All Virgin Mobile customers will have access to unlimited data from today. VM added that previously unlimited plans would have their Fair Usage caps removed. In a statement released today, Virgin Media Ireland said they wanted to “…support their customers who rely on their smartphones to stay connected”. With a relaxation of nationwide restrictions still seeming some way off, this is welcome news to the many who have been relying on their mobile data.
Caps Off
Paul Higgins, VP of Commercial at Virgin Media Ireland said:
“The unexpected shift towards working, living, learning and socialising from home drove record-breaking mobile traffic for Virgin Mobile customers. With the removal of any sort of data caps for our customers, today’s announcement should really help those who have come to rely on their phones to stay connected. The removal of the data limits and fair usage policy from our mobile plans means you don’t have to worry about using up all your data on video calls, streaming apps or web browsing while we all do our best to stay at home.”
Surge in Demand
VMI saw a 47% surge in annual mobile data usage in 2020 as people adapted to new work, learning and leisure patterns and habits. This follows an 84% rise in data usage seen by their home broadband business compared to the pre-COVID period.
Total domestic call minutes increased 34% in 2020 on Virgin Mobile. With that, over 48 million texts were sent over the network. And finally, Virgin Mobile Ireland revealed January as their busiest month thanks to what VMI called the ‘New Year’s effect’.
Higgins added that, “[…]despite the additional demand and challenges we’ve faced last year, our network has played a key role in keeping the country connected to the things and people that matter most.”
