Virgin Media will offer a free upgrade to its Hub 5 router for thousands of existing broadband customers during 2026. The move targets subscribers still using older hardware such as the Hub 3 or Hub 4. The company says the newer router, which supports Wi-Fi 6 and faster wired connections, will be sent to eligible users at no extra cost. Customers will either be contacted directly by the provider or can check their eligibility through their online account.
Virgin Media’s announcement reflects a wider effort by broadband providers to modernise home networking equipment as households rely on increasing numbers of connected devices. According to the company, the upgrade is designed to improve reliability, speed, and capacity for customers whose routers were issued years ago at the start of their contracts.
The Hub 5 router was first introduced in October 2021 and initially supplied to customers on Virgin Media’s highest-speed Gig1 broadband plans. Over time it has become standard for new subscribers, but many long-term users still rely on older models that lack support for the latest wireless standards.
Free Router Upgrade Aims to Improve Connectivity for Long-Term Subscribers
Virgin Media says thousands of its customers will receive the Hub 5 upgrade during the coming year, particularly those still using the Hub 3 or Hub 4 models. The company confirmed that the replacement will be provided without additional charges and that customers do not need to submit any forms to qualify.
According to Virgin Media, eligible users will be contacted directly when they are due to receive the upgrade. The company also notes that customers may be offered the new router after running a broadband diagnostic check or if their existing hub needs replacing due to a fault or performance issue.
The Hub 5 introduces support for Wi-Fi 6, a wireless standard designed to manage multiple devices simultaneously while maintaining stable speeds. Modern households often rely on smartphones, tablets, smart televisions, speakers, security cameras and other connected technology, all of which compete for bandwidth on a home network.
The router also features a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port alongside three standard 1Gbps ports. Earlier Virgin Media hubs offered only 1Gbps wired connections. The new hardware also provides improved wireless coverage and the ability to support more connected devices at once.
According to GB News, customers currently using the Hub 3 may experience the largest improvement. The Hub 3 contains five internal antennas, compared with seven antennas in both the Hub 4 and Hub 5, which affects signal range and device capacity.
Wi-Fi 6 Technology Designed for Modern Multi-Device Households
The Hub 5 upgrade centres on the adoption of Wi-Fi 6 technology, which offers faster theoretical speeds and improved efficiency compared with earlier wireless standards. Wi-Fi 6 can theoretically reach speeds of up to 9.6Gbps, while Wi-Fi 5 peaks at around 3.5Gbps.
According to Virgin Media O2, the newer standard also reduces latency, which can benefit activities such as online gaming, streaming video, and real-time communication. The technology includes features such as OFDMA and MU-MIMO, which allow routers to communicate with multiple devices more efficiently.
Gareth Lister, Director of Connectivity at Virgin Media O2, said the upgrade forms part of the company’s broader effort to improve the broadband experience for customers. According to Lister, providing improved hardware will enhance coverage while also preparing customers’ home networks for future services and technologies.
The router upgrade coincides with wider developments in the broadband sector. According to reports referenced in the announcement, EE recently became the first broadband provider to make Wi-Fi 7 technology standard on its packages, highlighting growing competition among providers to deploy newer wireless standards.
Virgin Media has not specified exactly how many customers will receive the Hub 5 during 2026, though the company says “thousands” will benefit from the rollout as it progresses. Eligible customers can also check their upgrade status by logging into their My Virgin Media account.
