Virgin Media extends high-speed network in North-East

Virgin Media engineers lay cables in Papworth, Cambridgeshire

Liberty Global-owned UK cable operator Virgin Media is expanding its high-speed broadband network to cover an additional 5,000 homes in the North-East of England.

The infrastructure investment will see a new network built to cover Hartlepool, Darlington, Sunderland and Stockton-On-Tees, with work expected to be completed by the end of this month.

The move will enable subscribers in these cities to receive internet services of up to152Mbps, as well as Virgin Media’s TiVo-based advanced TV service.

“Extending our network across the region means thousands more homes will benefit from the UK’s fastest widely available broadband for the first time. We are proud to be supercharging Teesside, helping people make the most of the UK’s exciting digital future,” said Virgin Media CEO Tom Mockridge.

“We are very happy that Virgin Media is expanding its network across the region and not just in Stockton. By working together with residents, Virgin Media and the council we’re helping local people get faster broadband speeds and have created a model for other areas to follow when it comes to building better broadband,” said Stockton North Member of Parliament Alex Cunningham, who was instrumental in encouraging network expansion to areas including the Hardwick estate in Stockton through collaborating with residents and the local council.

Helen Goodman, MP for Bishop Auckland and shadow minister for culture media and sport said: “We welcome Virgin Media’s investment in better broadband in the North East. I have also been lucky enough to learn of the innovative new techniques that network builders like Virgin Media are exploring to lay faster broadband more quickly and efficiently, which has to be good news for closing the digital divide.”