Virgin Media O2 has announced that it will roll out fiber filler across its entire cable network by 2028, further strengthening its momentum to become a real challenger for BT in the converged and wholesale communications markets. The new company's fixed network currently reaches more than 15 homes using a combination of advanced cable and fiber-to-place (FTTP) technology. By the end of the year, all homes and businesses will be able to access speeds of at least 1 Gbps. However, Virgin Media O2 says it wants to go even further and maintain its speed lead. By rolling out fiber across the entire footprint by 2028, he believes symmetrical 10Gbps upload and download speeds will be possible. The fact that its network is fully channelized means fiber installation should be simpler and more cost-effective than similar deployments and the company is considering potentially expanding its footprint if the opportunity arises. The upgrades and expansion would help create an attractive option for third-party providers who are currently receiving wholesale services from Openreach, the current market leader. The announcement came with Virgin Media O2's first results since the merger last month. It added 36.000 broadband subscribers during the period, along with 64.000 net subscribers to mobile plans. In total, the company has 5,7 million fixed clients and 24 million mobile clients. When you factor in 7,3 million IoT connections and 9,6 million customers of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile, there are 40 million users on the O2 network. Two-fifths of broadband customers also subscribe to a mobile service with Virgin Media O2, a figure the firm says demonstrates the growing appetite for convergence. "Virgin Media O2 is off to a good start," said Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2. "We have maintained the strong momentum of recent quarters and are one of the largest and fastest growing convergent providers. Our mission is to modernize the UK, and that is exactly what we are doing. Today we are announcing a major upgrade program of fiber that will allow us to begin the next evolution of our network, leveraging the investment, firepower and leadership we already have and ensuring that fiber is ready for the future.“In 60 days we have accomplished a lot, but this is just the beginning. With a solid foundation for growth, we will strengthen connectivity, offer more choice and be a challenge the country can count on."