Could Virgin Mobile and O2 Broadband be back from the dead? Reports claim
VMO2 plan resurrection of defunct brands

Date:
Mon, 19 Oct 2026 10:06:28 +0000

Description:
Could VMO2 be planning a return for Virgin Mobile and O2 Broadband?

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Reports claim VMO2 could plan return for older brands Virgin Mobile and O2 Broadband could be set for a return VMO2 has struggled in recent months, so a refresh could rejuvenate its business Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) is reportedly considering bringing back defunct brands including Virgin Mobile and O2 Broadband in a bid to
rejuvenate its business.

A report from The Times (paywall) claims the move could help the business win back customers as competition in the UK market intensifies. The site claims VMO2 is keen to stop recent customer losses and build investor support amid reports of a backdrop of falling bond prices and a need to cut millions in costs. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: Back from the
dead? One of the most memorable brands in the UK mobile market, Virgin Mobile disappeared from view in 2023 following the merger between Virgin Media and
O2 two years earlier.

As part of the deal, Virgin Mobile's three million customers were migrated over to O2's network - this coming a year after its own MVNO had been moved off Vodafone's network. You may like BT signs rescue deal to save TalkTalk but the UK Government still wants to have its say on 'genuinely unprecedented situation' Vodafone completes 4.3 billion VodafoneThree takeover Vodafone
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VMO2, which is co-owned by US investment group Liberty Global and Spains Telefnica, recently hired former Pets at Home boss Lyssa McGowan to lead its troubled consumer division.

The Times notes that in recent weeks, McGowan, who previously held the post chief consumer officer at Sky, has appointed two of her former colleagues to lead the O2 and Virgin Media brands respectively. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

VMO2 already owns the GiffGaff brand, which targets lower-cost mobile subscriptions, so a move to re-launch another mobile brand may cause some competition concerns - or lead GiffGaff to be rebranded.

Intriuingly, telecoms industry site ISPreview reported spotting a new O2 Broadband page on O2s website in June 2026 advertising a range of cheaper
full fibre plans. After publishing its story, the page was quickly removed.

TechRadar Pro has contacted Virgin Media O2 for comment. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/phone-communications/could-virgin-mobile-and-o2- broadband-be-back-from-the-dead-reports-claim-vmo2-plan-resurrection-of-defunc t-brands


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