VIRGIN Media O2 has announced that it has connected Bournemouth to gigabit speeds which are 24 times faster than the local average.

Virgin Media’s next-generation Gig1 broadband service, with average download speeds of 1,130Mbps, is the fastest available from any of the major broadband providers in the UK. 

The improved network can be accessed in thousands of Bournemouth homes and includes Boscombe, Christchurch, Highcliffe, Iford, Southbourne and Tuckton.

More homes across the area will be connected to gigabit broadband over the coming months.

Gigabit speeds enable consumers to send and receive large files, download television shows, films and computer games in seconds.

Lutz Schüler, Virgin Media O2 chief executive officer, said: “We are upgrading the UK to next-generation connectivity and today we’re hitting another important milestone with more than half of our network now able to access gigabit speeds.

“As the UK’s largest gigabit broadband provider today, with a clear plan to connect our entire network to these speeds by the end of the year, we’ll be delivering most of the Government’s broadband target ahead of schedule.

"Our continued investment is propelling the country up gigabit league tables and providing consumers with the connectivity they need both now and in future.”

By the end of 2021, Virgin Media O2 aims to deliver gigabit broadband speeds across its entire network of more than 15 million homes. 

This increased access is also contributing to the Government’s aim of having gigabit speeds passing at least 85 per cent of UK premises by 2025. 

Once Virgin Media O2 has completed its upgrade later this year, the company will have contributed almost two thirds of the Government’s minimum broadband ambition four years ahead of schedule.