Virgin Media O2 says that Volt benefits will include a broadband boost to the next tier, double mobile data on all eligible O2 pay monthly plans, and roaming in 75 countries including the USA, Australia, and Spain.
Jeff Dodds, COO at Virgin Media O2 said, “With Volt, we’re combining the speed and reliability of Virgin Media’s broadband and O2’s mobile networks alongside a variety of incredible perks to give our customers more.
“The launch of converged services in less than 150 days as a business is a huge milestone moment and demonstrates the momentum we have behind our commitment to supercharge connectivity across the UK.
Earlier this year, the venture between was given final approval by the CMA and the joint company became one of the UK’s largest with 47 million connections across broadband, mobile, TV, and home phone.
Kester Mann, director of consumer and connectivity at CCS Insight said: “Volt is a logical first step in bringing together the Virgin Media and O2 brands. It will help the joint venture win new customers and improve loyalty among existing subscribers.
“The move reinforces an initial dual-branding strategy with both the Virgin Media and O2 names set to stay for the foreseeable future.
Mann adds that convergence is the centrepiece of Virgin Media O2’s strategy under new CEO Lutz Schuler and he expects to see further deals combining its extensive broadband, mobile and TV assets in the months ahead.
Paolo Pescatore, analyst at PP Foresight echoes this sentiment. He believes that convergence represents the next battleground for UK providers and this represents a first big step in unlocking the benefits of convergence for its combined subscriber base.
“It feels like a relatively simple offering and seamless signing up process that should resonate with customers. Ultimately, consumers want reliable and robust connections at affordable pricing. In turn, this will help increase loyalty and reduce churn,” he said.
“The pace of rollout since the entity got off the ground has been nothing short of impressive.
"While, this might not be a game-changing move, there is clearly a strong pipeline of new products and services that will be positioned as a means to attract users on rival networks.
“Therefore, expect to see VMO2 up the ante significantly over coming months and throw down the gauntlet to other UK telcos.”
