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*Make sure your screenshot shows your name, address, assessment period and payment date (the payment date needs to be within the last 30 days).
What does Essential broadband include?
Stay connected with average speeds of 15Mbps for £15 a month. This price won’t change as long as you’re receiving Universal Credit.
Virgin Media WiFi Hub
Delivering fast and reliable WiFi speeds to your home, with no traffic management to slow you down, even at peak times.
30-day rolling contract
A flexible 30-day rolling contract that you can cancel at any time, with no exit fees. If you do wish to cancel, start a live chat with us and let us know, we’ll take care of the rest.
Free set up
Whether you go for one of our QuickStart self-installation kits or prefer to get your broadband installed by one of our engineers, we’ll get you set up and online at no extra cost.
Alternatives to Essential Broadband
Whilst our Essential broadband is available to anyone who receives financial support, it’s not the only option out there. There are other ways to access the internet, including:
- Mobile hotspot – If you have a mobile plan with unlimited data, you could use your smartphone to connect to the internet.
- Public WiFi – Free public WiFi spots now exist all over the UK, in shopping malls, cafes and on modes of public transport, like trains and buses.
- Local library – Many local libraries have free internet access that you can connect to via your own device, or a library computer.
Connecting to a free public WiFi network is simple and tends to be in exchange for a few personal details, or an email address at least.
FAQs
Yes. Those who receive Universal Credit can qualify for discounted broadband deals, such as our Essential broadband.
Free broadband isn’t generally available in the UK, some providers offer ‘social tariffs’ instead (discounted broadband deals, cheaper than the standard rate). People on Universal Credit, for example, can get online for £15 a month with our Essential broadband package.
Only the person receiving Universal Credit can apply. Once you've given us all the details we need, we’ll check the information and process your order for Essential broadband.
You’ll need a screenshot of your online Universal Credit Payments page, showing your name, address, assessment period and payment date (the payment date needs to be within the last 30 days).
The name and address will need to be the same as your Virgin Media account, whether you’re applying as a new or existing customer.
If you’re already in a contract with us, we’ll swap you over to our Essential broadband package straight away and you won’t have to pay any fees or extra charges. Simply fill in our existing customer form.
You can pay your Virgin Media bill several ways:
- Direct debit
- Online payment
- Over the phone
- Bank transfer (via online or phone banking)
- Cash payment
- By cheque
Visit our help centre for more information on how to pay your Virgin Media bill.
We’ll do all we can to keep your broadband up and running, so speak to us as soon as possible if you’re going to have trouble paying your monthly bill. Once you get in contact, we can discuss your options.
We’ll check to see if you’re still eligible for Universal Credit every 12 months. If you are, you’ll continue to be charged £15 a month. If you no longer receive Universal Credit, or you can’t provide evidence, the monthly price will increase to £23 a month. If you simply wish to cancel your Essential broadband, just let us know via live chat.
The legal stuff
These prices are for new customers only.
Virgin Media services are only available in Virgin Media network areas.
All of the products on this page are subject to survey, network capacity and a credit check.
Each service has a minimum contract length that’s shown in your basket.
If you take a bundle with both Virgin Media and O2, you’ll have separate contracts and bills – one for Virgin Media, and another for O2.
Priority is a service from O2 that current Virgin Media customers aged 16+ can also use.
- Offers are subject to eligibility and availability.
- Read the terms on the Priority app or at o2.co.uk/terms