Virgin 1GB Install

Craigels

hey I currently have virgin 500mb and have upgraded to the 1GB fiber which is getting installed on Saturday.

Question is when installer is here can I ask for a second wired connection point in a separate room from where the modem will be?

Ciferos

You can ask, but I doubt they will do it.

dunleaej

I have 250mb Virgin and Virgin have told me I must update to 500mb fibre as they are phasing out the 250mb. Will they require some drilling into outside walls in order to upgrade or will they be using the same infrastructure that is already in the house?

Spear

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122530486#Comment_122530486

Same infrastructure. Your modem config will be updated remotely, or the modem swapped if it's really too old.

pizzahead77

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122530508#Comment_122530508

Not if they are being moved to VM's new fibre network - a whole new fibre cable will need to be installed and a new combined ONT/Router too

dunleaej

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122530508#Comment_122530508

They are sending an engineer out, that is why I was concerned about drilling.

dunleaej

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122530563#Comment_122530563

And with that new cable, will that require new holes?!

Spear

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122530563#Comment_122530563

That's a good point. Their misuse of the term fibre meant I didn't consider if the 500mb product wasn't the traditional DOCSIS cable modem one.

pizzahead77

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122530579#Comment_122530579

Yes most likely and they may not install it in the same location as where your existing VM router is

dunleaej

As an update, just had an engineer and will have to put a new cable into the house. And only a matter of time until it has to be done because of changing technology. It's a pain because I don't want cables outside showing around outside wall so will have to design something.

Manc-Red_

I just got mine installed and the guy who installed it done a great job.

Same company done a load of houses around my area and I’ve seen some suspect wiring around the main door of the house.

Im on Sky but using the same fibre as you will be

dunleaej

So as a further update, Virgin sent me a letter to say they have upgraded me to 500mb from 250mb free of charge on the old technology. This is after them saying they have to come out to the house to install wires etc. Just shows they have been disingenuous. They are trying to install the new fibre as much as possible (which I get) but they need to be clear that it will involve holes, wires and planning. Our neighbours had a horrible job done and are demanding Virgin to come back out and fix it up. I managed to get the 500mb on the old technology for €49pm which will do me. (I would get it for €35 on the new fibre technology).

Raichų

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122611586#Comment_122611586

I don’t think that’s actually the case. As far as I am aware Virgin will only offer FTTH via SIRO or Open Eir (I’m not sure which they’re using or if both) only in the event Virgin don’t have infrastructure in your area to use their own setup.

Previously if Virgin wasn’t “in the area” you couldn’t buy their services. Now they’ll just use SIRO/Open Eir in that event so they don’t lose a sale.

dunleaej

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122611606#Comment_122611606

I've been with them for 7 years on 250mb and they have now upgraded me to 500mb "free of charge". I confirmed this was the case yesterday by testing speed. At the same time they said they need to install fibre (obviously they don't). They said it will be years before the old technology (which I currently use) will be phased out.

Raichų

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122611645#Comment_122611645

I’m not suggesting you haven’t been upgraded what I am saying is to my knowledge you don’t go on the open eir or SIRO fibre network with Virgin unless you’re outside their own network.

Like I said I’m nearly certain the connection to SIRO or open eir is done to supply NBI customers or those who would very likely never connected to virgin’s infrastructure.

If you’re on their present network all upgrades should be easily handled remotely with the only thing being perhaps a new modem. The only other thing that would likely interfere is the equipment in your house at the moment is too old and needs upgrading so that may be why they initially thought an engineer may attend.

dunleaej

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122611662#Comment_122611662

I don't care about 500mb. 250mb is more than enough. I was just concerned about the price of €64 I was paying. They say they can't do anything for me with the 250mb but say they could get me 500mb for €35 so we'll send an engineer out. Engineer comes with cables and drills and I say no thanks. Then everyone in my estate gets a letter saying we have been automatically upgraded to 500mb. I call them, tell them they lied and they offer it to me for €49. Why didn't they explain all that first time instead of wasting an engineer's time and my time? They had the details of my current modem and plan. If they hadn't I'd be very worried!

_Whimsical_

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122611944#Comment_122611944

Exact same thing has happened to someone else I know. Disgraceful shakedown of loyal customers who were willing to enter a contract with them.