Virgin Fibra launches into Italian FTTH market

Virgin Group is launching a new fibre-to-the-home operation in Italy, using the Open Fiber network.

A new company, Virgin Fibra, headed by former Virgin Media and Sky Italia CEO Tom Mockridge is offering what it describes as a ‘pure fibre’ connection for €29.49 a month with no ongoing contract.

The service provides 1Gbps internet downstream and a maximum of 300Mbps upstream. The company is providing a Wi-Fi 6-enabled modem.

The no-frills service includes installation of the modem at the entrance to premises. Customers pay an additional €61.99 to have it installed elsewhere in the home within 20 metres of the entrance and an extra charge of €4.99 per metre beyond that.

Tom Mockridge

Mockridge said: “I am thrilled that so many Italian investors have decided to join me and the Virgin Group to help innovate in the Italian broadband market. Virgin Fibra will help to accelerate the take-up of pure fibre, offering high performance, simplicity and transparency. I’m delighted that Virgin Fibra is now open for business, offering the outstanding customer service Virgin is renowned for.”

Josh Bayliss, CEO of the Virgin Group, said: “Italy is an incredibly important market for Virgin, and we are delighted to welcome Virgin Fibra to the family. Virgin has a long history in telecommunications currently serving 11 other international markets. Tom and his team are building an inclusive business, connecting people and families across Italy with passion and purpose. I’m delighted that Virgin Fibra will join Virgin Active, Virgin Radio and Virgin Voyages in bringing great service and innovation to our customers in Italy.”

Mario Rossetti CEO of Open Fiber, said: “We are delighted that Virgin Fibra, a brand of the Virgin group, has chosen Open Fiber as a partner for its entry into the Italian market. It is a decision that confirms not only the technological excellence of our FTTH network, but also the validity of our wholesale-only business model. With a neutral infrastructure open to all operators, we are creating the conditions for the development of increasingly innovative services by new players.”

The launch adds to an increasingly competitive broadband market in Italy. Unlike some of its competitors, Virgin Fibra is not offering added value services such as video, and, lacking a mobile play, it cannot compete in the burgeoning fixed-mobile convergence market.