Virgin Broadband XL

Virgin Media's Broadband: Size L – cable package is their premium cable internet service. It comes above Virgin's size M and size L packages.

About Virgin Broadband

Virgin Media offers both cable and non-cable broadband. Non-cable broadband is for users who live outside a cable area. Virgin cable broadband is available for 50% of the UK and coverage is growing. Virgin's cable broadband uses fibre optic cables, making speeds extremely fast.

What does Virgin Broadband: Size XL offer?

This Virgin Broadband package gives speeds of up to 20Mbps per second.

There is no download limit.

A free modem is included.

The package also includes PC Guard Total software such as a firewall, pop-up blocker and privacy manager. Users can surf the web in complete confidence.

Users of Virgin Broadband: Size XL – cable get their own email account with the facility to create 15 different addresses.

A free wireless router is included.

Who is Virgin Broadband: Size XL – Cable suitable for?

This package is suitable for heavy internet users and emailers who are looking for a consistently fast internet connection. It is suitable for most home broadband users and some businesses.

As there's no download limit, it's great for music lovers and film buffs.

The Virgin Broadband: Size XL package is ideal for large families and households as there is the opportunity to get discounts when users also sign up for Virgin Media phone, mobile and television packages.

Virgin Broadband: Size L users don't need to worry about online security. The free PC Guard Total software means identity theft is prevented and the parental controls mean parents can supervise what their children are doing on the internet. The spyware and firewall should see off potential viruses.

With its 15 email account capabilities, webspace and security features, Virgin Broadband: Size M is also suitable for small to medium-sized business needs.

Those who enjoy online gaming and video streaming will appreciate Virgin Broadband: Size XL's high speed.

Benefits of the Virgin Broadband: Size XL package

The obvious benefit of this package has to be its speed. It's been described as "blistering".

Users can download an MPS track in 2 seconds and an album in 30 seconds.

There is no download limit so users are free to download as many films, tracks and TV shows as they like.

No phone line is required. Only non-cable broadband connections require a Virgin phone line.

Virgin Media have a good reputation and have been nominated for best consumer ISP at the 2008 ISPA awards.

Virgin Media offers users free technical support for those calling from a Virgin Media phone.

The free wireless router means users can set up their Virgin Broadband connection so that they can surf the web anywhere around the house or office without the need for cables or wires.

What you should be aware of with the Virgin Broadband: Size XL package

Signing up to the Virgin Broadband: Size XL package means entering into a one-year contract. However, this is pretty standard for many broadband providers these days.

There is a one-off installation fee.

Virgin Media broadband is not available everywhere in the UK, but coverage is good.

Broadband glossary

Modem: Short for Modulator/Demodulator. A modem is a device that allows remote computers to communicate, to transmit and receive data using telephone lines.

Mbps: Megabytes per second. A measure of networking bandwidth or data transmission speed, expressed in millions of binary bits per second.

Fibre optic cables: Fibre optic cables consist of thin filaments of glass (or other transparent materials) that can carry beams of light. Fibre optic cables are less susceptible to noise and interference than other kinds of cables.

Wireless: Wireless internet uses wireless local networks which can enable users to access the Internet without the need for cables.