Heavy network investment has paid off for Virgin Media, which has seen customer levels stabilise after a period of subscriber erosion.
The operator’s consumer fixed-line base stood at 5.5 million, with a net loss of 7,000 customers in the quarter — a significant improvement of around 38,000 compared with Q1 2025. The company said this marked a third consecutive quarter of improving momentum.
Mobile connections totalled 46.4 million across the O2 network, including wholesale and MVNO partners. Consumer mobile contract connections declined by 38,000 to 12.5 million, although churn improved and ARPU remained broadly stable. Wholesale connections grew by around 300,000 year-on-year.
The company pointed to improvements in customer service, with broadband complaints down 42% year-on-year.
Investment remained a key focus, with more than £500 million spent in the quarter. Virgin Media O2 said it now operates the UK’s largest 5G standalone network, covering 86% of the outdoor population, while its fixed network reaches 18.8 million premises with gigabit-capable speeds. Its full-fibre footprint stands at 8.7 million premises.
The operator also highlighted the launch of O2 Satellite, offering direct-to-device satellite connectivity and extending coverage to 95% of UK landmass.
Financially, total revenue (adjusted) fell 6.5% to £2.4 billion (€2.8 billion), with service revenue down 3% to £2.0 billion (€2.3 billion). Adjusted EBITDA declined 3.4% to £901 million (€1.05 billion).
For the full year, the company expects service revenue and EBITDA to decline by between 3% and 5%, alongside investment of £2.0–£2.2 billion (€2.3–€2.5 billion).
Chief executive Lutz Schüler said the company is focused on navigating a “turbulent market landscape” while continuing to invest in network capabilities, customer experience and long-term growth.
