fi routers to its newer, more advanced Hub 5 device “at no extra cost“.
The Hub 5 (Sagemcom F3896LG-VMB) has actually been around since late 2021 (here), when it became Virgin Media’s first router to support 2Gbps+ gigabit-capable broadband speeds via their DOCSIS 3.1 (Hybrid Fibre Coax) network (the Hub 4 could also do DOCSIS 3.1, but it was more of a 1Gbps device). A slightly more advanced Hub 5x variant also exists for those covered by and connected to Virgin Media and nexfibre’s new XGS-PON based full fibre (FTTP) network.
The upgrade aims to boost customers’ broadband performance around the home, making it smoother and more reliable, with the roll-out benefitting thousands of customers before the end of 2025, before being “expanded further in 2026“. The move will no doubt also help to ensure that Virgin Media keeps their hardware current for the new network security requirements, while also ensuring efficient use of spectrum on their DOCSIS 3.1 network.
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Gareth Lister, Director of Connectivity at VMO2, said:
“Providing our customers with the very best broadband experience sits at the heart of Virgin Media O2. As our technology and products evolve, we’re committed to making it easier than ever for our customers to enjoy them. Not only will this upgrade benefit thousands of customers’ connectivity by enhancing their coverage, it will also future-proof their broadband services for new innovations to come.”
The move is not unexpected as Virgin Media, much like other broadband ISPs, have long rotated their hardware over time to ensure that all customers can access more modern kit. In addition, we’re expecting Virgin Media to come out with a Wi-Fi 7 capable Hub 6 router in the future (the Hub 5 is a Wi-Fi 6 device), which currently seems likely to surface in 2026.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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I wonder if people contact them whether they will send them a hub 5.
Any further intel on how we can force this upgrade ourselves? No options in the account manager or communication from VM yet on my end..