I'm a Virgin Media customer too and as far as I understand it, if you download large files i.e. a film during peak periods, then as your internet use affects other virgin customers in the area, your speed should be reduced to enable others to do 'ordinary things' such as browse, send/receive email online gaming etc.

I get hit by the download restriction on occasion, normally when I'm downloading windows updates, followed by all the files needed to update World of Warcraft etc after wiping my pc.

I fully understand and accept that my activity is affecting others and I fully accept that as my activity is affecting others, that my speed should be reduced to allow fair speeds for everyone else, then again, that's just me.

yours

Ray