Virtual1

About Virtual1

Virtual1 operates as a wholesale-only network provider in the United Kingdom, focusing on delivering high-bandwidth connectivity and cloud services exclusively through its channel partners. The company’s business model is structured to avoid direct competition with its partners, which include value-added resellers, system integrators, and other service providers. Revenue is generated by providing these partners with access to a portfolio of network services, which they then bundle into solutions for their end customers. The company was founded in March 2007 by Tom O'Hagan, who identified an opportunity to disrupt the UK connectivity market. O'Hagan's journey began when he left his role running Telstra's US channel business, sold his house to provide the initial £60,000 in startup capital, and ran the company single-handedly for the first 18 months from a rented flat.

A significant milestone occurred in 2010 with the launch of the 1Portal, a self-service platform allowing partners to quote, order, and manage network services in real-time. This automation became a core differentiator, enabling partners to modify services like bandwidth and configure solutions directly. Initially a network aggregator, Virtual1 transitioned into a national network operator, a move accelerated by private equity funding from BGF in 2016. This investment facilitated a major network expansion, growing from its initial London-centric dark fibre network to covering 180 towns and cities across the UK. By April 2022, Virtual1 was acquired by TalkTalk Group to enhance TalkTalk's wholesale platform and increase its scale in the Ethernet market. Following the acquisition, O'Hagan continued to lead the business as a standalone unit within the group. In March 2024, Virtual1 and TalkTalk Wholesale Services were combined and rebranded as PlatformX Communications (PXC), with Tom O'Hagan appointed as CEO of the new entity.

The company's core offering is its software-defined network (SDN), which provides high-capacity, low-latency connectivity with services ranging from 10Mb to 10Gb. It provides a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including Fibre Ethernet, Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM), and Ethernet over Fibre to the Cabinet (EoFTTC). The network architecture interconnects with all major UK Tier 1 carriers, allowing it to offer diverse solutions and extensive reach, covering over 75% of UK businesses. The key product is the 1Portal, an online interface that empowers partners with real-time control over their solutions, from quoting to managing bandwidth. This automation significantly reduces manual intervention and service delivery times. Partners can deliver multiple services over a single circuit, including internet access, WAN, SIP, and direct cloud connections to platforms like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services.