According to a recent report Virgin is due to show figures that suggest that the number of customers leaving the media giant has fallen during the third quarter of the year, and many think that this will lead the communications giant to claim that it is turning business around, despite continuing problems. Virgin has seen a mass exodus of customers due to a number of problems, including poor service, loss of channels, broadband problems, and the introduction of an expensive technical help line for those in trouble with their broadband.

In the second quarter of the year Virgin lost around seventy thousand customers because of such problems. However, the group claims that this has fallen to just over thirty thousand in the third quarter of the year. The group was in negotiations for a sale until the credit crunch hit, which resulted in all plans having to be put on hold. Officials now state that it will be next year at the earliest before sales negotiations recommence.

The aim of Virgin had been to shake up the communications market after the merger between Sir Richard Branson’s group and NTL. However, many investors slated the newly formed group for being unable to provide the necessary services, and over its strategy and management. Recently the chief executive of the group has been replaced, and the company has seen a proposed ten billion pound sale collapse amidst the credit crunch.

Citigroup analysts are predicting, however, that the group will see a rise of around forty five thousand in its customer base in the fourth quarter, and will be focussing on its broadband service to try and entice new customers.