How to compare cable TV packages
Cable TV is a service delivered to TVs using composite copper and fibre-optic cables that run below street level. Cable TV is usually combined with a broadband service, and it’s primarily available in highly populated areas of the UK. Virgin Media is the only truly 'cable' TV provider in the UK; its main competitor is Sky which offers a satellite TV service (Sky Q), which is slowly being phased out to make way for its internet-only Sky-stream service.
Can I get cable TV in my area?
To get Cable TV (Virgin Media) in your home, you need to be located in a Virgin Media coverage area.
As the availability of cable TV can vary greatly across the country the best place to find out who offers cable in your area is with our cable TV (Virgin Media) postcode checker on this page.
Enter your postcode in the checker on this page, then select your home address from the drop-down list to load the results. We’ll be able to tell you immediately if cable is available in your area, which cable TV provider or providers can supply it to you and we’ll also show you a list of all of the cable TV packages and bundles that you can choose from.
Cable TV providers
Cable TV has yet to reach the levels of ubiquity in the UK that it has in the USA, although UK cable providers do have a lot to offer including over 200 digital TV channels, more than 100 HD channels plus access to a vast library of on-demand content – and all without the need for a satellite dish on the outside of your home.
Currently the only cable TV provider that's widely available in the UK is now Virgin Media.
UK cable TV providers
UK cable TV networks are not nearly as widespread as those in other parts of the world. It is also quite a small market in terms of competition with only two genuine cable TV companies existing:
Virgin Media is far and away number one amongst UK cable TV providers. Nearly all UK homes fall within the catchment area of Virgin’s fibre optic network which has been rising continually as a result of Virgin Media’s ongoing cable rollout programme. Virgin Media cable TV packages can be taken on their own or in bundles with broadband and phone services. A few other competing independent cable providers operating across the UK, like Smallworld Cable, were acquired by Virgin, expanding their coverage to parts of south-western Scotland, the Borders, Cumbria and Lancashire.
EE TV, TalkTalk TV, and Sky TV aren't cable TV providers and now provide their services through a combination of Satellite, via the internet, and some still allow the connection of a rooftop aerial. The only future-proof form of Cable TV is currently via Virgin Media, while all other services are set to deliver their services only via the internet now or at some point a little further in the future. Terrestrial TV (via a roof aerial), for example, is set to be switched off completely in the coming years.
What if I can’t get cable TV in my area?
If our postcode checker tells you that you can’t get cable in your area right now it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to get it in the future.
Virgin Media's network is being extended all the time, with more postcodes becoming cabled every week. So, if you really want cable TV then we recommend rechecking our cable TV postcode checker about once a month. Just as soon as your area becomes cabled we’ll have the details ready and waiting for you.
There are several alternatives to cable TV to get your entertainment fix, including satellite and internet services from Sky, BT/EE and TalkTalk, and online streaming services from NOW TV and Netflix, to name a few, so on the chance you don’t have cable TV available in your area, you do have other options.
Virgin Media: the UK’s only major cable TV provider
Virgin Media’s roughly 5 million subscribers enjoy a high quality digital TV service that brings them up over 200 digital television channels. The TV 360 set-top box is the latest from Virgin Media. All Virgin TV 360 boxes, including the Mini Boxes, are 4K and HDR-ready.
If you’re thinking of switching your TV provider, then it’s worth checking that you’re backing the right horse before putting your money down. Our comparison tables let you do just that, ensuring you get the important information so you can make the right choice.
Why choose cable TV?
There is such a range of great TV packages out there that will enhance your viewing experience. Here are three great reasons to pick up a cable TV deal.
A great variety of programming
Whatever your tastes, you should be able to find a TV package that ticks all your boxes as there’s such a huge amount of content out there. From the best UK and US entertainment and drama, an array of live sporting events or lists of the latest Hollywood blockbusters, you can’t fail to find something that’ll whet your appetite.
New ways to watch your content
The ceaseless march of technological advancement means a new and exciting way to watch your content is just around the corner. Be it HD or 4K, catch-up content, Virgin Media’s TV 360 experience, on the go viewing, multiroom services or via digital TV recorders, there are so many ways to keep up-to-date with your favourite shows. Most major TV providers offer these as paid-for or free extras, so you should factor that in when you’re making your decision.
Most TV deals can be bundled up with broadband and phone plans
Currently there are three major providers that give you the option of bundling up your TV package in a broadband and TV bundle: Virgin Media, Sky and BT (via EE TV). If you use multiple services, bundling is a fantastic way both to simplify your billing and reduce your monthly expenses. Companies like Sky and BT have very competitive TV prices, and offer both fibre and Full Fibre packages, so you can match your speed with your needs.
Pros & cons
Pros
- A great variety of programming
- New ways to watch your content
- Bundles can cost less than buying separately
Cons
- Cable TV packages aren't available everywhere
- Some deals require installation fees
- Internet TV services like Sky Stream are more future-proof
What will I need?
Check your postcode to see what you can get
Before you set your heart on a package, check whether it is available in your area. Virgin Media sends its TV signals through its own network of cables, and availability is not yet guaranteed everywhere. Sky, on the other hand, delivers its signal via satellite or broadband, and is available to everyone. Equally, BT (now EE TV) and TalkTalk use broadband to supply their TV services, so if you have an internet connection, you can get the TV service too. You can use our postcode checker at the top of the page to see what you can get.
A good broadband connection will improve viewing options
By coupling your TV package with a broadband deal, you are giving yourself access to a greater range of additional features that will improve your viewing capabilities. Most providers have access to a streaming service that lets you watch TV or films on demand. The likes of Sky Stream and EE TV rely on a good broadband connection.
How do I switch?
Make sure you’re getting the right package
Before you make your decision, ensure you’ve been through the options thoroughly to confirm you’ve made the right choice. Most of these packages come with 18 or 24 month contracts, which is a long time to spend with a TV deal you don’t like, so consider it thoroughly before you commit.
The switching process is largely automatic
Generally, you don’t need to tell your old provider that you’re switching when you join a new cable TV provider. If you’re moving from BT to TalkTalk, for example, you won’t have to do anything after you’ve joined. However, if you’re joining or leaving Virgin Media, you will have to contact both providers to tell them you’re switching.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the best cable deals right now?
Compare the best cable TV packages, deals, bundles & offers in your area by using the postcode checker on this page.
What if I can’t get cable TV?
If you can’t get cable TV or don’t want cable TV, there are several ways to watch free, over-the-air channels or subscribe to a TV subscription delivered via the internet. You can watch online with the Freeview service, the YouView service, or the Freesat service. Many of the Freeview channels also have on-demand players on their websites, available to watch for free.
Who are the best TV providers in the UK?
The primary supplier of cable TV services in the UK is Virgin Media. It offers digital TV services with more live TV channels than you’ll find on the free service by Freeview. Sky is their main competitor, and while they don’t offer cable TV, they do offer satellite and streaming TV, with more channels on offer than Virgin. Other providers offer TV services, such as BT/EE, TalkTalk, and others, but they aren’t cable TV providers.
What is the cheapest cable TV provider?
The cheapest cable TV offers in your area will depend on where you live and whether you bundle your services together or not. You can use the postcode checker at the top of this page to find the cheapest cable TV deals and bundles available in your area.