Sky vs Virgin broadband - which should I choose?

[greenfingers]

Hi all,

I've been with Sky broadband for years and have found it to be very stable with only 1 major problem (traced down to the BT line) and a few minor hiccups for the odd day. The ping speed has been about 55ms since the Betfair move to Ireland.

I'd like to hear from any Virgin BB customers about how happy they are with the service. What ping speed do you get (the figure in brackets next to the actual refresh figure).

So I'm reluctant to leave Sky but it's time for me to renew my old Sky SD box & TV equipment and Virgin are tempting me with their Tivo and free HD, Spotify and catchup options, plus I really really want to ditch BT.

But I've read on this forum that Virgin RUK is behind Sky RUK, which is a bummer if still the case. Does anyone know if this is still so? I prefer using RUK on the telly as its either ahead or equal to Betfair video and just clearer and less fiddly, albeit costing £20 pcm.

I'd be interested to hear lots of anecdotal stories! Cheers.

[six gun]

If you have access to Virgin broadband then there is no question you should get this.

Sky broadband claims up to 20 meg - may be one person in the UK get that.

As far as TV and speed of pictures then Sky is better especially on ATR.

I have timed these many times - Betfair video (when it works) is better than ATR on both Sky and Virgin as long as you have decent internet ie 10meg and above.

RUK on Sky is slightly ahead of BF video.

Betfair is about 1.5 seconds behind the fast pictures at the bookies/exchanges/proper home systems.

[six gun]

When I say Virgin broadband I mean the CABLE broadband they provide. I have no experience of their other systems which are probably slower.

[greenfingers]

Thanks a lot for your reply six gun, that's good to know. I got some quotes from both companies and Sky is cheaper for a whole bundle of TV / internet / phone. I wonder how much it would cost extra to get Virgin BB but stick with Sky TV, I think I'll check that out before making a final decision. The upload speeds on Virgin are multiples higher than Sky, handy for YouTubing videos!

Betfair video (when it works)

[RJM]

There are conflicting opinions with regards to Virgin cable and the service they provide.

I would do a little more research before deciding on them.

Sky, will be introducing "fibre" from next month but, this will very much depend on where you live and if the exchange is enabled. (Mine, goes "live" at the end of June.)

I am with Sky "LLU" unlimited service and it is rock solid all the time and I can't wait for "fibre" to be introduced!

[greenfingers]

Thanks so much RJM
I had no idea about the fibre rollout. Turns out I can get 40meg d/l and 2mb u/l right now and soon that'll be 55 mb d/l and 13 mb u/l!!!!!!! That upload is faster than my download now! Only £5 per month more than now too if I switch phone from BT.
I can't believe it!!!!
Cheers.

[RJM]

Lucky you!

Great news for you - I can't wait for my exchange to be upgraded!