Business · Companies · 6 hrs ago
Virgin Media O2 considers reviving Virgin Mobile
Virgin Media O2 is considering bringing back Virgin Mobile or launching an O2 broadband service.
Virgin Mobile was phased out in August 2023, after Virgin Media and O2 combined in 2021, and its three million customers moved to O2 plans.
The company has lost 30,000 broadband customers to BT Openreach and smaller providers, leaving it with 5.5 million.
The possible new services could mean cheaper prices for customers, but Virgin Media O2 has not confirmed a launch.
Its co-owners are reportedly preparing proposals to cut £600 million in costs across the UK business.
The company says it is on track to deliver £200 million in adjusted free cash flow in 2026, but has not given a decision or timetable for the possible services.
Virgin Media O2 is considering bringing back Virgin Mobile, which it discontinued in 2023, according to reports cited by The Sun.
The company is also reportedly considering launching an O2 broadband service.
Either product could bring lower prices for customers, The Sun reported.
Virgin Mobile customers were moved to O2 plans after the service was phased out.
The company has lost broadband customers to BT Openreach and smaller providers.
- Who
- Virgin Media O2 is considering the move.
- What
- It may revive Virgin Mobile or launch an O2 broadband service.
- When
- The consideration was reported on October 18, 2026.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- The reported aim is to win back customers; the sources do not state a reason for considering an O2 broadband service.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Virgin Media and O2 combined to form Virgin Media O2.
Virgin Mobile was phased out, and its 3 million customers were moved onto O2 plans.
Reports said Virgin Media O2 was considering bringing back Virgin Mobile.
- Former Virgin Mobile customers
- 3 million moved to O2 plans
- Virgin Media O2 broadband customers
- 5.5 million
- Broadband customer losses
- 30,000
- Potential cost cuts
- £600 million across the UK business
- Debt
- About £22 billion
3 sources
What people are saying
Against a backdrop of challenging broader market conditions, Virgin Media O2 has a robust capital structure and we have proactively de-risked our medium term financing with our debt fully swapped at a low cost, an average tenor of 5 years and no maturities until 2029, meaning we have flexibility for future.
As reflected in our 2026 guidance, we are on track to deliver £200million of Adjusted Free Cash Flow in 2026 and continue to invest heavily in our business to lay strong foundations for future.