Virgin Media says its new "Smart Wi-Fi Plus" service can increase the range and speed of home wireless networks through a combination of features and smart router extensions called "pods." The company is rolling out firmware updates to its Hub 3 and Hub 4 routers that improve existing channel optimization and band steering capabilities that ensure connected devices are assigned the optimal channels and frequencies at all times. . But subscribers will also receive pods that can be placed around the house to create a mesh network that ensures every room can receive a quality signal. Firmware updates ensure that all devices are connected to the best hub or pod at all times of the day. Virgin Media says the service can triple the speed, a title it hopes will resonate with customers who increasingly rely on their home connection for work, education and entertainment. 'Ultimate Oomph' and 'Gig1' customers can subscribe at no extra cost, while others can take advantage of it for an extra €5 per month. “Intelligent Wi-Fi Plus is our most advanced and impressive Wi-Fi service to date. It will help eliminate broadband black spots and deliver faster, more reliable speeds throughout the home,” said Jeff Dodds, COO of Virgin Media. "Whether our customers are working, streaming, surfing, gaming or staying connected online, the combination of the Hub's new features and Wi-Fi pods delivers a dramatic change in connectivity that won't let you down." As part of its response to the latest nationwide lockdown, Virgin Media is offering its customers a range of on-demand and on-demand pay TV shows at no additional cost, as well as free data, minutes and text messages for vulnerable customers. Qualifying families can also receive an additional 20 GB of mobile data per month for distance learning, while Virgin Media also has zero-rated access to Oak National Academy's learning resources website.