FAQs > Broadband >> The basics

National


The Basics
Broadband basics
What can I do with broadband that I can't do on dial up?
What's the difference between broadband and ADSL?
National
What do I get with National?
What's the difference between National Plans?
How much does National cost?
Do I have to sign a contract?
What do I need to get National?
I've just registered for National. How long will it take for my account to be activated?
How will I be updated about the progress of my National order?
When will my service be activated and how will I know?
Can you send my broadband order progress emails to a different email address?
Broadband availability
I've heard that not everyone can get broadband. Is that correct?
How do I check availability?
Do I need to have a BT line to use National?
Broadband Performance
What factors can affect my broadband?
What factors can affect my Access Line Speed?
What factors can affect my Actual Throughput Speed?
When can I expect my Actual Throughput Speed to vary?
How can I see what my Access Line Speed and Actual Throughput Speed are?
Traffic Management
What is our Acceptable Usage Policy?
What is traffic management and what's Virgin Media National's traffic management policy?
What is the 'Application Management' and how does it work?
How can I tell if I'm being traffic-managed?
Will the traffic management policy change?
Code of Practice
What is the Ofcom Code of Practice?
What information will I receive as a result of the Ofcom Code of Practice?
What does the Ofcom Code of Practice mean for me as a customer?
Where can I find out more about the Ofcom Code of Practice?
How can I find out more about Virgin Media's broadband performance and factors that might affect my service?
Where can I find out more about Virgin Media's Traffic Management and Acceptable Use policies?
Broadband speeds
What broadband speeds can I get?
What do I need to get faster broadband line speeds?
Can I upgrade my broadband speed without changing my package?
What equipment do I need to use Virgin Media up to 8 Mbps broadband?
Do I need to change my broadband settings after I've upgraded my line?
How much will a broadband speed upgrade cost?
How long does a broadband speed upgrade take and how will I know when it has happened?
Why can't I get 8 Mbps on National Plan Three?
Why does my broadband speed fluctuate when I'm on Virgin Media up to 8 Mbps?
Why have I experienced dropped connections since registering for the up to 8 Mbps service?
How do I find out if I can get the up to 8 Mbps broadband service?
Do I need to change my telephone equipment/wiring to get the up to 8 Mbps broadband service?
Using your Broadband connection
Can I use another ISP as well as National?
Can I connect to any of the National Plans with more than one PC?
Do you support Xbox Live or PS2 gaming?
Broadband equipment
Why do I need to buy a special modem or router?
What are filters and why do I need them?
What is the National Starter Kit?
What is the National Wireless Kit?
How long will it take for my National Starter Kit or National
Wireless Kit to arrive?
I already have a modem/router. Do I need to change it?
Safety & security
Do I need any extra security on my PC?
What else can I do to protect my PC?
Switching your broadband service
I already use broadband with another supplier. Can I transfer to National?
What happens to my current broadband service while I'm switching to Virgin Media?
What will happen on the day I switch?
When will I start paying for National?
Do I have to sign a contract?
Can I keep my email address with my current ISP?
Will my Carrier Pre Select (CPS) telephone service be affected by switching broadband providers?
What is a Migration Authorisation Code (MAC)?
Will my MAC expire?
Should I cancel my account with my current broadband provider?
Do I need a new modem or router when I switch to National?
Does Virgin Media offer any equipment to connect to their broadband service?
Can I change to another broadband service provider?
Is Virgin Media part of the Ofcom switching Code of Practice?
Changing your Virgin Media package to National
I’m a Pay As You Go or 24seven customer. How do I change my package to National?
Can I keep my existing Virgin Media email address?
Moving house
If I move home, will my National connection move with me?
Cancelling your order
What if I change my mind and want to cancel?
Can I change back to another Virgin Media Internet access package?
FAQs > Broadband >> The basics