Virgin Media O2, the result of a joint venture between Liberty Global and Telefónica SA, emerged as a customer-centric organization with a clear mission: to upgrade the UK’s connectivity services. Launched on 1 June 2021, the company quickly established itself as one of the largest businesses in the UK, offering a wide range of services such as broadband, mobile, TV, and home phone connections. With an impressive network that covers 99% of the UK population with 4G and over 2800 towns and cities with 5G services, Virgin Media O2 became a major player in the country’s telecommunications landscape. This article will explore the company’s journey, its commitment to innovation, and its dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices.
Building a Network for the Future
Virgin Media O2’s ascent to prominence was powered by its dedication to investing in people and the nation. Employing around 16,000 individuals and operating 384 retail stores, the company has pledged to invest a staggering £10 billion over the next five years, demonstrating its commitment to the UK’s growth and development. Moreover, the organization’s drive to create opportunities led to the creation of 1,000 apprenticeship roles, further contributing to the nation’s workforce.
The company’s first joint product, Volt, garnered immense success, surpassing one million customers within a year of its launch. Volt combined the award-winning connectivity and entertainment offerings from both Virgin Media and O2, providing customers with enhanced speed, data, and value. Additionally, Virgin Media O2’s ambitious plans for the future include the expansion of next-generation gigabit broadband and 5G services, alongside a major investment in Britain’s fibre infrastructure. Through a joint venture with Liberty Global, Telefónica, and InfraVia Capital Partners, approximately £4.5 billion will be invested in a new fibre network, reaching up to 23 million homes or around 80% of the UK.
Delivering Unmatched Connectivity and Entertainment
Virgin Media O2’s commitment to upgrading the UK extends to its array of services, which include broadband and WiFi connectivity for homes, along with a connected entertainment service. The company provides live TV, thousands of hours of on-demand programming, and a wide selection of apps through its set-top box, enabling customers to access their favorite content both at home and on-the-go via tablets and smartphones.
The company’s mobile services have also been a hit, with 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage across the UK. Notably, Virgin Media O2 has become the network of choice for mobile virtual network operators giffgaff and Sky Mobile. Furthermore, the company manages a successful 50:50 joint venture with Tesco for Tesco Mobile, strengthening its position in the mobile telecommunications market.
Empowering Businesses and the Public Sector
Virgin Media O2 Business plays a pivotal role in supporting businesses of all sizes and the public sector. The company offers an array of managed connectivity services, flexible working capabilities, data insight, security solutions, 5G private networks, cloud solutions, and wholesale services to other operators and partners. With a focus on meeting the diverse needs of enterprises, Virgin Media O2 Business has emerged as a leading provider of telecommunications solutions in the corporate sphere.
Sustainability and Responsible Business
While growth and innovation are central to Virgin Media O2’s strategy, the company also places significant emphasis on sustainability and responsible business practices. To realize its vision of creating an inclusive, green, and connected future, the company launched the Better Connections Plan, an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy.
To ensure that the plan reflects the needs and perspectives of the next generation, Virgin Media O2 established a Youth Advisory Council comprising Gen Z activists who play a critical role in providing feedback and insights on the strategy’s targets and execution. The Better Connections Plan is centered around three focus areas: achieving a zero-carbon future, embracing a circular economy, and fostering connected communities.
Virgin Media O2 aims to achieve net zero carbon across its operations, products, and supply chain by 2040, ten years ahead of the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target and the Paris Agreement. The company also aims to address the growing problem of e-waste, reduce data poverty and digital exclusion, and grow ethically and inclusively.
Virgin Media O2’s journey since its launch in 2021 has been nothing short of remarkable. Combining the strengths of Liberty Global and Telefónica SA, the company has become a major player in the UK’s telecommunications industry. With a robust network infrastructure covering a vast majority of the UK and a commitment to investing in people and the nation, Virgin Media O2 has set itself on a path of continuous growth and innovation.
Moreover, the company’s dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices through the Better Connections Plan showcases its commitment to addressing the pressing social and environmental issues of our time. As the organization strives to create an inclusive, green, and connected future, it stands as a beacon of progress in the fight against climate change and the pursuit of a more equitable society. Virgin Media O2’s journey is not just a testament to its success but also a testament to its unwavering commitment to a better tomorrow.
