Virgin Media O2 is working with Smart Home provider Plume to extend its service to all UK homes, regardless of whether they take Virgin’s own broadband service.
Homepass combines pods capable of boosting the Wi-Fi signal within the home with advanced device security, in-home motion detection and sophisticated parental controls. The system does not rely on intrusive cameras but instead works by monitoring disturbances in the WiFi signal.
From the central HomePass app, users can manage all devices connected to their network, change settings and permissions, and create custom WiFi passwords for guests.
Sigrid van den Houte, Director of Products & Propositions (Fixed & FMC), Virgin Media said: “By teaming up with Plume, we’re able to offer a smarter, faster, and safer WiFi experience to everyone – even people living in areas where our services aren’t yet available. With HomePass’ plug and play pods and host of smart home features, we’re excited to be transforming WiFi in homes around the country.”
Christian Constant, Chief Direct Business Officer at Plume, said: “Plume is thrilled to partner with Virgin Media to bring the UK smarter, safer, and more reliable home connectivity with HomePass. Now, everyone in the UK can benefit from whole-home WiFi, intelligent device security, personalised parental controls, guest access and motion sensing, even if they are not Virgin Media broadband subscribers.”
Pods can be simply placed throughout the home and will automatically optimise performance and speed in each room for each device. They can also be unplugged and moved to any location in the home, hassle free. No engineer visits are required, set up takes minutes and customers can use the pods with any internet service provider.
HomePass is available for an annual charge of £99 and comes with one SuperPod as standard. Additional pods are available starting at £99 each.
