As the resident NBN expert for TechRadar, I spend a good deal of time tracking prices of the best NBN plans. And while there are often some fantastic internet deals that can change on a monthly basis, one constant I’ve noticed is just how expensive Telstra’s plan costs can be.

I’ve never shied away from calling out the nation’s largest telco for its exorbitant prices, which for a long time have been the most expensive of all the NBN providers I monitor.

You can imagine the look on my face, then, when I recently noticed that Telstra has actually reduced the prices across its entire plan lineup, by as much as AU$14 in some cases. Mind you, my shock was quite short-lived, as despite the reductions Telstra is still among the most expensive providers. So it’s still hard to recommend it if you’re looking for a great-value NBN plan.

What I can happily recommend is a selection of alternative plans from smaller providers that offer basically the same (or very similar) service as Telstra,at a much lower price point.

Read on to discover how much you could save versus a Telstra NBN plan.

NBN 25

• Telstra price: AU$85p/m
• Flip price: AU$44p/m (first 8 months, then AU$59.90p/m)
• First year saving: AU$428.40

An NBN 25 plan provides basic internet access, and is best suited to single or two-person households that just need to surf the web, stream the odd HD or 4K video, and browse social media. Virtually all providers that offer an NBN 25 plan promise maximum download speeds during all hours of the day so, in my mind, it doesn’t make sense to sign up with Telstra when you can pay over AU$400 less each year by going with Flip.

• View more of the best NBN 25 plans

NBN 50

• Telstra price: AU$95p/m
• Tangerine price: AU$64.90p/m (first 12 months, then AU$84.90p/m)
• First year saving: AU$361.20

NBN 50 continues to be the most popular choice in Australia at the time of writing, although I do expect this to change in the near future given the arrival of NBN 500 plans, which offer the best overall value in my opinion. This Tangerine NBN 50 plan offers enough speed to comfortably stream 4K video, but if you have a high number of connected devices in your home, you’ll want to consider a faster plan to ensure you have enough bandwidth to go around.

• View more of the best NBN 50 plans

NBN 100 & NBN 500

• Telstra price: AU$99p/m
• Tangerine price: AU$68.90p/m (first 12 months, then AU$88.90p/m)
• First year saving: AU$361.20

I’ve grouped the NBN 100 and NBN 500 speed tiers together because, in general, telcos are now charging the same price for them. This is because NBN 500 is essentially a no-cost speed boost to 100Mbps plans that's available to homes that connect to the fixed-line network via either fibre to the premises (FTTP) or hybrid fibre coax (HFC). If your home doesn’t connect via either of these, then NBN 100 is the fastest you can get, but you’ll pay the same (in general) as customers who can get NBN 500.

Once again, Tangerine is the cheapest Telstra alternative in the first year thanks to a 12-month discount that’s available for a limited time – get in quickly though, as it’s set to expire on December 14.

• View more of the best NBN 100 plans
• View more of the best NBN 500 plans

NBN 750

• Telstra price: AU$119p/m
• Dodo price: AU$79.99p/m (first 12 months, then AU$99.99p/m)
• First year saving: AU$468.12

I’m still on the fence about the need for the NBN 750 speed tier. An NBN 500 plan provides more than enough speed for most homes for a lot less. And if you want to get a truly fast plan, you have the option of NBN 1000 for not a lot more money.

Still, if you think it’s the ideal speed for you, then Dodo’s current 12-month promotion can’t be ignored. The telco does only claim 700Mbps typical evening speeds, compared to the maximum speeds you’re promised with Telstra, but with over AU$460 in savings up for grabs, Dodo delivers far better bang for buck.

• View more of the best NBN 750 plans

NBN 1000

• Telstra price: AU$129
• Buddy price: AU$99 (first month free)
• First year saving: AU$459

An NBN 1000 plan is a great option for power users with a particularly high number of connected devices, or who want to carry out multiple, simultaneous data-heavy tasks. It’s also going to be ideal for gamers aiming to download large game files quickly. I’ve noticed the average monthly cost of an NBN 1000 plan has come down slightly in the past 12 months, from AU$120 in December 2024 to just over AU$115 today.

Buddy's gigabit plan has been my outright favourite ever since the provider launched in July 2024 due to its low AU$99 monthly charge. And right now, you can score your first month for free, making it even more affordable.

• View more of the best NBN 1000 plans

As you can see, there's potentially hundreds of dollars in savings available when you shop around for a new NBN plan. And as an added note, Telstra’s current pricing is nestled under a ‘Christmas Sale’ badge, so there’s no guarantee these lower prices are permanent. If they revert back to their previous prices, then you’ll obviously stand to save even more.

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• View more of the best NBN plans
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• Have you upgraded your NBN plan to a faster speed? You might also need a new router

When the new NBN 500 plans started landing in September 2025, it was immediately clear that they were poised to become the best option for most Australian homes. The fact that they offer speeds of up to 500Mbps – which I reckon is more than enough for most users – and come in at roughly the same cost (in most instances) as the NBN 100 plans they’ve replaced made for a pretty unbeatable combo.

However, despite generally being good value, there’s still a great variance in the monthly price provider’s charge for the new tier, and the average monthly cost of an NBN 500 plan (excluding any introductory discounting) is still a smidge under AU$95 – AU$94.97 to be exact.

This is just a benchmark figure of course, and you can easily spend less than that by being savvy when shopping for a provider. To help paint a clearer picture, I’ve highlighted a selection of new NBN 500 plans based on specific pricing criteria, so read on to find out how much I think you should be paying for 500Mbps broadband in Australia.

Best NBN 500 plan

Cheapest NBN 500 plan ongoing

Most expensive NBN 500 plan

How does NBN 500 compare to other tiers on cost per megabit?

It’s easy for me to say that NBN 500 plans provide terrific value, but what does the data say? The quick answer is that it largely backs up that assertion.

For a clearer explanation, however, I’ve calculated the cost per megabit across NBN 50, NBN 100, NBN 500, NBN 750 and NBN 1000 plans, factoring in the average monthly price of each tier and the average typical evening speed claims they make.

These calculations not only prove just how much greater value an NBN 500 plan provides over the much slower 50Mbps and 100Mbps plans, but also that a gigabit plan is, in some ways, even more cost effective.

What these figures clearly demonstrate is that on the high-speed plans, you’re getting a lot more megabits – you know, the most important aspect of an NBN plan – for your money, and we all like to get the best bang for buck, right?

These figures also highlight, in the case of NBN 1000 in particular, how much its value proposition has improved over time. I’ve been tracking NBN plan prices and speed claims since 2023, and even comparing these most recent figures with those from September 2024, there’s an improvement.

A year ago, because fewer providers were offering a gigabit plan, the speed claims weren’t as good as they are today and pricing was, on the whole, more expensive with the average cost per megabit being 18c (though shopping around is still strongly suggested, as some NBN 1000 plans are admittedly more expensive now compared to a year ago).. It’s not a huge decrease since, but it’s still encouraging to see the cost come down, rather than go the other way.

For some context on how much other providers are charging for NBN 500, here's a comparison table of the most popular plans with TechRadar readers:

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• View the latest internet deals
• Average NBN plan costs compared: what’s a fair price for your speed tier?
• Want even faster internet? Check out the best NBN 2000 plans

When we recommend the NBN plans here at TechRadar, a major component in our decision making is how much a plan costs. Of course, the cheapest option isn’t necessarily going to be the outright best one, but ultimately we make it our mission to track down which NBN plans offer the right mix of price, speed and features that then results in the greatest overall value.

One of the clearest indicators as to the value of the best NBN plans is where they sit in comparison to the average monthly cost for their speed tier. We maintain an internal database of NBN plan prices from around 23 major providers, and we’ve been tracking them for so long that, generally speaking, we can immediately spot changes as soon as they’re made. From these prices, we can easily calculate the average price for a specific NBN plan tier as needed.

If you’ve been looking at your internet bill lately and wondered if you’re paying too much, there’s a good chance you are. To help you figure that out, we’ve collated the current average monthly prices for each NBN speed tier in the table below.

If you find you are paying more than the average and are looking to switch to a better-value provider, we’ve also included a selection of plan comparison tables below (one for each speed tier) with prices that fall below the current average.

A greater-value internet plan could await!

As you can see from the table above, there’s comparatively little difference in price between NBN 50 and NBN 100 plans, and going further, little difference between NBN 50 and the newly introduced NBN 500 tier.

If you’re currently stuck on a 50Mbps NBN plan because your home has an older NBN connection technology, you may be eligible for the free fibre upgrade – if so, we unequivocally recommend you take up the opportunity, and the faster speeds it’ll unlock.

Compared to an NBN 50 plan, the new NBN 500 tier will give you up to 10x faster download speeds for approximately AU$6 more each month on average.

Are you paying too much?

Comparing your current NBN bill against the average prices listed above is a quick and easy way to determine if you’re paying too much for your plan (or if you’ve got yourself a cracking deal, of course). If you are paying too much, the good news is that there are plenty of excellent plans available for less than the monthly average – below are the top five cheapest plans in our database from each speed tier.

Which NBN 25 plans cost less than the average?

• NBN 25 plans are suitable for a small household of 1-2 people with basic web browsing and streaming needs
• The average price for NBN 25 in September 2025 is AU$73.11 per month.

Which NBN 50 plans cost less than the average?

• The most popular tier for a long time, suitable for households up to 4 people who use the internet for everyday tasks including video, social media and work.
• The average price for NBN 50 in September 2025 is AU$87.57 per month.

Which NBN 100 plans cost less than the average?

• NBN 100 has technically been replaced by NBN 500, but it remains as the fastest option for FTTN/B/C households that don't have the connection technology to access the higher speed tiers. A good option for 4K video, video calls and gaming needs.
• The average price for NBN 100 in September 2025 is AU$93.34 per month.

Which NBN 500 plans cost less than the average?

• The replacement tier for FTTP/HFC homes on NBN 100. A fantastic combination of download speed and price, and what NBN Co itself considers the sweet spot.
• The average price for NBN 500 in September 2025 is AU$93.61 per month

Which NBN 750 plans cost less than the average?

• The new replacement for NBN 250, offering plenty of speed for demanding users.
• We think there's greater value in either the NBN 500 or NBN 1000 tiers.
• The average price for NBN 750 in September 2025 is AU$107.41 per month

Which NBN 1000 plans cost less than the average?

• The second-fastest NBN speed tier, ideal for gamers or creatives needing to download large files quickly, or especially demanding households wanting multiple 4K videos streams.
• The average price for NBN 1000 in September 2025 is AU$118.18 per month.

Which NBN 2000 plans cost less than the average?

• NBN Co's brand new top speed tier with up to 2,000Mbps download speeds
• Only a handful of providers currently offer it
• Expensive at launch
• The average price of NBN 2000 in September 2025 is AU$174.48 per month

As you can see from these price comparison tables, there are numerous plans available for less than the monthly average, across not only the introductory discount, but the ongoing price as well. No sure which ISP you should pick? Check out our guide to the best NBN providers.

NBN plan price FAQ

From saving money to moving house or even increasing the speeds you're receiving, there are a number of reasons why you may want to switch broadband providers. 

If you're currently looking at the best broadband deals on the market and you're thinking about moving from one provider to another, then it's likely you'll have questions about this process and how much disruption you're likely to experience. 

Thankfully, help is at hand. In this guide, we've outlined everything there is to know about switching broadband providers, including how long the process takes, whether your provider will handle that process for you and whether you can expect to spend any time offline. 

The switching process explained

How long does it take to switch internet providers? 

Sadly, there's no official timeline on how long the broadband switching process takes. However, if you're switching from one Openreach provider to another, then you should expect the process to take around two weeks. 

If you need an engineer to come and install your new connection, or other complications, then you should expect it to take a bit longer. 

This is because it takes some broadband providers up to six weeks to organise an installation that requires an engineer. That said, some of the best broadband providers on the market will look to complete this process in around a week. 

If you're transferring an entire broadband bundle (like a broadband and TV bundle), or if you're changing the type of connection from fibre to Full Fibre, then it can take even longer. This is because your new set-up will need to be physically installed. 

How long will I be offline during the switching process? 

You will be thrilled to hear that although the switching process will likely take around two weeks, you won't be offline for all of this time. Instead, you should only expect to spend around 30 minutes offline while the physical switch actually takes place. There's also usually no need for an engineer to visit your home, so any disruption should be minimised. On occasion, you may actually experience no interruption whatsoever. 

Even if you need an engineer to come and physically install your broadband, you should only be offline for a couple of hours. 

Our step-by-step guide to the switching process

1. Check your contract status

If you're still within your minimum contract period, then you'll likely need to pay a penalty to leave your current contract early. As a result, you should check your contract status carefully. This will confirm how much, if anything, you'll need to pay in order to leave. 

Added to this, your contract will also tell you how much notice you need to give your current provider about the switch. Using this information, you can decide whether it's worthwhile switching now or waiting until the end of your contract and moving then without paying a penalty. You can also ensure you're giving the right amount of notice to your current provider. 

Speaking from experience, it's often worthwhile waiting until the end of your contract, unless you're incredibly inconvenienced or you've realised your current package is now unsuitable. This is because cancellation fees can be very hefty and usually apply on a per-month-remaining basis. This means that if you have a long time left on your contract, you'll have to pay a lot of money to leave. 

2. Find a new broadband deal

If you've discovered that you're out of contract (or you need to pay so little to leave that it's worth the cost), you should search for a new broadband deal on our best broadband deals page. 

Alternatively, put your postcode into the widget below. We'll then show you all of the best deals that are currently available in your area. 

3. Take out a new deal

Sign up with your chosen provider and confirm your installation date. They'll then run you through the next steps. 

The good news is that if you're switching from one Openreach provider to another (such as BT, Sky, NOW, Plusnet, EE and TalkTalk), then you won’t even need to alert your current ISP. Instead, your current provider will handle the switch for you. 

4. Speak to your current provider about the switch (if required) 

However, if your switch involves moving to a different provider that uses its own network, such as Virgin Media, Hyperoptic or Community Fibre, then you may need to cancel your current contract and tell your old provider about the move. Again, your new provider will confirm that you need to take this step. 

Next, you'll need to tell your old provider that you're moving and the date the switch will take place. Remember though, most providers require at least 30 days' notice. So, to avoid paying twice, schedule your start date with your new provider about a month in advance.

At this point, you've done everything you need to and the switch should take place automatically on the agreed date. Your current provider should also notify you this is the case and confirm both the agreed moving date and whether any fees are applicable. 

Broadband switching: Your FAQs answered

Searching for a great new broadband deal? Well, you may find the choice overwhelming. After all, there's so much broadband jargon and so many acronyms that it can be very difficult to decide which deals are actually right for your needs. 

While many people opt for the cheapest broadband deal available, that isn't always the best option.  Although the cheapest broadband deals will provide you with an affordable connection, they likely won't be suitable for your needs. This means you may end up frustrated with your connection and unable to use the internet in the way you want to. 

Sometimes, the opposite can be true. We can become so baffled by all the jargon that we instead choose a very fast connection, knowing it will be more than quick enough. Although this is less frustrating because you won't end up suffering from buffering or lag, it still isn't ideal because it may mean that you're paying more for your internet than you need to. 

So, how much internet do you need? Well we've put together this detailed guide that covers all the different types of broadband, how much they cost and what they can be used for. So, read on to discover exactly how much internet you need and which type of connection is best for your needs. 

What broadband speed do I need?

This depends on what you use the internet for. If you're simply checking emails, browsing social media and doing a little bit of online shopping, a basic package will suffice. However, if you want to stream your favourite shows on Netflix, attend work video calls or play video games online, you'll need something much quicker.

What is a good internet speed? 

Put simply, a good internet speed is one that suits your needs and is available at an affordable price. 

In the UK, broadband speeds range from around 10Mbps (ADSL deals) all the way through to 2Gbps (gigabit broadband). This is a huge variance and means that there's no 'one-size-fits-all solution'. 

When it comes to the question of 'how much internet do I need?' you're actually asking what a 'good internet speed' looks like for you. The simple answer is that this is a speed that is fast enough to handle everything your household does online but isn't so fast that you're paying for speeds that you don't use. 

Nowadays, for the vast majority of households, this is either a fibre broadband deal or a Full Fibre broadband deal. While some providers still offer ADSL deals, these are usually too slow for most people (they're also no longer widely available). At the other end of the scale, gigabit-capable packages are too fast for most households and leave people overpaying for their connection. 

How do I check what speed I currently receive? 

When it comes to working out how much internet you need, it's best to start by seeing what speeds you currently receive and then deciding whether your current package is quick enough. 

The best way to do this is to run a broadband speed test. This will show you the average download speeds you're receiving at the time of the test, as well as your average upload speeds at this time. 

If you know these speeds are quick enough for you, then you can look online for a similar plan. But, if your connection has been struggling and you're receiving speeds of 30Mbps, you'll know that a basic fibre connection isn't quick enough and you need something faster next time you look for a deal. 

Broadband speeds for browsing the web

If you only plan on browsing online, checking your emails occasionally and scrolling on social media, you'll only need a basic fibre connection (or an ADSL connection, although these are outdated and no longer widely available). 

Basic fibre packages usually provide average download speeds of around 36Mbps, and these are more than powerful enough to handle multiple family members being online at the same time. This is a bit of a bonus too, as these packages usually feature on our cheap broadband deals page. 

However, if you live in a particularly large household, or if you have a particularly connected family, a basic fibre connection may come under too much strain and an ADSL connection almost certainly won't be strong enough. 

Broadband speeds required for streaming

Love streaming your favourite shows and films? You'll need a fibre package that packs a punch. If you live alone then a basic fibre package like the ones we mentioned above may be quick enough for your needs. However, if all of the family likes to get online at the same time or you much prefer streaming in UHD, then an upgraded fibre package is likely to be a much better choice for you.  

At face value, streaming isn't too bandwidth-intensive. After all, services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer only require broadband speeds of 1.5Mbps and above for SD streaming, or 2.8Mbps and above for HD streaming.

However, this is per device. This means if multiple people are streaming at the same time, or using the internet for work or casual browsing, your usage will quickly add up. 

As a result, although you may be ok with a 30Mbps connection if you live in a small household, it's usually best to pay slightly more for an upgraded connection. 

Broadband speeds required for gaming online 

If you plan on gaming online, then it's certainly worth purchasing a Full Fibre deal that provides average download speeds of more than 100Mbps. 

This is because gaming is particularly bandwidth-intensive. Most video game files are larger than 100 GB, meaning fast download speeds are required. By way of example, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare is nearly 175 GB in size. This means it would take more than 33 hours to download with a 12Mbps ADSL connection. And that's only if it was downloading constantly while nobody else used the internet for anything.

Gaming online is bandwidth-intensive, so having higher speeds is going to deliver a better experience. This is especially true if you're playing multiplayer games, where a fast connection is required to avoid lag. So, if someone in the home is regularly gaming, it's best to pay for a Full Fibre package. 

What are the benefits of faster speeds? 

Put simply, faster speeds allow for quicker downloads, uninterrupted streaming and a more seamless online experience. If your upload speeds are quicker, you'll also find it easier to share photos online or make video calls.

The difference in time taken to download content can vary dramatically depending on the type of internet package you choose. For context, here's how long it would take different internet packages to download an 858 MB film via an on-demand service: 

• 5Mbps broadband connection - 23 minutes and 9 seconds 
• 16Mbps broadband connection - 7 minutes and 14 seconds
• 38Mbps broadband connection - 3 minutes and 3 seconds 
• 76Mbps broadband connection - 1 minute and 31 seconds 
• 150Mbps broadband connection - 46 seconds 
• 500Mbps broadband connection - 14 seconds 
• 1Gbps broadband connection - 9 seconds

Broadband speeds by household size

In the modern world, most of us are downloading films, attending work calls or watching YouTube videos. As a result, as a general rule of thumb, it's advised that you'll need around average download speeds of 10Mbps per broadband user (20Mbps if someone is gaming or streaming 4K content). 

This means that basic fibre packages are usually sufficient for households containing 2-4 people, but larger households (or households with gamers) will likely need Full Fibre packages instead. 

Finding the best broadband deal

Confident you now know which broadband speed you're looking for? Well, the easiest way of finding the best broadband deal for your needs is by using the widget below. 

Simply provide us with your postcode and we'll show you all of the best broadband deals that are available at your address. All you need to do is select the one with the speeds that match your needs. A great new broadband deal could be yours in only a couple of clicks. 

Love to game online? Well, you may find that your current broadband connection struggles in the heat of the moment. Unfortunately, this happens quite often as online gaming is one of the most bandwidth-hungry activities there is. 

This also means that if you purchased a very basic broadband deal, you're likely to struggle with buffering or lag at crucial moments in your games. Ever been locked in a Fortnite battle, ready to pull the trigger and noticed that there was a slight delay before you could eliminate your opponent? It's very well because your broadband connection is too slow. During this brief lag, your opponents can strike, causing you to lose a battle royale through no fault of your own. 

Thankfully, major broadband providers are aware of how popular online gaming is, as well as the demands that it can place on home broadband connections. As a result, the vast majority now offer a range of ultrafast packages that are ideal for gamers. Here's everything you need to know about the best broadband for gaming.

Why do I need gaming broadband?

Whether you're downloading new games, installing updates, or streaming live while competing with hundreds of people around the world, a fast and reliable connection will make everything smoother. 

The faster your broadband connection, the better your gameplay experience will be. To illustrate this point, let's take a look at Fortnite, one of the most popular games on the planet today. 

To play this title, Epic Games recommends download speeds of at least 3Mbps and upload speeds of at least 1Mbps. However, this minimum isn't going to cut it for competitive scenarios. Instead, we recommend a faster connection with average download speeds of 20Mbps or more. That might seem like a steep jump from the recommendations, but it will prove well worth it if you're gaming often.

A faster broadband connection makes a significant difference when it comes to performance. You'll see less lag and better response times to your input. This ensures you can stay competitive, and have a better chance of winning those all-important Battle Royales. 

What broadband speeds do I need for gaming?

You can technically game online with any internet connection. However, the reality is that if you have an entry-level ADSL package, then you'll likely be forced to endure a subpar gaming experience. 

Most games require you to have download speeds of at least 3Mbps. Although this doesn't seem like much, you need to remember that other devices in your home will also be using bandwidth at the same time. 

For example, if you're gaming online while another member of the family is listening to music on the smart speaker and another is watching Netflix, your broadband may be quite limited if you only have a basic connection. For this reason, it's important to make sure you have a broadband connection that's suitable for everyone's usage. 

Added to this, if you're competing online against other players, then faster definitely means better. Not only will you be able to download games and updates faster, but your 'ping rate' (the time it takes for your system to respond to an action like you pressing a button or moving a joystick) will also be much lower. This can significantly improve your performance one-versus-one.

It's also worth mentioning here that the slowest packages on the market today provide average download speeds of around 10Mbps. However, providers are incentivizing people to move away from these deals and they're replacing the technology. As a result, you can now usually access fibre broadband packages that offer speeds that are at least three times quicker for around the same price. 

Our favorite gaming broadband deals

What factors should I consider when looking at broadband for gaming packages?

As we've mentioned, your broadband speed is incredibly important when you're gaming online. But, having a reliable connection is arguably even more important. 

When you're gaming, you need to have a reliable and consistent connection that won't drop out. For this, certain types of broadband are better than others. For example, a Full Fibre broadband connection will be a lot more reliable than an ADSL one, due to its more modern infrastructure.

This means if you're looking to game online, then you need a connection that's at least part-fibre (also known as fibre-to-the-cabinet or FTTC). Sadly, gaming with a cheap ADSL connection will lead to excruciatingly slow load times, terrible lag and latency that will make it very difficult for you to win. 

Added to this, you should also double-check that your broadband deal comes without any monthly data limits. Online gaming can be data intensive and, if you're a die-hard gamer who has a connection with a data limit, you may quickly run up additional charges. 

Which broadband package is right for me?

The type of broadband connection you require will depend on the type of gaming you enjoy. This is because different forms of gaming place different strains on your connection... and some are far more strenuous than others. 

If you like to stream your gameplay on Twitch, then you'll definitely need the fastest speeds on the market. In this scenario, a Full Fibre package is non-negotiable, and you'll likely be best served by a gigabit-capable broadband package. 

Similarly, if you're a professional gamer or someone who takes their gaming incredibly seriously, then it's also worth investing in a Full Fibre package as this will likely provide you with a smoother overall experience. 

However, if you're just a hobbyist or someone who plays for fun on an evening in a multiplayer lobby, then a part-fibre package will probably suffice. 

Which providers offer broadband for gaming? 

Nowadays, a lot of the UK's best internet service providers offer broadband packages that are suitable for gamers. Our favourites include: 

• Vodafone – With Vodafone you receive competitively-priced packages, a great range of speeds and class-leading customer service. 
• Virgin Media - Looking for some of the fastest speeds available? Try Virgin Media. Via their own cable network, they provide a Gig1 package that provides average download speeds of more than 1Gbps. 
• Plusnet - This particular provider is popular because it offers affordable and straightforward broadband packages. Although it's a little 'no frills', Plusnet offers excellent value for money and a range of packages that are suitable for gamers. 
• EE – EE is currently the UK's fastest broadband provider and offers a package that provides average download speeds of up to 1.6Gbps. If you're a professional gamer, this is likely to be the provider for you. 
• BT – BT has long been a reliable option for gamers all across the country. The BT Complete WiFi offering ensures comprehensive coverage throughout your home. This means you'll always have a connection that allows you to game without lag and buffering. 

Can I use mobile broadband for gaming? 

Yes. A 4G or a 5G mobile broadband connection will usually be quick enough for you to game online.

These packages will usually offer download speeds of at least 25Mbps and upload speeds of 5Mbps. This will allow you to play most online games without any lag. However, if you want to play the most demanding games on the market or stream your gameplay, you may need something a little quicker. 

Added to this, if you have a mobile broadband connection, it's important to check that you don't have any download limits. If you do, gaming online may cause you to use your allowance rather quickly. 

Broadband for gaming FAQs

Best gaming broadband deals

If you’re in the market for a new or improved broadband deal, then you’ll first need to find out what options are available to you. While you may be enticed by a fancy, ultrafast Full Fibre package with all the bells and whistles attached, the reality is that you’ll only be eligible for the packages your property can access. 

So how do you find out just what's available where you are? In this guide, we’ve gone through the steps you need to take to learn which broadband options are available in your area. In addition, we’ve explained a bit more about the different broadband types and why it can be beneficial to switch to a new deal.

How to check the broadband availability near you

One of the easiest ways to find out what broadband is available near you is to use a broadband postcode checker. 

If we take this example from the UK regulator, Ofcom, you’ll be able to ‘view broadband availability and speeds for any UK address’. All you need to do is enter your postcode into the tool, select your address from the drop-down menu, and then you’ll get a breakdown of:

• Which providers have their networks in your area
• The broadband types on offer (e.g. fibre, or Full Fibre)
• The highest available download speed
• The highest available upload speed
• Whether these services are currently active

What you will then need to do is investigate this further with the listed providers to get a more detailed view of the specific broadband packages you can get at your property.

We can also help with this with our broadband deals widget. You can find this at the bottom of this guide and again, all you need to do is enter your postcode into it and we’ll list out all the latest broadband deals that can be found in your location. It's constantly updated as well so be sure to check back often or whenever you're looking for the latest and greatest broadband deals. 

There are a couple of other methods you can use as well if you're a bit more old-school. You can easily speak to your neighbours to find out what providers they use and what broadband speeds they’re getting, or just contact your existing provider directly to enquire about what services they might now offer to customers.

What types of broadband are available in the UK?

You’d be forgiven for being a little unsure or confused about the different types of broadband that may or may not be available to you once you’ve used a checker tool. After all, the technology behind them has come a long way in the last decade and if you’ve been with the same provider for a while, you might need some guidance to get a bit more up to speed.

These are the most common broadband types you’ll come across in the UK:

ADSL: The original broadband type and also known as ‘standard broadband’. It uses old copper phone lines to transmit data and is limited to download speeds of up to 10Mbps. It used to be the most common option too, but it has been largely replaced by faster fibre broadband.

Fibre/FTTC: Also known as ‘superfast’ and ‘fibre-to-the-cabinet’ broadband, the latter reflecting the partial use of fibre optic cabling. It’s faster than ADSL and gives average speeds up to 70+Mbps, but as it still uses the old copper cabling in part, it’s not the fastest option out there.

Full Fibre/FTTP: Also known as ‘ultrafast’ and ‘fibre-to-the-premises’ broadband as it has a fibre optic connection from the provider’s exchange to a property. This ensures you can get very fast download speeds that can theoretically go more than 1,000Mbps. 

Cable: The above options are all delivered through the ‘Openreach’ network, which the majority of broadband providers use. However, some - like Virgin Media - have their own private cable broadband networks. These can also offer a huge range of download speeds, but the downside is that the networks aren’t as widely available as the Openreach one.

When shopping around, you might also be recommended some of the following:

4G and 5G broadband: Also known as ‘mobile broadband’ and sees you get your broadband delivered via 4G or 5G mobile networks. You can get decent speeds in excess of 150Mbps, but you need to have decent network coverage in your area to make the most of it.

Satellite broadband: This is technically available anywhere in the country and is becoming more and more popular. It also doesn’t require any cabling to be installed, but it doesn’t offer the same range of speeds and extras as traditional broadband types.

For those of you who would like to learn more about each of these types, we’d recommend you check out our guide to all the different broadband options we have in this country.

The benefits of checking your local broadband availability

It’s not just about checking to see if you can get a new broadband service, there are also a number of other potential benefits you can get from investigating and then switching to a new deal. These include:

Faster speeds

There’s more choice than ever when it comes to average download speeds, from standard 10Mbps tariffs to gigabit internet packages that give speeds over 1,000Mbps.

More functionality

Bigger and better broadband options can also see you bundle in some excellent extras. From TV streaming services to phone lines and even mobile phone tariffs, today’s broadband deals can offer you much more than ever before.

Cost savings

Alongside the wealth of tariffs, there’s a wealth of broadband deals to be had. If you shop around you can end up with a faster and better broadband package for less than you were paying before.

More flexibility

With faster download speeds more devices can do much more online at the same time. For instance, with a Full Fibre deal, you’ll be able to browse, download, and stream in UHD, and online game all at once without any issues. 

Why can’t I get certain broadband types?

If you find you only have a limited selection of broadband types available to you, the main reason for this is simple: the provider hasn’t rolled out its faster network in your area yet.

Openreach - the network used by most providers - is making steady progress in turning its fibre network into an ultrafast Full Fibre one - you can see the latest rollout data on this here. But, according to Ofcom’s most recent analysis, only 57% of the UK can currently get Full Fibre.

Most network providers do give regular updates on their latest rollout milestones, but you can also find opportunities - like on the Openreach example above - to ‘register your interest’ and essentially stake your claim for them to bring this network upgrade to your location.

What is a good broadband speed in the UK?

You can argue the point that the faster your download and upload speeds, the better and more dependable your broadband will be, but also a ‘good speed’ depends on your usage. 

For instance, if you have a large household with lots of users online at once, you’ll ideally be looking at an ultrafast package with speeds above 150Mbps. Equally, if you don’t do a great deal of downloading in a smaller household, you can get by with a fibre broadband package with speeds of around 30-50Mbps. 

We cover this particular subject in more detail in our ‘broadband speeds explained’ guide.

Extra help finding a new broadband deal

Now you have a clearer understanding of how you can find out what broadband is available to you in your area - but also why some types might not be - we can help you find the best new deal for your needs.

As a reminder we have our best broadband deals page where we list out all the latest top tariffs from the nation’s providers. But as we mentioned earlier in this piece, there’s also our widget below where you can enter your postcode and we’ll do the hard work for you by showing you what deals you can get in your specific location.

You might have seen them in use on public transport, or perhaps you’ve come across them as an option when looking for a new broadband deal. Whatever the situation, it’s a smart move to first get clued up on broadband dongles to help decide whether they might be a useful addition to your busy lifestyle.

This is where our guide can help, as we’ve covered everything from what exactly broadband dongles are, to how they work and even the pros and cons of owning them. 

What is a broadband dongle?

The ‘dongle’ itself is a small stick that you can plug into a USB port on your laptop or other devices and it then acts as a WiFi hotspot. You can connect your device (and in some cases multiple devices) to this hotspot to use the internet.

They tend to be relatively small, oblong-shaped sticks, but some can be larger boxes or square-shaped ones with the USB attachment on a small cable.

Other names for broadband dongles 

While we are using the broader term ‘broadband dongles’, you might also hear them being referred to as:

• WiFi dongles
• Internet dongles
• Mobile dongles
• Internet sticks
• Mobile broadband sticks
• USB modems
• USB network adaptors
• Mobile hotspot

How do broadband dongles work?

These devices work similarly to how your phone connects to a mobile network, as they use 3G, 4G, or 5G networks to provide internet connectivity for your device.

You can sometimes get them as extras with your traditional broadband package or for free with a mobile broadband tariff. In some cases, they can also be standalone devices rather than USB ones which work via Bluetooth. You may also hear these being called ‘MiFi devices’.

As we’ve alluded to earlier in this piece, they’re a great piece of kit for providing you with broadband connectivity on the go – be it when you’re away from home, abroad, as a passenger in a vehicle, or when using public transport. 

Equally, they can be used as an alternative broadband option in households and businesses, particularly those that don’t have high online usage demands.

How to use a broadband dongle

A big benefit to using broadband dongles is that they’re really easy to set up and start using. With a USB dongle, it’s invariably just a case of:

• Unpacking the dongle
• Plugging it into your laptop/device’s USB port
• Installing any drivers or software (not always the case)
• Searching for the new WiFi network it provides
• Connecting to this network and using the internet

With non-USB versions, it often works similarly but instead of plugging the device into your laptop, you simply turn it on and connect to the WiFi network it starts sending out.

Pros & cons

Pros of using a broadband dongle

To help you get a better understanding of whether or not a broadband dongle might be the right choice for you, here are some pros to using them:

• You can get easy access to mobile broadband on the go.
• They don’t require separate battery charging and often get power from your device instead.
• Your productivity can improve (if you use them for work).
• There isn’t any invasive installation work involved when setting them up.
• They’re a much safer option (in terms of cybersecurity) than using an unsecured network.
• They can often be free to use on some broadband packages and contracts.
• When purchased in isolation broadband dongles can be much cheaper than typical broadband deals.
• On average 5G download speeds can be between 150 and 200 Mbps.

Cons of using a broadband dongle

For the sake of balance here are some of the cons of using broadband dongles:

• If you use a 3G or 4G dongle, you’re likely to get download speeds that are slower than most fibre broadband packages.
• Even on faster 5G, you will only get good download speeds if you are in an area that has decent mobile network coverage.
• In general terms, being able to use a broadband dongle is subject to the quality of the mobile network coverage.
• Many providers have data caps on their broadband dongles.
• Dongles can be easily damaged if you drop them, particularly if they’re still inserted into a device.
• Some dongles aren’t always compatible with certain devices (particularly older ones), but you can check this beforehand.
• Many dongles are limited to use by only one device at a time.

Broadband dongle FAQs

To help cover all bases here, we’ve also included a few of the top broadband dongle FAQs for you:

Which providers offer broadband dongles?

There are a number of broadband providers that offer dongles, but a general rule of thumb here is that you’ll probably be able to get a dongle from a provider if it has a mobile network service too. 

The following broadband providers for example:

• EE
• Vodafone

It also won’t come as a surprise to hear that the UK's leading provider of 4G and 5G broadband, Three, also offers dongles for its customers.

What alternatives are there to broadband dongles?

If you do decide that a broadband dongle might not be for you and you just want to have a more traditional broadband connection, then you’ll be pleased to know there are a wealth of other options available to us in the UK.

Better still, you will also find that you can find tariffs with speeds, extras and monthly costs to suit pretty much any preferences. We go into further detail about this in our guide to the different types of broadband, if you’d like to learn a little more about this subject.

How to find a broadband provider

Last but not least, we can also help you find a new broadband provider - whether they offer broadband dongles or not - courtesy of our best broadband deals guide. We also have our widget below where you can enter your postcode to see what broadband deals are available in your specific location. 

Our selections of deals won’t necessarily show you the exact cost and types of dongles on offer, but by using the advice in this guide you’ll know which providers offer them. What this also means is that you’ll know which ones to get in touch with to get more details about their dongle products.

Best broadband deals comparison

One of the key considerations for many of us when we’re looking for a new broadband deal is how quickly we can get our new broadband connection up and running. The good news is that this can be done fairly quickly and you won’t be waiting long to make the most of whatever new deal you’ve chosen.

However, this isn’t always the case and in some instances, you may need your new provider to do some installation work on your property to get your internet set up – which of course is something that can occasionally be quite time-consuming.

To help clarify this, we’ve put this guide to broadband installation together for you to cover all the aspects and key questions people tend to have about this subject. 

Can you install your broadband yourself?

To start with the most important question, yes, in most cases, you can – but not always.

If you are switching between providers that use the same type of network – for instance, a fibre broadband connection on the Openreach network – you’ll likely be able to set up your broadband yourself as you won’t need any external lines installed.

However, suppose you are switching to a different network – from Openreach to Virgin Media’s independent network, for example – and you don’t have the right connections for this. In that case, the chances are you’ll need an engineer to come and sort this out for you.

Another similar example would be if you’re moving from an older broadband connection type (ADSL or fibre) to an ultrafast ‘Full Fibre’ connection, you might also need installation work done by your provider.

Despite these last two examples, it’s also worth noting that even if you do need an engineer to come and do this installation work, you may then technically be able to set up your own broadband in your property, once this external connection point is fitted.

Broadband providers that offer self-installation

The majority of the UK’s top broadband providers will now offer some form of self-installation with certain tariffs. But as we’ve already mentioned above, this can vary depending on the connection type you’re using or switching to. 

In general terms, any provider that uses the Openreach network offers self-installation on certain broadband packages, which include:

• BT
• Sky
• EE
• NOW Broadband
• TalkTalk
• Plusnet
• Vodafone
• Zen

Also, Virgin Media, which has its own independent cable network, can in some cases allow new customers to self-install their broadband with its ‘QuickStart’ pack. 

The broadband self-installation process

If you are moving between broadband deals that use the same connection type, the self-installation process will typically be as follows:

1 . Speak with the provider and agree on your broadband deal and possibly an activation date.

2. Your new router will be sent to you in the post, along with any other tech you might need to set up your broadband.

3. Plug in and turn on your router. Wait for any self-installation period. (All the instructions should be given to you as well with the router and tech).

4. On your devices, find and connect to the new WiFi network.

5. You’ll likely need to set up a new password or use the one you’ve been provided with to start using the internet.

The process can be fairly straightforward, but if you’re in any doubt you will be able to contact your new provider via phone and they should be able to talk you through the required steps.

What broadband types require installation by an engineer?

These are the broadband types where you might need an engineer from a provider to come to your property and do some installation work.

• When moving from ADSL to fibre (FTTC)
• Upgrading from fibre (FTTC) to Full Fibre (FTTP)
• Changing to a new network, e.g. from Openreach to Virgin Media
• Opting for a satellite broadband connection
• Connecting a property to any broadband network for the first time

How much does external broadband installation cost?

There isn’t a fixed cost for broadband installation as ‘installation’ or ‘setup’ fees can vary from provider to provider. However, they don’t tend to be overly expensive and can range as one-off costs from about £5 to £40. 

A useful tip here is to look at switching providers when there’s a sale or promotional offer as invariably they will waive any setup fees as part of their deals.

How long can these types of installations take?

Again, there’s no set timescale as it can depend on the amount of installation work that is required. 

For example, if you wanted a new Full Fibre connection you might need new cabling to be run to your home from your nearest broadband exchange. Then, you’ll need the connections into and inside your home fitting to supply the broadband. 

As you might expect, this can take longer than simply connecting a new line. You can also add to this the fact you’ll need to organise a time with your broadband provider to send out an engineer to complete this work. 

So when you take all of this into consideration, the switching process along with more invasive installations can take up to 30 days to get finished.

If I want a broadband and TV bundle, will that take longer to install?

Once again, the short answer is yes it can, but much like with your broadband, it depends on what you already have installed at your property. With Sky, for instance, you may need a satellite dish or an aerial fitting for its traditional TV services. 

Similarly, with Virgin Media’s broadband and TV bundles, you can get these through the same line that delivers your broadband; so again, if you don’t have this at your property, it’ll take more time to get it installed.

To speed things up, another tip is to look at TV streaming services. The likes of Sky and Virgin Media now have products that allow you to simply stream your TV via WiFi, instead of having additional tech fitted.

Other considerations for broadband installation

So along with things like timescales, potential additional costs, and being tech-savvy enough to handle any self-installation processes, there are a few more aspects it’s worth considering before you look to switch things up:

• Are you prepared to have holes drilled into your property and possibly areas dug up to lay down cabling?
• Can you manage a period of time where you don’t have any internet available?
• Do you have permission for installation work from your landlord (if you’re renting)?
• Are you in a position to switch your package without incurring any exit fees?
• What new broadband tariff do you actually need? We have a guide that can help you answer this question.
• Do you also need to let your old provider know you’re moving to a new service?

Finding a new broadband deal

If you have made up your mind that you want to move to a new broadband deal - particularly if you want a newer and faster connection type - then we can help you out.

Check out our best broadband deals guide to get an idea of what’s on offer on the markets right now. However, by entering your postcode into the widget below we can show you what broadband you can get at your property, meaning you’ll be able to see what connection types are available to you right now.

Streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime provide people with the freedom to watch whatever content they want whenever they like. Gone are the days when the family would gather around the television to watch their favourite show live on a Sunday night. Now, streaming is the standard way for people from (almost) all generations to watch all of their favourite TV shows and films.  

However, if you want to start streaming content, you need to have secured one of the best broadband deals. After all, if your internet package is too slow for streaming, you'll struggle with buffering and lag, which will ultimately ruin your experience!

Unsure what speeds you'll need to stream your favourite TV shows and movies online? This guide can help. Below, we've outlined the speeds you'll need to stream music, go on video calls and play all of your favourite games.

What is streaming?

Streaming is a term that usually involves watching video content directly on the internet without the need to download any files. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime can be accessed on a smartphone or tablet, on a smart TV, or by connecting a media streaming device to a regular TV.

In this respect, streaming is different from traditional live TV. Streaming allows you to choose what you want to watch and then start watching it at a time that suits you – often referred to as on-demand. Plus, streaming also allows you to pause, rewind and fast forward whenever you like. 

Similarly, as streaming doesn't require any downloading, it also doesn't require much storage on your device and you can start watching your programme from the moment you press play.

Streaming can also take different forms, too. For example, you can stream music via Spotify and listen to a song whenever you like without buying it. Or, you can live stream a video of you playing your favourite video game, which other people on the internet can then watch. Game streaming can also mean playing video games by streaming content from the internet. 

Although streaming provides a lot of advantages, there are also drawbacks you need to be aware of. For example, you'll most likely need to pay to access streaming services like Netflix. Similarly, you'll also need a reliable internet connection to avoid experiencing lag, buffering or other connection errors. Put simply, if your internet connection isn't fast and stable, streaming will be slow or sometimes not work at all. 

What broadband speed do I need for streaming? 

Your internet speed doesn't have to be extremely fast if all you're looking to do is stream your favourite shows and movies from the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime. The recommended minimum speed for streaming programmes online ranges from 1.5Mbps up to 25Mbps, depending on the streaming platform you use and the level of definition you want to stream in.

While you can stream in standard definition on even the most basic internet packages, high definition and ultra-high definition streaming both place significant demands on your broadband. For example, while you may only need 3Mbps to stream in SD, you'll likely need at least 5Mbps for HD streaming and 25Mbps for ultra HD streaming. 

However, you should keep in mind that these are the minimum recommended speeds. This means that they don’t take into account the fact that other devices will likely be using your connection at the same time. If you're streaming on Netflix, then your partner may also be scrolling on their social media profiles or your roommate may be on a video call. This means other people are also using your internet's bandwidth and you'll need to combine the minimum download speeds required when working out how much bandwidth you'll actually need. 

For example, if someone is watching their favourite show in UHD and needs download speeds of 25Mbps to make this happen and someone else is on a Skype call that requires average download speeds of 3Mbps to function correctly, your internet will need to provide you with average download speeds of at least 28Mbps. 

As a general rule, you should look for an internet package that provides an average download speed that's twice the amount you need to stream. So, if your research reveals you need 5Mbps to stream in HD, we recommend that you choose a package that provides you with average download speeds of 10Mbps. 

Luckily, most of the fibre internet packages on the market today allow people to stream in HD on multiple devices simultaneously, so this shouldn't be an issue. However, cheaper ADSL packages may struggle in this instance. Similarly, if you want to stream in UHD, then ADSL packages won't be quick enough and even basic fibre packages that provide average download speeds of 30-40Mbps may be too slow. 

What broadband speed do I need to stream movies and TV shows? 

Above we've given you a general idea of the speeds required to stream content from streaming providers like Netflix. However, these are just a general guide and different providers recommend different minimum speeds for streaming TV shows and movies on their apps.

With this in mind, here are the minimum speeds each provider states you'll need to receive if you wish to stream in standard definition, high definition and full HD. As long as your internet provides you with more than the average speeds listed below, you'll receive what these providers call 'consistent performance', which means you'll avoid buffering.

What broadband speed do I need to stream music? 

If you're only looking to stream music online, then you won't need download speeds that are quite as quick. However, you need to remember that if one person in your household is streaming TV shows while the other is listening to music on Spotify, you'll again need to combine the minimum download speeds required as you'll both be using bandwidth simultaneously. 

Different music service providers also recommend different minimum speed requirements. These are: 

What broadband speed do I need for video calling? 

During the pandemic, video calling services such as Skype and Zoom experienced a boom. Now, these services are part of our everyday lives - particularly those of us who regularly work from home. 

Generally speaking, if you need to use these apps, you'll usually need upload and download speeds of around 3Mbps. In this scenario, you need strong upload and download speeds because your connection sends and receives data simultaneously. 

Here are the minimum download and upload speeds you’ll need for each service: 

What broadband speed do I need for gaming? 

Like video calling, online gaming also puts a strain on your broadband because it requires strong upload and download speeds.

If you want to play multiplayer games online with your friends, then you'll need a connection that's both fast and stable. If your connection isn't stable, it will lead to latency and packet loss, which means you'll receive slow response times during gameplay (essentially, the car you're driving may not turn when you want it to or a gun may not fire until half a second after you press the trigger). 

The majority of game consoles require a minimum download speed of at least 3Mbps and a minimum upload speed of at least 2Mbps. Here's the minimum download speed you'll require to play on your chosen console without interruption: 

Similarly, over the past few years, the concept of live-streaming has also become increasingly popular. If you're unaware, live-streaming games across the internet effectively involves a person broadcasting their own video using a provider like Vimeo, YouTube, Facebook Live, or Twitch. 

In this scenario, upload speeds are just as important as download speeds. As a general rule, live-streaming services usually require an upload speed of at least 1.6Mbps to live-stream in SD. 

When it comes to 'low HD', upload speeds usually need to reach at least 3-3.5Mbps. Meanwhile, 'True HD' generally requires an upload speed of 3.5Mbps or above, although YouTube recommends 6Mbps. 

Finally, Twitch recommends an upload speed of 6Mbps for high-quality, slow-motion 1080p, and recommends an upload speed between 9-13Mbps for faster live-stream content.

How do I check my broadband speed? 

Concerned your current broadband connection doesn't provide you with the speeds required to stream your favourite shows on Netflix or game online? Well, the first thing you should do is conduct a broadband speed test. This will show you the exact speeds you're currently receiving. 

The good news is that if you currently have a fibre broadband deal, then the speed you're receiving should be relatively close to the speed that was advertised when you signed your contract. This is because the fibre cables used for this type of connection don't allow the signal to weaken no matter how far you are away from the cabinet.  

However, if you're relying on an ADSL connection that's delivered down the copper wires used by your existing phone line, then the speed you're receiving will likely be determined by how far you live from your local telephone exchange.

Do I need to worry about how much data I'm using?

The answer is likely to be no. Today, the vast majority of broadband contracts come with unlimited data. This means you can stream, download, and game to your heart's content. 

However, you should check the details of your contract (particularly if you have a 4G broadband or 5G broadband deal) because some packages still come with data limits. 

It's worth knowing that Netflix uses around 1GB of data for every hour of streaming, but this rises to 3GB if you’re streaming in HD and 7GB if you're streaming in UHD. As a result, if you have a data limit, then streaming could very quickly use all of your allocated data and leave you without a connection. 

How do I find a new broadband deal with faster speeds?

Looking for a new broadband package that will allow you to stream on multiple devices simultaneously or help power your live streams? Luckily, the process of finding the best deal for you (at the lowest possible price) is simple. 

All you need to do is pop your postcode into the widget below. Using this information, we can show you the best broadband deals in the area from the country's leading providers. No matter whether you're looking for an entry-level fibre package that will support basic streaming or a 'Full Fibre' FTTP package that will make UHD streaming and downloading simple, we can show the best options available in only a couple of clicks. 

Alternatively, if you're looking for some buying advice and would like some help finding the best broadband package for your needs, visit our best broadband deals page.

In a time where we use digital devices in many aspects of our daily lives, and in which we have a limitless supply of internet content at our disposal, having slow broadband can be a real inconvenience. 

It’s not just the often agonising wait times we endure, it’s also how it can affect our productivity – especially when we rely on the internet on a professional basis. 

However, what you might not appreciate here is that slow broadband isn’t always a technical issue, it can be related to several external factors. The positive is that there are steps we can take to get our broadband speeds back into the fast lane, ranging from upgrading your router to simply switching to one of the best broadband deals.

So be sure to read on as in this guide we’ve explained everything you need to know about this subject, and we’ve detailed all the approaches you can try when faced with a slow internet connection. 

How is broadband speed measured?

Before we get started, it’s a good idea to get clued up on how exactly we measure broadband speed, so you can more easily identify when it’s being ‘slow’.

When we talk about ‘speed’ what we mean is how fast data is sent online between the internet server and your physical device. This is also split into two types of connections:

• Download speed - Typically what is referred to when mentioning broadband speeds, this is how fast information transfers from the internet to a device
• Upload speed - How fast information goes from a device to the internet (e.g. uploading an attachment to an email and sending it)

The rates of these connections are also determined in ‘megabits per second’ or ‘Mbps’ and in simple terms, the higher these numbers, the faster the data can be moved - therefore the faster your internet ‘speed’.

What can cause slow broadband?

Here are some common reasons why broadband speeds can slow down:

• There are multiple users with high online demands using your connection at the same time, essentially creating more traffic than it can manage.
• Your provider’s network is seeing high usage and a similar effect to the above point is happening.
• You have a weak WiFi signal, or it is being disrupted by external factors like the weather or even walls and furniture.
• Your router or your devices are older or malfunctioning.
• Your devices have spyware or viruses affecting them.
• The broadband connection supplying your property is broken, possibly due to wear and tear or accidental damage.
• You’re about to exceed any data limits you might have on your broadband package.
• The broadband package you have simply doesn’t offer fast broadband speeds.

It might also be the case that you’re suffering from a combination of some of the above if you do have slow internet, which as you can imagine can only compound the situation.

What is a 'slow broadband package'?

To pick up on that last bullet point above, a ‘slow’ broadband package by today’s standards would be an ADSL or basic fibre connection. 

These are the legacy connections that still use old copper phone lines and are limited by the amount of data they can send. It’s also rare that you’ll even be able to get these now as they’re in the process of being phased out completely. They’re only really for those in remote areas who can’t access faster fibre and Full Fibre broadband. 

Although, as we’ve also alluded to above, even ultrafast Full Fibre connections can be slowed down by some of these issues, the effect may not be as significant as it would be on an older broadband connection type, however.

How to identify if you have slow broadband

For those of you who suspect your internet is slow, but you’re not certain, it’s easy to find out. 

Firstly, you should check your contract or speak directly with your provider to see what speeds or minimum speed guarantees you have in place. Then, using this as a benchmark, run a broadband speed test and see what the results show you. 

It’s useful to run several tests in different rooms and on different devices, just to see where any particularly bad spots might be in your home or business. 

Consumer rights for slow broadband

Speaking of ‘minimum speed guarantees’, you also might be entitled to compensation if you can prove your broadband supplier isn’t living up to the speeds it promises in your contract. You can learn more about this here with the ‘Codes of practice’ that the UK telecommunications regulator, Ofcom, has in place for all UK broadband providers.

 How you can speed up your broadband

Before you do raise any issues with your broadband provider, there are some things you can do that might help speed up your broadband.

• Restart your router and refresh your devices (yes, “try turning them on and off again!”)
• Move your router to a more central and open location. Avoid blocking its signal with things like furniture or thick walls.
• Invest in some WiFi boosting technology (individual signal boosters or a mesh router system) and place these around your home.
• Invest in some antivirus software/protection - if you do have issues with malware.
• Disable the internet on devices you don’t tend to use that often to free up the bandwidth.
• Be smart with when you use your broadband - e.g. avoid things like browsing, streaming, and online gaming all at the same time.

If these don’t work then you need to contact your provider and get them to assess the situation from their side. They may be able to help identify the fault and offer advice and guidance on how to speed up your slow internet connection. 

However, another thing you can of course do is look to move to a new broadband deal - be it with the same provider or a new one - especially if faster, unlimited  and more dependable Full Fibre options are now available to you.

How to find a faster broadband deal

If the idea of a new broadband deal has piqued your interest, then we can help. Head over to our best broadband deals page and you’ll get an idea of what options are available to you. 

Better still, if you enter your postcode into our widget below you’ll be able to see the broadband deals you can actually get right now in your specific location. 

You can then either sign up for a new broadband deal - although you should check with your existing provider if you’re still under contract, as you could incur exit fees - or talk to your current supplier and haggle for a better tariff.

Earlier this year, you probably received a notification that your monthly broadband bill was increasing - even if you recently purchased a new broadband deal and were under contract.

Understandably, this is incredibly frustrating. However, it has also become increasingly common in the last few years. Sadly the majority of broadband providers now raise their prices 'mid-contract', usually in March or April. 

Frustrated by these increases and wondering whether there's anything you can do to reduce your bills? Well, you'll be pleased to know that there are some circumstances where you can avoid these price rises entirely. 

In this guide, we've explained everything that you need to know about broadband price rises, including why they happen, when they can be avoided and what steps you can take if your provider increases your bills mid-contract. 

Broadband price rises explained

Broadband price rises: at a glance

Broadband prices rises typically occur in April (although some take place at the end of March). Prior to this date (usually after January), you'll generally receive notification via letter or email from your provider stating that your bills will be increasing in line with annual inflation, which is informed by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Retail Price Index (RPI). 

Added to this, many broadband suppliers also bolt on their own discretionary percentage price increase, which is used to cover their own rising operational costs against inflation. This is why we can see variations in the size of the percentages in which suppliers say they will be increasing their prices. 

Broadband provider are allowed to do this even when you're under contract. This is because the terms are included within your contract documents. Here you'll be able to find out details about when price rises take place, what metric they're informed by and how many additional percentage points your supplier is allowed to add. 

However, we should add that Ofcom has changed the way in which suppliers can increase their prices from 2025 (more on that later). 

‘Mid-contract price rises’ explained

You may also hear or see the phrase ‘mid-contract price rises’ being used in relation to this subject. In fact, we've used it a couple of times already. This basically refers to the same price increases we’ve mentioned above, but it specifically applies to those who are still under contract with their broadband provider - and ultimately, can’t do a great deal about them.

Broadband cost increase examples

So, how does this actually work, and how much do broadband prices generally increase by annually? Well, here's how much prices went up by this year: 

The CPI rose by 4% in the 12 months up to January 2024, according to the ONS, and this is the base rate most broadband providers have used this year. However, some have taken a snapshot from February and then included their additional increases. As such, the majority of the UK’s ISPs have surpassed the standard 4%.

Here’s a selection of some examples for April 2024 of provider price increases, from highest to lowest:

• Virgin Media - 8.8% (February RPI rate + 3.9%)
• BT - 7.9% (CPI rate + 3.9%)
• Plusnet - 7.9% (CPI rate + 3.9%)
• EE - 7.9% (CPI rate + 3.9%)
• Vodafone - 7.9% (CPI rate + 3.9%)
• Three - 7.9% (CPI rate + 3.9%)
• TalkTalk - 7.7% (CPI rate + 3.7%)
• Sky - 6.7% average (not in relation to CPI)

Broadband price rises - frequently asked questions

Have broadband prices always increased?

As we’ve alluded to earlier, these price rises are nothing new - although things are getting a bit better for customers than they used to be. 

If we go back to 2019, the UK regulator Ofcom had to introduce new regulations to stop providers putting up prices whenever they wanted - something that unfortunately happened quite a lot. 

However, what suppliers instead started doing (which is what we’re seeing now) is that they just wrote into our contracts that their broadband packages would be subject to these annual increases. Moreover it also removes any obligation for them to let their customers know that these rises will be happening - something that continues to catch people out.

Will broadband prices continue to rise?

As we mentioned above, Ofcom has recently revealed that it is changing how and when broadband providers can increase their prices. 

As of January 2025, the regulator is banning ‘inflation-linked price rises’ in all new contracts. This means consumers will be able to enter into contracts featuring £/p information ahead of annual price rises in 2025. This should make the whole process clearer for customers. 

So, although prices will still rise again next year, you should have a much better understand of how and why your bill is changing. 

Can’t I just move to a cheaper provider?

When most customers receive notification that their price is rising, they immediately think of moving to a new provider. However, this isn't a step that you should really consider taking, unless you're out of contract. This is because you'll likely need to pay an early exit fee. These can be substantial and can leave you much worse off financially, even if you find a cheaper deal elsewhere. 

That said, if your broadband contract is due to come to an end before April 2025, then you should make a note of exactly when it is due to finish and ensure you switch provider beforehand. Ideally, you should then also look to move to a provider that doesn't have in-contract price rises in place. 

How to avoid broadband price rises

How to avoid broadband price rises now

In addition to switching provider if your current contract has expired, there are a number of other ways that you can look to avoid these broadband price rises now, including:

Haggling with your provider

If you think the prices are unfair, it's worth calling your provider and explaining your position. This move isn't guaranteed to succeed if you're under contract, but you may be able to haggle and receive a discount if you can articulate your position well. 

Checking to see if you can switch for free

If the price rises go beyond what is detailed in your contract, then you may be able to switch provider without paying a penalty. It's quite rare that you'll be allowed to do this, but it is worth checking. If you believe you're able to leave penalty-free, then call your provider and ask them for confirmation. 

Prove you’re not getting the right service

If you feel you’re not getting the service you’re paying for - e.g. your internet is slower than it should be on a regular basis - then you can build a case to say your supplier has broken the terms of your contract, allowing you to leave for free. However, you do need lots of evidence and additional proof to make such a scenario happen.

How to avoid broadband price rises in the future

If you’re thinking further ahead - and assuming Ofcom’s rulings don’t come into force this year - you can also try the following to circumnavigate these price rises:

Choose a provider with no price rises

It might sound obvious, but there are a few providers who haven’t raised their prices, such as Zen Internet and Hyperoptic. Plus, more suppliers are starting to offer ‘price lock’ deals that promise you won’t see increases if you sign up for things like long term contracts. 

Go for shorter contracts

Another option is to pick a broadband package that has a short-term, or rolling monthly contract. These typically cost a bit more, but it gives you the flexibility to leave in a quicker timeframe if you know the prices are going up.

Save with a bundle deal

If you have things like your mobile phone or your TV services through different suppliers, it might actually work out cheaper to bundle these together with your broadband. Essentially you can negate the price rises with savings on these extras.

Find a new broadband deal

Finding the best broadband deals

Whatever approach you take here, our guide to the best broadband deals can help you find a new - and potentially cheaper - package, especially if you are looking to switch.

Alternatively, you can get an idea of what deals are on offer in your location by using our widget below. All you need to do is enter your postcode and we’ll show you all the top tariffs available to you and your property.

The cost of living is already quite high for many of us, but in just a few days' time it looks set to get even higher, as some of the UK's biggest broadband providers are set to increase their prices. 

However, there's still time to avoid these increases and switch to a new deal, but not everyone will be able to do this without paying an exit fee on their existing broadband package.

To help you understand everything you need to know surrounding broadband price hikes such as why they happen, which providers are doing them and - most importantly - how and when you can look to switch to a cheaper tariff, we've broken everything down into one article. 

Which broadband providers are raising their prices?

Most of the UK's top broadband providers have said they will be putting their prices up this spring. However, some have announced higher rises than others, here's a full breakdown of how much your broadband provider could be increasing its prices by in the next few days: 

There are a handful of broadband providers who have said they won't be putting their prices up this April. These include:

• Hyperoptic
• Zen
• Fibrus
• BeFibre

If you aren't with any of the above suppliers, one thing you can do is contact your broadband provider directly and enquire as to whether or not you will face a price increase in April. You can also find out the amount your bill will rise to each month. That said, they will likely have already let you now this information by now.

How to avoid the price hikes

To help avoid the price hikes, you have a few options. You can:

1. Find a cheaper deal and switch to a more affordable broadband tariff.
2. Contact your provider directly to see if you can haggle for a cheaper deal.
3. Contact your provider and try to negotiate a discount or move to another tariff.

But remember, if you are still under contract with your broadband provider and want to leave and switch to a cheaper deal, it's almost a certainty you'll need to pay a penalty or exit fee. These can be quite expensive and leave you even more out of pocket. Thankfully, these details will be outlined in your current contract, so you can see how much leaving early will cost. If you're still unsure, contact your provider directly and they will give you a full breakdown. 

Broadband Switching FAQs

To help you get a clearer understanding of all this and the options you have with your broadband, we've also answered some common questions consumers have about the situation:

How to find the best broadband deals

If it turns out that you are in a position to switch without having to pay any exit fees, then you should take a look at our guide to the best broadband deals to find yourself a cheaper package. 

Alternatively, if you'd like to know what new broadband deal you can get in your location, enter your postcode into our widget below. We'll then be able to show you all the top deals that are on offer in your area right now.

If your broadband service isn't up to the standard you expected, or if you're suffering from sudden and persistent outages, then you're well within your rights to complain to your provider. 

When you take out a new broadband deal, your provider usually offers certain guarantees, such as a minimum speed guarantee and a guarantee of service. If they don't meet these minimum standards, you need to let them know immediately. 

Regardless of whether you have a general complaint about the speeds you're receiving or a specific issue that needs to be dealt with urgently, you need to inform your provider using their feedback process. If they don't resolve the issue in a satisfactory manner, you can then report them to an ombudsman. 

Here's everything you need to know about complaining to a broadband service provider, including the steps you need to take. 

Before you complain

Before you complain to your internet service provider, you should confirm that you cannot fix the problem yourself. You should also check your contract carefully to ensure that your provider is acting outside of the agreed terms. 

Here are all the steps you should take before contacting your broadband provider, depending on the exact issue you're facing:  

Broadband speeds and outages

If your connection keeps cutting out and you're left without broadband, then contact your provider immediately. This is because it's likely there's a serious issue with your connection that you'll be unable to fix yourself. 

However, if your broadband speeds are slow, it's worth trying the following fixes before you send a formal complaint:

• Check the quality of the internet connection on all of your devices to ensure it isn't an issue with the equipment you're using, rather than the connection itself 
• Run a broadband speed test and compare the speed you're receiving to your minimum speed guarantee 
• Reset your router and reconnect your devices 
• Move your router to somewhere more open and central in the home. Your signal may be slow because it's being blocked

Broadband billing, payments and contract disputes

If you receive an unexpected bill or your bill is much higher than usual, then you'll likely want to complain to your broadband provider about it. However, before you call them or speak to them via live chat, you should first check the details in your contract. 

Nowadays, broadband providers are allowed to hike the price of deals for customers who are under contract, as long as they explicitly state that they may do this in the contract before the customer signs up. For this reason, most internet service providers add the annual CPI rate of inflation plus around 3% to all of their deals annually. 

If you read your contract and find that your provider has increased the price by an amount they had specified they were allowed to do so, then there's very little you can do except make a note of when your contract ends so you can leave as soon as possible. 

However, if there's no mention of a change to your payments in the agreed terms, then you can complain to them about the change. You may even be able to switch to another provider without paying a fee. 

It's worth also mentioning here that your provider may have increased the monthly bill because you're now out of contract. This is incredibly common and the majority of providers hike the fee substantially when a customer's contract has finished, as their introductory deal has ended. The good news here is that if you're out of contract and you have a complaint, you can simply find a better broadband deal and leave free of charge. 

Your provider is legally obliged to notify you when your contract is coming to an end, but you may have missed it. After all, it feels like we all receive hundreds of marketing communications each day. So, before you complain, it's worth checking your contract to see when it will come to an end. 

Customer service 

If you called your provider's customer service team about this issue or a different one and they were rude to you, unprofessional or hard to contact, then you're also within your rights to complain about how they dealt with your issue or query. 

It may seem self-defeating to call the company again and go through the customer service staff, but it's actually a process that's well worth doing. These companies monitor and record all calls, so they'll have access to the conversation you're unhappy about. You can also specify that you'd like to speak to a manager or someone at a level above the person you initially spoke to. 

If this person agrees that the original issue was not resolved satisfactorily, you may receive a discount or some bill credit to make up for it. 

Gather the relevant evidence 

Finally, before you pick up the phone or start a live chat, make sure that you have all of the relevant information you need to hand. Documents you'll need to collate before you get in touch include: 

• A list of all your account details 
• A document that outlines all the problems you've been facing, including a list of dates and times when you've experienced the problem 
• A copy of your contract with the terms you agreed to
• A list of the dates and times you've spoken to the company about the issue previously. This should also include the names of anyone you spoke to (if relevant)
• Ofcom policies that relate to your case (if there are any)

Contacting your broadband provider

Now, it's time to contact your broadband provider's customer service team. How you'll do this will depend on your chosen provider.

All broadband providers will have a complaints policy or procedure in place. This should be freely available on their website. It will list how to contact them, as well as the protocol they follow when dealing with a complaint.

You can usually contact your provider via various methods, including email, phone and live chat.

Generally speaking, where possible, it's best to call your provider. This is because it's usually easier to appeal your case while speaking to someone than it is by using either email or live chat. 

While speaking to the provider

The vast majority of customer service staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. After all, they'll deal with problems like yours every day. In fact, it's more than likely that they'll offer you an acceptable resolution while you're on the phone. 

When you're speaking to this member of staff, you should remain calm and level headed. When you're encountering problems and you're frustrated, it's easy to get angry. But, speaking angrily is not going to get your problem resolved any quicker. Plus, if you're aggressive or you swear, the member of staff will be within their rights to hang up. 

Instead, speak calmly and slowly, referring to the notes you have. Thank the member of staff for helping you when possible and, if you're still unhappy with the response, ask that the issue be escalated to a manager or senior team member.

At this point, your complaint will usually be reviewed by a supervisor or manager in customer services, who will decide whether it should be passed to a specific department or someone higher up the chain.

Taking your complaint further

Called your provider's customer service team and you're unhappy with their response? It's time to escalate the issue to an independent body.

When to contact the ombudsman 

All companies offering services to individuals or small businesses of fewer than ten employees must be members of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme. For phone, broadband and mobile phone companies, this is either CISAS or the Communications Ombudsman.

Escalating your complaint to your provider’s communications ombudsman could help you get a more favourable resolution. If the ombudsman finds in your favour, you may receive an explanation or apology, changes to your contract or financial compensation. 

But, before you contact the relevant ombudsman, one of two things must happen: 

Firstly, you may receive a 'deadlock letter' from your provider. This confirms that you've exhausted all options with their complaints department and that the two of you have been unable to reach a satisfactory conclusion. When you have this letter, you have 12 months to contact the ombudsman and make your complaint.

Secondly, it may have been more than eight weeks since you first contacted your provider about the issue. To contact the ombudsman, you'll need to prove the date you officially raised your complaint. 

How to contact the broadband ombudsman

There are two broadband ombudsman that cover UK-based providers: Ombudsman Services and the Communication & Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS). Here's where you can go depending on which provider you have: 

To contact Ombudsman Services, click here. Alternatively, to complain to CISAS about an ongoing issue, click here. 

Contacting Ofcom 

As you may be aware, Ofcom is the UK's telecoms regulator and broadband watchdog. However, it doesn't take specific action based on one complaint. 

That said, it's usually still worth registering your complaint with Ofcom. This is because the regulator regularly publishes the number of complaints it receives about each broadband provider. This means that, if you complain to Ofcom, you can hold your provider accountable in the watchdog's quarterly report. 

Your case won't get any specific attention by taking this action. But it could help inform future policy decisions from Ofcom. It could also help the regulator highlight a trend in how a certain provider treats its customers and sells its products.

You can contact Ofcom by calling its advice and complaints hotline on 0300 123 3333 or 020 7981 3040, or by visiting its mobile, home phone and internet service complaints page.

Find a new broadband deal

If you're at your wits end with your current broadband provider, you can always look for a new broadband deal that better suits your needs. Use our handy comparison tool below to find the latest and greatest broadband deals!

Are you having problems with your broadband connection? If you're not getting the speeds you were promised or you're out of contract and you've found a better broadband deal elsewhere for a cheaper price, then now is the time to switch. 

The good news is that the switching process is now as simple as possible. In fact, many broadband providers will even handle the entirety of the switching process for you!

The exact process you'll need to follow will depend on the provider you're switching to, as well as the type of connection you have. With this in mind, let's look at everything you need to know about switching broadband providers in 2024. 

Why should I switch broadband provider? 

There are lots of reasons why you should consider switching broadband provider. After all, switching to a new broadband deal can help you if you'd like to: 

• Reduce your monthly costs 
• Receive a faster and more reliable connection 
• Stop paying for services you don't use
• Move to a provider with better customer service
• Sign-up for a shorter/longer contract that will suit your needs better
• Move house

Unsurprisingly, the main reason why people switch broadband provider remains cost. This is particularly the case during the current cost of living crisis. After all, many providers hiked their prices for under-contract customers by as much as 14.4% last year. This April, many will likely do the same again. 

However, cost aside, lots of people switch providers because they want faster internet speeds or more reliable connections. This is understandable. There's nothing worse than logging into Skype for an important work call or trying to stream the latest must-watch Netflix show only to find that you can't because of slow speeds and buffering problems. 

Can I switch broadband providers for free? 

Maybe. Not everyone can switch broadband providers for free, but some can. For example, you can leave your contract early without paying a penalty if you’re not receiving the broadband speeds you were promised when you entered the contract. You may also be able to leave without paying a penalty if your broadband provider hikes your prices above a certain rate mid-contract. 

The main reason why you'll be able to leave your current provider for free is that you're out of contract. When you take out a deal with a provider, you sign a contract that lasts for a certain period of time (usually at least 12 months). Once this time has elapsed, you're welcome to leave for free. This is actually advisable, because at this point your provider will likely hike the price of your deal. 

However, if you're currently under contract and your provider is meeting their minimum obligations and only increasing their prices by the amount outlined in your contract, you'll need to pay a penalty fee if you want to switch. To find out how much this is, you'll need to contact your current provider directly. 

How to switch broadband provider

When you're switching provider, you may find that your new provider uses the same network as your old one. If this is the case, the switching process is straightforward. 

If your new provider uses the same network as your old provider, such as BT and Sky who both use the Openreach network, then your new provider can handle the switching process on your behalf.

However, the process becomes more complicated if your new provider uses a different network to your old provider. For example, if you switch from Sky to Virgin Media, you're switching from the Openreach network to Virgin's own cable network. As a result, you'll need to stop your current service and start a new one. Both providers will need to be notified and the correct processes must be followed to ensure you're not left without a working connection. 

Let's take a look at which broadband providers will handle the switching process for you... 

Providers that will handle the switching process for you

If your current broadband provider uses the Openreach network and you’re switching to another provider that also uses this network, you can follow a ‘one-stop’ switching process. 

With this process, your new provider will handle the switching process for you and you do not need to contact your current provider at all. 

Once you've instructed your new provider to start the switching process, your current and new providers will both send you a letter informing you that the switch will take place. Within these letters, both providers must outline the services that will be switched, any services that are not affected by the switch and any charges that will apply.

The letters must also give details of the switch, including an estimate of when it will happen.

Providers that will handle the switching process for you (as long as you're staying on the Openreach network) include: 

• Sky
• BT
• EE
• TalkTalk
• Vodafone
• Zen
• Plusnet
• KCOM
• Giganet

Providers who won't handle the switching process for you

If you're switching to, or from, a provider that doesn’t use the Openreach network – such as Virgin Media’s cable service – you will need to stop your service with your current provider and then start a new service with a new provider. This means that you will need to contact both your current provider and your new provider to arrange the switch. 

Your current provider will confirm that your contract is ending on your instruction. They will also explain any charges that might apply. Meanwhile, your new provider should tell you when your new contract is likely to start. 

This process is undoubtedly more manual. However, you can make it much simpler by telling your old provider about your new provider's activation date. This way you can minimise any chance that you'll be left without an active internet connection. 

Providers that don't use the Openreach network include: 

• Virgin Media
• CityFibre
• Gigaclear
• Hyperoptic

Is there a plan to make the switching process simpler? 

Yes, back in 2021 Ofcom announced a new, easy and quick switching process that would be used by all broadband and landline service providers. Known as One Touch Switch, it was set to be launched on 3 April 2023. 

Sadly though, there has since been a delay to the industry's launch of the new process and it is not yet available for customers to use. 

However, Ofcom remains committed to making it as easy as possible for customers to move between different networks or technologies – for example, from a provider using the Openreach network to one using CityFibre’s, or from Virgin Media to Hyperoptic. 

Due to this, Ofcom has launched an industry-wide enforcement programme. They've pledged to continue speaking with providers and ensuring that the new switching process is delivered as soon as possible.

Switch provider today

Ready to make the switch? Simply put your postcode into the widget below. We'll then show you all of the best broadband deals that are available at your address. 

Unsure which deal is right for you or looking for more information on the different speeds, contract lengths and providers? No problem. Head over to our best broadband deals page. 

Most internet service providers (ISPs) offer their customers a free email address when they sign up for a new broadband deal. While some customers use this email address fleetingly, many use it as their primary email address. 

If you use your provider-linked account as your primary email address, then you may be concerned about whether you'll be able to keep access when you switch.

Thankfully, help is at hand! We've put together this guide that explains in detail exactly what happens to your email address when you close your account with your current provider. Just as importantly, we also explained whether you should keep your account when you switch to a new deal with a different ISP. 

Will my provider let me keep my email address?

Sadly, the truth is that not all providers will allow you to keep your email address when you switch. For example, Virgin Media will delete your email account 90 days after you've left the company. 

Many providers do allow you to retain access to your email account, however. For example, BT allows you to maintain full access to your account as long as you pay a monthly fee, while Sky will allow you to continue to use it for free as long as it remains active. 

With this in mind, here's a guide to the policies of some of the most popular broadband provider:

Can I keep my email address if I leave BT?

If you switch to a new broadband provider, BT allows you to retain full access to your email account for 60 days. After this, if you have four options...

The first option involves subscribing to the company's Premium Mail service. This means that you have to pay £7.50 a month to retain access to your account and all of its features. 

Alternatively, you can switch to the company's Basic email service. However, as the title of this offering suggests, the features you're offered are limited and you can only access your email through BT.com. This means you can't use this email with an email client or on your device. 

Thirdly, you can add your BT email address to someone else's account if they're a Premium Mail subscriber (this is because subscribers can have multiple email addresses registered on their subscription). 

Finally, you can allow the company to delete your email address at the end of the 60-day period. 

Can I keep my email address if I leave Sky?

If you currently have a deal with Sky, then you'll be pleased to hear that the company allows you to keep your email address when you switch provider. As the company has partnered with Yahoo to power its email service, this feature is available at no cost to you. 

However, it's worth mentioning that Sky does periodically close down inactive accounts. This means that if you want to keep your email address, you'll also need to use it regularly. 

On top of this, it's also worth keeping in mind that although providing and maintaining a free email address is the company's current policy, they could withdraw this feature at any time. 

Can I keep my email address if I leave Virgin Media?

Virgin Media allows switchers to retain access to their email address for 90 days. However, at the end of this 90-day period, the account is closed and all messages and contacts are deleted. 

Thankfully, if you're worried about losing access, this 90-day period is long enough for you to move or save anything important to your computer or forward it to a new email address.

Can I keep my email address if I leave TalkTalk?

After you complete your switch, you'll still be able to access your TalkTalk email account for two years. However, during this period, although you'll be able to send and receive messages, you will not be able to use the ‘My Account’ feature to change passwords and actively manage the account. 

In order to keep access to your email account, you'll also need to use it regularly. This is because TalkTalk automatically deletes all email accounts that are inactive for six months. 

If you'd like to keep your email address and all its features, you'll need to sign up for TalkTalk Mail Plus, which costs £5 a month or £50 a year. 

Can I keep my email address if I leave Plusnet?

If you regularly use your Plusnet email address, then you can retain access as long as you notify Plusnet before you cancel your contract. The company used to charge a small monthly fee for this service, but this was recently waived. 

Should I keep my email account or move to a free service?

Although keeping your current email account when you switch provider may seem like the more convenient choice, we recommend that you switch from your old provider-linked account to an account with a top email provider such as Gmail (you could also use an alternative provider like Outlook or Yahoo! Mail if you prefer). 

This is because keeping an old provider-linked account with a company like BT will cost you £270 over three years! That's a lot of money to spend when you could simply start a new account for free in only a couple of minutes. Plus, by switching to a third-party email account, you'll be able to keep the same account no matter how many times you switch provider in the coming years. 

Moving your email to a provider like Gmail is simple. Here's how... 

How to move your email to a new Gmail account

Although a number of third-party email providers offer free email addresses, we think Gmail is one of the best. This is because the email address is completely free and you also get 15GB of free storage on Google Drive. 

Thankfully, setting up a new Gmail account and migrating your existing email contacts is simple. Below, we've outlined all the steps you need to take. 

However, here it's important to note that you must take these steps before you switch provider. This is because setting up a new email account and forwarding all your messages and contacts will require access to your old email account.

With this in mind, here are the steps you need to follow: 

1. Open Gmail and click on the settings menu (this is indicated by the cog icon you see in the top right corner) 
2. Click 'Accounts and Import' then 'Import Mail and Contacts' 
3. Enter your current email address and follow the on-screen instructions 
4. Set up a forwarding system in your old account so that new email is automatically forwarded to your new email address

You may think that last step sounds a little complicated, but you simply need to follow the instructions in the settings section of your current inbox. 

For example, with BT Connect, you need to navigate to Manage Services > Email Summary > then highlight your email address in the box > click Email Forwarding. Then you just need to enter your new Gmail address and click 'Save'. 

Things to consider before your email account is closed

Now, your new email address is set up and ready to use. However, there are a couple of extra steps we think you should take to make sure the migration process runs smoothly. 

Firstly, once you've set up your new email address, you should also export your contacts from your old account and send an email to your main contacts letting them know you’ll be using a new address from now on. 

At this point, it's also wise to set up an auto-responder from your old email address that lets your contacts know you've moved your inbox. Just be sure to include your new email address in the message and ensure they know that messages from this address aren't spam.

Finally, you'll need to check which services you've linked to your old address. For example, if your old email account is also linked to your Netflix or Facebook account, you'll need to confirm the new details with these providers while you still have access to the old account. To help you with this process, here are some of the accounts you may have linked to your old email address: 

• Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime
• Online banking systems 
• Online payments systems like PayPal
• Social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok
• Apple or Google accounts
• Travel websites such as Booking.com or Expedia

Once you think you've changed all the details across to your new email address, you should check the 'Saved Accounts' section of your browser. 

Whenever you fill in a form or log into a website, your browser offers you the option to save your login details. Google Chrome’s password manager will have a list of all these websites along with your login details and passwords. Browse through those to see if there are any that require you to log in with your email address.

Don't worry too much about this, either. If you do miss one and you need access to an account, you should be able to log in with your old email address as long as you can remember the password. 

Finally, once you've migrated all of your linked accounts, you should delete all emails within the old account and set up a new, strong password to ensure that it stays secure until it’s finally closed down. This will ensure all your personal information stays secure while you're not checking the account.

Broadband email: FAQs

To add some extra clarity for you here, we've also collated and answered some extra FAQs consumers tend to have about their broadband email accounts.

How to switch to a new broadband deal

Stayed with the same provider for the last few years so you could keep your current email address? Well, the time has come to switch. By doing so, you could potentially save hundreds of pounds a year. 

The easiest way to check exactly how much you could save by switching is to visit our best broadband deals page. Alternatively, you could add your details into the widget below. We'll then show you the best broadband deals available at your address. 

Once you have this information, you can complete the process of switching your provider-linked email account over to a free email account. Then, you can keep all your important information and save money on your bills. 

Whether you use your internet connection for work, entertainment or simply staying in touch with loved ones, getting one of the best broadband deals that provides fast enough speeds for everything you need is crucial.

When it comes to promising lightning-fast speeds, internet service providers (ISPs) talk a good game and many even lure you in with enticing average download speeds or claims of amazing 5G and fibre services. However, you must remember that you're not guaranteed to receive these speeds. 

As a result, when you take out a broadband deal, you may feel like your internet connection isn't as quick as you thought it would be. However, many other factors can come into play, like the number of devices on your network, broadband hardware, and even the layout of your space. If this is the case, you should conduct a broadband speed test to determine what download and upload speeds you're actually receiving. These may turn out to be much lower than the speeds initially advertised! 

If you're not getting the kind of internet speeds that you were expecting when you signed up with your current broadband provider, then you should look to move to another. After all, if your provider isn't regularly providing the speeds they guaranteed, you're the one who is missing out on what you're paying for. 

Recommended Broadband Deals

Broadband speed test: where can I find one?

The good news is that there are plenty of broadband speed test tools available all over the internet. Most of these will tell you whether you're getting the connections you should be and they are simple to find and use, too. There's even one built into the Google search engine.

However, although many of these tools are accurate, they are rather basic. If you'd like something a little more in-depth, then we recommend heading over to Speedtest.net. This accurate and easy-to-use tool also provides you with invaluable information about recognized outages on certain connected services and games.

What if my broadband speed test reveals slower speeds than I'd expected?

Internet providers such as BT broadband, Virgin Media and Sky used to say that your broadband speed would be 'up to xxMbps'. Thankfully, this has now changed after an intervention from the Advertising Standards Authority. 

Now, internet service providers must tell you their 'average' speed. This is the speed that more than 50% of users enjoy between 8 pm and 10 pm in the evening. As a result, the speeds you're advertised are usually much closer to the speeds you actually receive. 

When you sign up for your broadband contract, your provider should tell you the range of speeds that it will supply. If your broadband speed test shows that the speed you're getting is slow but remains within the promised range, then there isn't much you can do other than complain. However, if the broadband speed you're receiving regularly falls below the minimum promised speed, then you may be able to exit your contract early without paying a penalty. 

If you think you're not getting the speeds you were promised, then check your broadband speed now and document the results. If your provider agrees this speed is lower than the minimum speed they promised and they allow you to leave your contract early, then head to our best broadband deals page to find a new plan.

How fast should my speed be, and what do I need? 

Although fibre internet is the industry standard, some people in rural areas or high-rise flats still have super-slow speeds that aren’t much different from dial-up. These packages are known as ADSL deals. 

How you use the internet will determine the broadband speed you need. For example, if you're just loading regular websites and browsing the web, then you'll need around 2Mbps. However, if you want to upload photos, stream in standard definition or use Skype, you'll need at least 5Mbps. But, even this may be a little slow for your needs, and you'll likely need at least 10Mbps to avoid buffering. 

If you want to game online or stream in HD, you'll need 20-25Mbps. To get these speeds, you'll need a fibre broadband deal. If you're looking for the latest and greatest, it might also be worth checking out the best 5G broadband deals to see what's available in your area. 

If you have lots of online devices and multiple members of your family want to download films and stream at the same time, you may even need 50Mbps+. To achieve these speeds, you'll definitely need a fibre deal and you may need to pay a premium for a top-of-the-range package. 

How do broadband speed tests work? 

Generally speaking, a broadband speed check will measure your real-time network connection to your local server. It does this by simulating downloads and uploads using your current broadband connection. 

After it has run these checks, it provides you the results in Mbps (or MBs). This is an illustration of the number of megabits that are being downloaded per second. The higher the number, the quicker the connection. 

However, you need to remember that the results you receive will be affected by external factors, such as how many people are using the internet at the same moment as your test. For this reason, the results you receive in the middle of the day might be quite different from the results you receive in the evening when more people are at home and streaming or using Netflix. 

As such, you should check your broadband speed at the time of day you most regularly use the internet – so if you're online most during the evenings, streaming Netflix shows or browsing Facebook, then check at that time.

To get a result that's as accurate as possible, we suggest turning off anything else that might be tapping into your broadband before you check your broadband speed. The more strain you're putting on your connection, the slower the results will appear.

Switch providers today

Checked your broadband speeds and not liking what you're seeing? Then it may be time to switch your internet provider. We can help with that - head to our best broadband deals guide or check out the handy comparison tool below to ensure you're getting the best prices available.

NOW Broadband deals have become increasingly popular in recent years, but this should be no surprise as it frequently offers some of the cheapest and best broadband deals, as well as some excellent value TV add-ons.

Across its three broadband packages, you won't find any ultrafast or gigabit internet options, but what it does have is perfect for most small to medium-sized households looking for affordability.

NOW also plays to its strengths as a TV provider with its broadband and TV bundle deals. Instead of offering just the free-to-air channels, NOW's broadband and TV selections can also include subscriptions to things like Sky Entertainment, Sky Cinema, or Sky Sports. What's more, you can enjoy hundreds of great box sets and you can even pick your own experience in terms of the types of channels you'd prefer to watch.

Check out our handpicked favorites below, or drop down this page to see the hottest NOW broadband deals right now. 

Today's best NOW Broadband deals

What tech comes with a NOW Broadband deal?

The router you get with NOW Broadband is its innovative NOW Hub 2. This is essentially a Sky Q Hub (as NOW is part of Sky) under different branding. This router handles both TV and broadband and can even connect with Sky's Buddy app to add extra parental controls. 

What's NOW Broadband's customer service like?

In Ofcom's latest customer service report, NOW Broadband scores well for the quality of its customer services – although it has yet to receive an overall satisfaction score. However, it had the shortest average call support waiting times and had the fewest number of complaints.

NOW Broadband deals: TV add-ons

NOW has four different TV add-ons available with its broadband which tend to feature different Sky channels, these are:

NOW Entertainment
This is the most popular option of the three when it comes to TV add-ons from NOW. It offers live access to the likes of Sky Witness, Sky Atlantic, Sky Comedy, Sky Documentaries, Sky History, Sky Nature, Gold, Sky Crime, Comedy Central, Sky Arts, Fox, MTV, Nat Geo, Discovery Channel, and SyFy.

NOW Cinema
This is the option for those who love to binge-watch movies. It allows you to stream well over 1000 films from Sky Cinema and it regularly updates the service with new content.

NOW Sports:
With this option, you get access to all of the available Sky Sports channels. That means Sky Sports, Sky Sports F1, Sky Sports News, Sky Sports Racing, Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Action, Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports Main Event.

NOW Hayu:
Sky's Hayu Pass is for anyone who wants a fill of reality TV programmes. It features a wide variety of popular reality shows including Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Below Deck, The Real Housewives, and plenty more.

Now Broadband deals: FAQ

NOW broadband deals comparison

Locking in one of the best broadband deals can save you a ton on your monthly bill and also net you some freebies that can add to your overall experience. We've scoured the darkest depths to find the very best deals and promos from all of the top broadband providers, and also answer many of your burning questions regarding broadband providers and services. 

Whether you're looking for a great fibre broadband deal, want a simple broadband-only deal, or are looking to add extras with a broadband and TV deal – we've got a wide array of broadband packages for you across providers such as BT, Sky, Virgin Media, EE and more! 

This month's best broadband deal

Right now the best broadband deal you can get your hands on comes courtesy of Virgin Media. You can get great speeds that will suit most households for < £30/month.

The best broadband deals for July 2026

Not sure which provider has the best broadband deals in your area? Or limited to only a select few providers due to where you live? Try our handy comparison tool for a quick look at all the best broadband offers available for you!

Speeds & Availability

Broadband contracts and pricing

Broadband FAQ

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• Best TalkTalk broadband deals
• Best Virgin Mobile broadband deals
• Best EE broadband deals
• Best Three broadband deals

When you first sign up for a new broadband deal, one of the last things you’ll probably think about is what to do when your contract comes to an end. After all, it can be quite a considerable amount of time before you really need to consider it, especially if you've chosen a 24-month deal. 

However, the reality is that if you don’t give it some thought nearer its end, you can risk being moved onto a costly rolling agreement or one which ties you into something more expensive.

That said, there are now regulations in place for providers which means they should give you a heads up about when your contract is going to end and what options you have - but again, some of us can miss this or forget they need to take action.

So to help you out with this situation, in this guide we’ve explained everything you need to know about what options you have and what you can do when your broadband contract is ending - which should be enough to help you avoid any unexpected increased bills.

What does it mean to be ‘out of contract’?

In simple terms, being ‘out of contract’ with your broadband means that the agreement you made with your provider has now ended and the previous terms no longer apply. 

Typically, this will see you start paying a different monthly rate but you’ll keep the same services. But, this can vary from provider to provider.

Ofcom’s ‘End of Contract Notification’ rules

You shouldn’t get caught out by your contract expiring though, even if you’ve forgotten when your broadband contract is meant to end. This is because in February 2020, the UK communications regulator, Ofcom, introduced new rulings that demand our internet service providers (ISPs) give us notice that our contracts are coming to an end.

These are now known as ‘end-of-contract notifications’ (ECN) and they are meant to include/cover the following information for customers:

• when your contract ends;
• the price you’ve been paying until now, and what you’ll pay when your contract is up;
• any notice period for leaving your provider;
• your provider’s best deals, including any prices only available to new customers.
• details of other contracts that are taken as part of a bundle, including the end dates of any commitment periods for those contracts

With this information, you should then be able to make an informed decision about what you choose to do with your broadband going forward. Providers are then also obliged to tell you what their best deals and packages are at that time.

When and how will I receive my end-of-contract notification?

How and when you will get this ECN information can depend on your provider and what setup they have in place. The rules given by Ofcom state that “phone, broadband and pay-TV companies must contact you between 10 and 40 days before your contract comes to an end” and that these alerts must be “sent by text, email or letter”. 

You can also of course check any time with your provider when your contract expires and get the details of what your current broadband package includes. Most ISPs have online accounts for their customers where all this information can be found, but you should also have the option to call or email them if this direct approach is your preferred method of communication.

What happens if I don’t do anything when I’m out of contract?

As we’ve alluded to earlier, if you don’t do anything when your broadband contract comes to an end - even if you’ve had your ECN - there are a few things that could happen. It can be some or a combination of the following:

• You get moved onto a monthly rolling cost with the same services
• This monthly cost increases to what the provider decides the price will be at that point
• The monthly cost increases to the terms you agreed in your initial contract
• You automatically renew your contract on the same terms
• You automatically renew your contract with different terms

What are my options if I’m out of contract with my broadband?

With the above points in mind, having control of the situation is the best approach to take. As such, when you’ve had your ECN - or you just know your broadband contract is up for renewal - you may wish to try the following:

Stay with your provider

If you’ve been happy with your existing broadband provider, then you can always stay with them and sign a new contract. However, if this is the case, make sure you speak with them directly and ensure they are offering you the same (or better) terms as before. 

It might be the case that they still want to put your monthly costs up, or maybe change aspects or benefits from your old deal, so be prepared to negotiate or barter with them.

Switch to a new provider

If you hit a brick wall with your negotiations, or you in fact wanted to change to a different provider all along, you’re perfectly entitled to do so when you’re nearing the end of your contract, or you’re already out of contract.

How to find the best broadband deals when switching provider

For those of you looking to switch, we can help you with this too. We have a guide to the UK’s most popular broadband providers that can explain more about each of the leading ISPs and what they have to offer. 

Alongside this, you should check out our guide that explains how you can find the best broadband deal for your needs. This can be particularly useful if you’ve been with a provider for an extended period, as there might now be faster Full Fibre packages available to you, or you could get an improved broadband and TV bundle.

Equally, if you already have an idea of what broadband tariff you want to switch to, then our guide to the best broadband deals should be able to point you in the right direction. In addition to this, if you enter your postcode into the widget below we will also show you what broadband deals are specifically available in your area. 

If an extended and unexpected broadband outage stops you from working or enjoying your favourite TV shows, then it’s only right that you receive compensation. After all, when you take out a broadband deal, you expect it to provide you with continuous coverage. 

Well, the good news is that Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme is designed to help you get money back from your provider when your broadband is out of service. Here’s everything you need to know about the automatic compensation scheme, including how it works and which providers are signed up. 

What is the Ofcom automatic compensation scheme? 

The Ofcom automatic compensation scheme was first introduced in April 2019. Officially known as the ‘Ofcom automatic landline and broadband compensation scheme’, it’s designed to compensate customers who experience any of the following from their provider: 

• Delayed repairs following a loss of service.  
• Missed and rescheduled appointments. 
• Delays with the start of a new service.  

Which providers are signed up to the scheme? 

The scheme is voluntary, so not all providers have signed up. That said, many of the country’s most popular providers have opted in. This means that most customers are eligible to receive compensation for the above reasons. 

All of the following companies have signed up to the scheme. So, if you receive a broadband connection from any of these internet service providers, you’re covered: 

• BT (joined 1 April 2019) 
• EE (joined 4 May 2021)
• Hyperoptic Broadband (joined 28 October 2019) 
• NOW Broadband (joined 1 April 2019)
• Plusnet (joined 4 May 2022)
• Sky (joined 1 April 2019) 
• TalkTalk (joined 1 April 2019) 
• Utility Warehouse (joined 17 February 2020)
• Virgin Media (joined 1 April 2019) 
• Vodafone (joined 3 November 2021) 
• Zen Internet (joined 1 April 2019) 

When am I entitled to compensation? 

If you’re with one of the providers listed above, then you will automatically receive compensation in any of the following scenarios:  

• You’ve been without a working broadband connection for two full working days.  
• An engineer does not turn up for a scheduled appointment. 
• Your scheduled engineer appointment is cancelled by your engineer or provider with less than 24 hours' notice. 
• Your provider has not started your service on an agreed date. 

Unless a specific exception applies, the scheme requires your provider to pay automatic compensation to you even if the problem is caused by an event beyond either your or their control. Examples include extreme weather, strikes and third-party acts.

How much compensation will I receive? 

How much compensation you’ll receive depends on the issue you experienced and how long you experienced it for. However, all providers who are signed up to the scheme will pay the following base rates: 

• £9.33 for each calendar day that the service was not repaired. 
• £29.15 per missed appointment. 
• £5.83 for each calendar day of delay for the service going live, including the missed start date. 

These will change on 1 April 2024 and they’re calculated in line with inflation, which is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as of 31 October 2023.

It’s also important to know that if you experience issues with both your broadband and landline at the same time, you will only receive compensation for one of these services.

How and when will I receive the compensation I’m owed? 

If your engineer misses your appointment or there’s a delay when activating your broadband or landline service, you will automatically receive compensation from your provider and there is no need to take any action.

However, if your broadband or landline stops working, you’ll need to report the problem to your provider. Then, if the service has not been fixed after two full working days, you will automatically receive compensation for each day the fault remains unfixed. 

Any money you’re owed will be added as a credit to your account within 30 days of a missed appointment or the activation of the service. If you’ve experienced a total loss of service fault, you’ll receive the credit within 30 calendar days of the service being fixed completely.

What if I don’t receive the compensation I’m owed? 

If you believe you’re owed compensation but you haven’t received any money from your provider, then you should notify them immediately. If you cannot reach a resolution with your provider via customer support, then you need to raise a formal complaint with them. 

If your formal complaint remains unresolved, then you can escalate the matter to an Ofcom-approved alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service. An ADR acts as an independent middleman to resolve disputes. Every provider is legally obliged to be a member of an ADR that has been approved by Ofcom.

Are there any exclusions? 

Please be aware that you won’t be entitled to compensation if you caused the issue. For example, if you cancelled your appointment with the engineer, you changed the date of the appointment or you damaged the router in your home. 

You also won’t be eligible for compensation if you breach your contract or you prevent the issue from being resolved. You may do this by turning down an engineer appointment, for example. 

Providers can also put a cap on the amount of compensation they pay out. After 30 days of an automatic compensation payment occurring, they can serve a cease notice to let you know that automatic compensation payments will stop after a further 30 days.

Following this, your provider will need to take reasonable steps to provide a suitable alternative service. If they are not able to give you a suitable alternative, you will still be entitled to automatic compensation under the scheme.

If a provider claims an exception to paying automatic compensation, Ofcom expects them to clearly communicate the reasons why they have done so to you. They’re also expected to act in your best interests. If they’re not paying compensation for legitimate reasons and you’re left without service, Ofcom says that you should not be charged for any service you’re not receiving.

Frequently asked questions

Today’s broadband bills include a lot of detail and jargon. As a result, it can be hard to find all of the important details you need. 

To help you decode your bill and ensure you’re not overspending on your current broadband deal, here we’ve outlined five important bits of information you need to check each month. 

So, read on and discover the five most important things you need to look at when your next broadband bill arrives through your letterbox or your email inbox. Knowing about all of them could help you save money. 

1. Your charges

Depending on how many services you have bundled with your provider, a couple of different payments could contribute to your overall bill. 

On your bill, you should be able to see a breakdown of the cost of each service you pay for, such as your internet, your phone plan and your TV bundle. 

Here, it’s important to remember that some of these services, such as a home phone package, could have different charges each month as the amount you’ll pay will vary based on your usage.

So, if you notice that your bill is either higher or lower than the previous month, this may be because you’ve used a certain service more than usual. Or, you could have used that service in a way that could result in additional charges. For instance, you may have been charged for making calls internationally, or you may have been charged for making daytime calls if your plan only includes free evening and weekend calls. Alternatively, you may have exceeded your data limit. 

By checking the charges section of your bill each month and keeping track of the amount you’re exceeding any allowances by, you can reduce your monthly costs. 

2. The terms of your contract

If you’ve read the breakdown of your charges and you believe that your provider has made an error, then you may be able to speak to them about this. The process for disputing the charges will be outlined on your bill. 

Nowadays, the vast majority of broadband contracts last for either 18 or 24 months. If you’re early into your contract and you’re continually running up additional charges, then you may feel as though the contract you’ve selected isn’t right for your needs. Particularly if you need to keep paying for it for another year or even longer. 

For example, you may have signed up for a deal that has a data cap and provides free evening and weekend calls. However, you may now be realising that you’re exceeding the cap each month and making calls during the day. As such, you may find that your broadband deal is much more costly than you thought it would be. 

As we mentioned above, your bill will show you which part of your package is driving up your costs. If you find it’s the same service that’s costing you more every month, then it will be worth speaking to your provider about this. 

Certain providers will let their customers change part of their deal halfway through their contract. So, try speaking to your provider directly about this or asking them whether they’d be willing to upgrade you to a service that will stop you from racking up additional fees in the future. 

Of course, you can’t do this for free and you’ll need to pay an additional cost. But, upgrading in this way will provide you with price certainty and it will most likely be cheaper than paying a separate monthly fee for over-using your service.

3. Monthly payment date

As you may expect from its name, your monthly payment date is the day you need to pay for your broadband connection. It should be clearly displayed on your bill. 

If you’ve recently signed up for a new broadband package, then you may not have yet had a chance to select a payment date that suits your financial planning. Generally speaking, it’s likely that you’ll initially be charged on or around the date that you signed up for your contract by default. 

However, if your current payment date doesn’t suit your finances (for example if it falls quite far away from your payday), you can speak to your provider about switching it. Many will allow you to alter your chosen direct debit date, as long as you don’t miss a payment.

Doing this can be incredibly helpful. If you move all of your direct debits to shortly after you’re paid, you can clear all of them immediately and then plan your finances for the rest of the month. You may find it a little easier to budget if the rest of your month is bill-free! 

4. Contract end date

Before you took out your broadband deal, you will have been notified about the length of the contract you were signing up to. Of course, it’s easy to lose track of these things, particularly as the amount of direct debits and contracts we all sign up for seems to grow each year. 

Thankfully, most providers make it clear how long you have left before your contract is up. BT, for example, clearly displays your contract end date under the product that you pay for. However, we should point out that some providers don’t display this information at all. 

If you can’t find your contract end date on your bill, then there’s no need to be alarmed. You should be able to visit your provider’s website and log into your account to find out.

You should always keep a note of your contract’s end date. After all, if your contract expires and you don’t realise, you’ll be moved onto a new ‘out of contract’ rate that will likely be much more expensive. By contrast, if you know when your contract ends, you’ll be able to either switch to a great new deal or renew your contract before you’re charged more expensive ‘out of contract’ prices.

5. End of contract notification

This final point is linked to the one above. Towards the end of your contract, your provider will send you an end-of-contract notification along with one of your bills. 

You normally receive your end-of-contract notification in the same way that you receive your bills. For example, if you receive your bill by post then you’ll also receive your end-of-contract notification by post. But, if you receive your bill by email, then you’ll usually also receive your end-of-contract notification by email, too. 

Your end-of-contract notification will usually be sent to you around a month before your current plan ends and it will give you three options: 

• The chance to take out a new broadband deal with them 
• The option to switch to a new broadband deal with a different provider (if you give sufficient notice) 
• The option to cancel your contract (with sufficient notice) 

Which of these options is best for you is dependent on your personal circumstances. However, you should choose one of them. If you do not reply, your provider will move you onto a more expensive plan. 

It’s likely that your provider will include lots of details about their offers with their end-of-contract notification. However, you should remember that you are free to look elsewhere and shop around for the best possible deal. 

Switch broadband provider today

At the end of your contract and ready to make a switch? Simply put your postcode into the widget below and we’ll show you all of the best broadband deals in your area. 

Picture the scenario, you’re in the middle of an important video call and suddenly the sound cuts and you get the buffering sign of doom - and then the realisation hits that you know your internet has gone down.

Needless to say, such a situation can be incredibly frustrating. However, you can at least take a crumb of comfort in knowing that it happens to pretty much everyone at some point. Even if you’re on one of the fastest or best broadband deals around, an internet outage is likely to be something you’ve endured at one time or another.

That said, if your broadband is suffering from outages regularly, or you aren’t sure what to do to get back online quickly, there are different steps you can take to help get these downtime issues resolved, or at least mitigate them a bit.

So to find out more, be sure to read on as in this guide we’ve covered everything from common questions like ‘what causes broadband outages’ to the different approaches you can try to get your broadband up and running again. 

What are broadband outages?

In simple terms, a broadband outage is when your internet service provider’s (ISP) network has an issue and it cuts off your connection. More often than not, you simply won’t be able to get online, but occasionally you can have slower or intermittent internet access. 

These tend to affect smaller areas (e.g. a section of a town/city) rather than nationwide. Although this can sometimes happen as customers of Virgin Media found out once in April 2023. In some cases, an outage can even be localised to a specific problem with your property.

How often do broadband outages happen?

Broadband outages happen a little more often than you might think. According to an article from ISPreview that looked at a study by Uswitch, as many as ‘21.7 million people experienced “broadband outages” of 3 or more hours over the last year – double 2022’s figure of over 11m’. The same study also found that major cities were the main hotspots for internet downtime issues.

What causes these outages?

There are several smaller causes of outages, but if we look at these on a top-level basis, the three most-common reasons are:

• High traffic volumes - if there are lots of people online at once using a lot of data on a network it can cause the network to slow down or shut down while it processes all the information.

• Damaged cables - if the cables that supply the internet to an area get damaged (be it by weather, wear and tear or vandalism) it can either stop or limit the data they are sending, which then affects your connection.

• Domestic hardware issues - possibly the router, cabling or tech in your property that supplies your broadband is damaged or isn’t working as it should.

How long do they last?

How long a broadband outage lasts depends on the severity of the issue that’s causing it, but generally speaking they are dealt with fairly swiftly by ISPs.

For the most part, your internet will be restored within a few hours, particularly when it’s caused by high traffic and data volumes. However, any damage to cables or hardware issues can mean you’re offline for upwards of a few days while the necessary repairs are made, or while you wait to get your tech repaired.

What to do if your broadband goes down

If your internet goes down, before you start tearing your hair out, it’s worth just giving your device a restart first. If that doesn’t work, here’s what else you can do:

Use a provider’s service checker

Before you say anything, yes you’ll need to use your mobile network or another connection to do this if your internet is down, but you can look to a broadband service checker.

You can use a generic one like this from Ofcom, or use one that’s specific to your chosen ISP. Not all ISPs have these though so you might need to call its customer services, or look on any social media platforms for status updates on the network.

These outlets should be able to tell you what issues are affecting your broadband and possibly when it will be resolved.

If it’s not a network issue…

Reboot your router

If you find out it’s not a network issue, alongside turning your devices on and off, you should also try turning your router off, waiting a few minutes and then rebooting it. This can sometimes refresh it and repair the connection, or it might have just overheated a bit and turning it on and off can cool it down.

It can also help to move your devices closer to your router if you’re using the WiFi so you get a stronger signal.

Change your connection type

For those of you struggling to connect to the WiFi from your router, you should try plugging into it directly with an ethernet cable. This ‘wired connection’ can be stronger and more reliable than WiFi and might sort out your issue.

Switch to your mobile network

If it turns out that your broadband tech - be it a router or the cabling in your property - is damaged and needs to be replaced, you could look to temporarily use your mobile network. 

Most modern devices will allow you to ‘tether’ to your phone’s 4G or 5G network and get you online this way. However, just be aware this will use a lot of your mobile data and it likely won’t be as fast as your normal broadband connection.

Consider switching to a new provider

You also have the option to consider your broadband package in general, especially if you’re not happy with the amount of downtime you’ve had and if you aren’t particularly impressed with how quickly your ISP resolves your issues. 

So with this, if you’re nearing the end of your contract, or you want to shop around for a new deal to switch to in the future, check out our guide to the best broadband deals and you’ll be able to get a better understanding of what’s on offer right now.

At the same time, feel free to use our widget below. Simply put your postcode into it and we’ll show you all the best tariffs and packages that you can get in your location.

If your broadband connection doesn’t meet your requirements anymore, or you’re unhappy with the service you’re receiving, then you may be considering leaving your contract early and switching to a new broadband deal. 

Does this sound like you? Well, the good news is that leaving your contract early is possible. However, the bad news is that it can be costly if you don’t meet the criteria for leaving without paying a penalty. 

In this handy guide, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the process of ending a broadband contract. This way, you can assess whether it really is the right decision for you.

Can you cancel a broadband contract early? 

Yes. But you’ll usually need to pay an early exit fee or a cancellation fee. Sadly, this isn’t a fixed cost and the amount you’ll need to pay will depend on your specific provider and their cancellation policy. 

As you signed a contract promising to pay your provider a fixed amount of money for a certain number of months, some providers will ask you to pay the full amount owed. So, if you pay £25 per month for your broadband and you have six months left, you’ll need to pay £150 to end your contract. 

Other providers ask for a percentage of the balance to be paid upfront, while some charge a reduced fee per month of the contract left. The amount you’ll need to pay to leave your deal early will be detailed in your contract’s terms and conditions. 

It’s also important to know that some providers will ask you to return your equipment. If you don’t, you’ll need to pay an additional penalty. For example, if you’re with EE and you don’t return your equipment, you’ll be charged an additional £175. 

Can I get out of my contract without paying? 

Maybe. In some limited circumstances, it is possible to leave without paying a penalty or cancellation fee. This applies if you’re in the cooling-off period, your contract has expired, your provider isn’t meeting the required minimum standards, or you haven’t been informed about an above-inflation price change. 

You’re in the cooling-off period 

A cooling-off period is a set amount of time a broadband provider gives you to change your mind about the product. This is usually 14 days, although certain providers such as Sky Broadband provide you with 31 days. 

However, although you can cancel for free during your cooling-off period, your rights may be affected if you’ve used the connection. Plus, if you made your purchase in person, you don’t have the same legal rights and you may be subject to a charge. 

Your contract has expired

You can, however, change providers without charge if your contract has expired. When you take out a broadband deal, you usually sign a contract that lasts for either 12, 18 or 24 months. This is the minimum term for the deal and, after this time, you can leave without paying a penalty. 

If your contract has expired, you should switch providers using the widget at the base of this guide. This is because the majority of the deals listed will save you money. However, before you make the switch, check the fine print in your current contract, as some companies will put you on a rolling contract following the end of your minimum term. As a result, you may need to give notice of cancellation. This can be up to 30 days. 

If you’re still within the contract but don’t have long to go, then make a note of the date your contract is due to end. This way, you can switch just before this date and leave at the earliest possible point without paying fees. It always pays to change your provider when your contract ends, so don’t miss out!

Your provider isn’t meeting minimum standards 

Your provider should have outlined the minimum broadband speeds you could expect to receive in your contract. 

If the speeds you receive fall below this and your provider is signed up to Ofcom’s Code of Practice, then your provider must fix the issue within one month. 

If they can’t resolve the issue and provide the minimum speeds you were promised, you’re entitled to cancel your broadband contract without paying early termination fees.

Similarly, you can also leave your contract if your provider is unable to solve a fault that’s affecting the service you’re receiving. That said, sometimes leaving a provider because of this is easier said than done. 

As a result, you should always record any outages you experience during your contract, and phone your provider every time the problem occurs. Even if it’s not helpful in solving the fault, you’ll then have a record of these phone calls, which can be used as evidence in your complaint.

If you believe that your provider isn’t holding up their end of the contract but they won’t let you leave without paying a penalty, then you can contact either the Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS) or the Communications Ombudsman.

Your provider changed the price without notifying you 

Unfortunately, providers are legally allowed to increase prices mid-contract in line with inflation rates and it has become increasingly common for providers to include annual price rises within their contracts. 

That said, a few providers don't have price hikes covered in their contracts. So, it's still worth checking your contract to see if you can cancel penalty-free.

Similarly, if the price hike is higher than the annual inflation rate and isn’t mentioned in your contract, Ofcom rules state that you’re allowed to cancel your existing contract within 30 days of being notified, without paying an early exit fee.

How do I find out how much it will cost me to cancel my broadband contract? 

The easiest way to find out how much it will cost to cancel your broadband contract is to speak to your provider directly. We’d usually recommend speaking to them about this over the phone if possible, as you may be able to haggle. Following this, your provider may offer to switch you to a better-priced package or one that is more suited to your needs. 

However, you should be aware that if you take out a new deal with your provider, you’ll need to sign a new contract with them. 

Is it worth cancelling my contract early? 

Maybe. We know that’s non-committal. But, the honest answer is ‘it depends how long you have left on your contract and how much it will cost you’.

For example, if you have 12 months left on your deal and you pay £30 per month for your broadband, then you may need to pay £360 to cancel your contract if your provider doesn't offer a reduced cancellation rate. This is incredibly expensive. 

However, if you only have three months left, you’ll only need to pay £90. You may even be able to pay less than this if your provider charges a reduced fee per month. If this is the case, you may be able to save more than this by switching provider. As a result, in this instance, it would be worth paying the early exit penalties. 

To decide whether it’s worth switching early, you first need to contact your provider and find out how much it will cost you. Then, use the comparison tool below to see how much you could save by making the switch. This way, you can make an informed decision based on your personal circumstances. 

Overall broadband speed is typically one of the more eye-catching elements we're drawn to when looking for one of the best broadband deals. From terms like 'superfast', to 'ultrafast' and even 'standard ADSL' – we have a wide variety of broadband speed options and definitions, but at the same time, this can make choosing the right one for your needs a little complex.

You might also think that just opting for the fastest speed is the best course of action. However, these are typically the most expensive packages and not always the best bang for your buck. 

So before you sign on the dotted line and decide which broadband plan is the one for you, take a read through this guide to answer some burning questions about broadband speeds, service, and just what all of the underlying options may be. 

What different broadband speeds are available?

In general, providers put broadband speeds into three main areas:

Standard: Also known as simply ADSL broadband, which has average speeds of 10-11Mbps and is usually the cheapest option.

Superfast: This is the most commonly used broadband in the UK. It gives speeds ranging from 30Mbps to 300Mbps and whether you can get these depends on if your home has access to a 'fibre' or FTTC network. As you can guess, the prices of these deals can also range considerably.

Ultrafast: These are the fastest and most expensive packages and are often subject to a property's fibre - but specifically 'Full Fibre' - connectivity, speeds can technically be unlimited but will range from 300-1,000+Mbps. 

As packages are invariably more expensive the higher the speeds go, it's a good idea to think about how much you'd prefer to spend on your broadband each month before you shop around. You should also factor in different broadband types that can facilitate different speeds. You can learn more about these in our guide here.

You may also need to check with a provider about what access your property has to different broadband networks. For instance, you may need a FTTP connection installed to get ultrafast full-fibre service

Download speeds and upload speeds

When looking at broadband speeds, it's the average download speeds that tend to pull focus as they're the larger numbers, but upload speeds are important too. If we look at each individually, you can see why:

Download: This is the amount of data in megabits per second (Mbps) you can download from your provider's server, and ultimately, it determines how quickly you can receive information online.

Upload: This is how quickly your broadband connection allows you to send data in Mbps from your device to another, or to a server. These are typically much lower than download speeds, but as a rule of thumb, anything around or above 5Mbps is considered faster.

In either case, the higher these Mbps figures are, the better the performance you'll get online. 

You may also see 'symmetrical' speeds being offered now, which as you might have guessed, sees you get the same download and upload speeds. These are only available on Full Fibre broadband deals. 

How broadband speeds can be affected

The speed you need of course mainly depends on your household's download and data usage. At the same time, the size of your household and the number of users and devices will also have a big bearing how much bandwidth you're using. In simple terms, low broadband speeds and lots of devices can result in slower connections.

To add to this, if you try using the internet at 'peak times' - in other words, when lots of users are online - you may also see a dip in your broadband speed.

Another big factor is simply the speeds you can actually get in your area. If you've yet to have fibre or Full Fibre connections installed, you will find a big difference in what speeds are on offer to you. 

One way to check in real time what you need is to get everything running at once with your current broadband – kids on tablets and online gaming consoles, smart gadgets, the streaming UHD content and a laptop downloading. Then run a speed test and see what you're getting and then minus that from the average speed you're supposed to get and you'll see the difference. 

Why might I need a higher broadband speed?

If your broadband is slow, you won't need to be told why more speed is better. It can mean waiting longer for downloads of files and photos, lower quality video streaming or that constant buffering alert. It can even mean dropped connections and an inability to use certain devices.

Equally, if you live in a household with lots of people who will be using lots of devices at once, it quickly takes up a lot of bandwith that slower connections can't effectively fulfil. 

What is a good broadband speed?

This is a subjective matter of course, but for a good and reliable speed, you're going to want a package with unlimited data with what many providers refer to as a 'future-proofed' full fibre connection. Such ultrafast options give average download speeds above 300Mbps.

This is because Full Fibre uses fibre optic cables to transmit data to your property, rather than the standard copper lines you get partly with FTTC and fully with ADSL lines. These lines are limited by how much data they can transmit – hence the slower speeds of such broadband packages. 

However, you might not have access to such networks in your area yet, in which case other services like phone network broadband could be a good option. 

More and more households are turning to 4G home broadband and 5G home broadband as you can get speeds over 100Mbps all without a fixed broadband connection. Although, the speeds here are subject to network coverage in your area.

What broadband speed do I need?

As mentioned above, full fibre broadband can now reach speeds of up to 1,000Mbps in some areas. However, for real-world use, that might be overdoing it. 

For a large family that has lots of smart devices (e.g. phones, tablets, computers) and likes to stream in 4K and UHD, as well as online games, you might get close to using that bandwidth. But, realistically, a line closer to the 100-150Mbps mark will also probably suit those needs. 

Keep in mind you may be able to go for one level of speed and then upgrade to a faster one, so perhaps pick a company and go in increments until you're happy. Or, if cost isn't an issue for you, go for the fastest and know you'll always have enough speed.

Lastly, you may want to factor in the reputation and the extras you can get from your broadband provider to give you better value for money with your package. For some top tips on this, have a look at our guide to finding the best broadband provider for you.

How to find out your current broadband speeds

If you're trying to assess whether you have a decent broadband speed, you of course need to know what you're currently getting too. There are several ways you can do this, namely with the use of an internet speed test.

• Use a broadband speed test.
• Log into your online account (if you have one) to see what your broadband package includes.
• Check any contract documentation you may have been sent in the post by your provider when you signed up.
• Directly contact your provider to get them to tell you.

Broadband speed: FAQs

To help give you a more rounded picture of what good broadband speeds look like, here are the answers to some of the top frequently asked questions people have on this subject:

Finding the best broadband deals and speeds

With all the above you should now have a better idea of what a good broadband speed looks like and the different options you have with providers. But the last thing you might need some guidance with is where you can find the best deals on such connections.

We can help with this with our guide to the best broadband deals, where we share the latest offers from the nation's leading ISPs. What's more, if you want to know specifically what tariffs are available in your area, you can enter your postcode into our widget below and we'll quickly show you what you can get right now.

Finding the best broadband deal is tricky. Navigating the sea of broadband jargon, which could spell either dreams or disaster for your home connection, all whilst having to consider just how costly it could become for you, makes the need to make a strong, informed, and, most importantly, successful decision crucial for you and your home. 

In the past, traditional fibre broadband deals have been the king. Originating with FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) plans, many homes now rely on this tried and tested method to get their devices connected, and with the full fibre rollout in full swing across the UK, FTTP (fibre to the premises) deals are likely to soon be taking their place as the go-to choice for many, but this doesn't have to be the case for all. 

Since improvements in the 5G infrastructure in the UK were established a few years ago, many traditional broadband providers, as well as several previously solely mobile plan providers, have turned to offering a new broadband solution, this being 5G broadband. 

The benefits of 5G broadband for your home fall into four key areas, flexibility, simplicity, and the fact that 5G broadband can cut your bill costs by quite a fair chunk. However, this does not mean that 5G broadband suits everyone, so to help you choose, here's a breakdown on some of the factors that might change your mind as to whether you choose 5G broadband or fibre. 

Where do you live?

A blunt question, I know. But fundamentally, your living circumstances can cause big variations in the quality of connection you have on offer to you and what the best option might be, some of these factors include: 

Location

Although most of the country (97% according to Uswitch) now has access to at least an FTTC fibre connection, this doesn't necessarily guarantee that the connection level you receive will be to the standard you require. FTTC fibre connections often only reach a maximum of 70Mbps (if using Openreach infrastructure), which, in an age of streaming, isn't always going to cut it. 

FTTP connections are thought to currently only be available to around 59% of the country. These connections, more commonly referred to as Full Fibre, are the connection type which will suit most families if you're looking to stick to a fibre connection, but this doesn't mean it can't be matched (or even beaten) by 5G broadband, but more on that later!

Type of building

Ever been in an older building and wondered why you have no signal? Essentially, the older the building, the more likely it is that your connection could be weak, this goes for both fibre and 5G broadband though. That might make it seem like a score draw between the two options, however, given the options regarding cables, power-line adaptations and more which are available with a fibre connection, it's likely a better idea to choose fibre should your house be on the older side. 

What's more, for those of you who live in flats, there's even more to consider. When living in a block of flats, you can encounter numerous limitations that may restrict your access to efficient fibre broadband. First and foremost, you can, in some instances, have little to no control over the infrastructure available to your building. Secondly, if you are in a large high rise, with maybe hundreds of families living in the same building, you can encounter limitations to your speeds based on the sheer number of signals being sent around a relatively small area. For people in this scenario then, 5G broadband is a definite option, with no need for engineers to install your connection, nor any reliance on cables, if you know you get a great phone signal in your flat,  you can almost guarantee you will experience the same with your 5G broadband. 

How intense is your usage?

Again, a slightly broad, blunt question, but an important one. Like with where you live, slight variations in your usage can vary what option might be best for you, for example. 

If you're not the only person using the connection

The number of people using a connection at once can be a big differentiator between what broadband option is right for you. Say, for example, it is only you and maybe one other person in your home. In this instance, there is less likelihood of a high number of devices needing connection at the same time, and most definitely a reduced number of devices needing the connection for high-intensity usage such as gaming or HD/4K streaming, in these instances, a 5G broadband connection will likely do more than enough to comfortably connect you to what you need. 

Whereas if your connection is being regularly used by multiple people, or the connection is being used for regular, intense activities such as gaming or streaming, you might well discover that fibre suits your needs more. This is thanks to the added ways of spreading your connection such as power line adapting, Wi-Fi channel splitting, and more which enable you to provide stronger connections to more devices. 

If you use your connection for high-intensity tasks

No, I don't mean breaking into a bank or being part of a SWAT mission when I say high-intensity tasks, although, in certain circumstances, I just might. Say, for example, you have a family of three or more people, but none of you regularly play games online, try and download or upload large files, or stream high-definition videos, then you could quite comfortably use a 5G broadband connection and not worry whatsoever. 

If, however, you do, in fact, like breaking into banks and taking part in SWAT missions, in the latest online games of course, then you might find that being able to take advantage of the larger range of available speeds you can get with a fibre broadband package will better suit your needs. Currently, the highest recorded 5G broadband download speeds average at around 265Mbps, whereas fibre broadband currently has widely available packages up to 1.6Gbps

How much do you want to spend?

The final and most important aspect is the cost. See, if you are still slightly undecided based on what we've outlined above, it's more than likely that any difference in cost, or any improvement in value for money you can find, will likely decide your broadband fate, and it essentially all boils down to one thing, what do you need? 

That might sound mental, for a start, broadband, obviously! But beyond that, the ball really is in your court. See, with many fibre broadband deals, you are now able to add various extras across TV, landline, and mobile to your plan, all of which are often then added at a slight discount. This means that if you are looking to save across a wider range of tech, or your day-to-day needs, fibre broadband deals can often provide great value, especially when providing for a larger group of people. 

In comparison, 5G broadband deals are, more often than not, provided by mobile networks and as a result, allow you to access a wide array of exclusive customer discounts across handsets, SIM-only deals, and wearables, which you might not be able to access via a fibre plan. This is also a great way to save if you're not fussed about added extras commonly found with fibre broadband plans such as Sky TV and sports packages. 

When it comes down solely to cost, it should always be the case that a good 5G broadband deal will work out cheaper than an equivalent fibre deal, this comes down to the lack of need for installation, but also down to the limited choice in speeds as currently many 5G broadband deals essentially only offer you the maximum speed available, which makes sense in many ways. 

A great example of this is Three's 5G broadband deal currently live. Three boasts the UK's fastest 5G network, which has, under tests by Ookla, achieved maximum average download speeds of around 265Mbps which, for £22 per month, is a very solid deal and a definite competitor to its fibre broadband parallels such as Virgin Media, whose M250 package comes in a whopping £11 per month more expensive.

Today's Three 5G home broadband deal

5G broadband gaming has, for many years, been a concept that seemed far-fetched. Fewer cables, no installation, but potentially higher speeds? This is something that for gamers like myself, is an almost ideal scenario, as long as our top speeds and latency don’t take a hit for the sake of simplicity. 

Thanks to rapid advancements in the 5G network infrastructure in the UK, 5G broadband gaming is looking more promising than ever. According to Ofcom, in the UK 85% of premises can now access a 5G connection when outdoors, with indoor coverage varying then by factors such as location and the age and type of building you are in. For those able to access 5G broadband then, 5G broadband gaming could soon be on the horizon, and to help you decide whether the switch is right for you, here are some of our top reasons why 5G broadband gaming is a great alternative to your fixed-line broadband.  

High speeds

This might seem like an obvious callout, but given the capability of numerous fibre broadband deals in the current market, it’s something that needs highlighting, as depending on where you are, a 5G broadband deal could easily match some of the best broadband deals available for speeds, without costing you anywhere near as much as a traditional fixed-line broadband deal. 

When tested as part of Ookla’s Speedtest Awards 2023, 5G was able to provide speeds up to 265Mbps, and when you compare these speeds to 5G broadband’s fixed-line competition, you could save over £150 per year on your broadband bill and not see any significant shift in speeds.   

Solid latencies 

If you are a frequent gamer like myself, but not someone who is stressed about having the lowest latencies available to help you in the split seconds of a winning round of your favourite game, 5G broadband could definitely be an avenue for you to explore too. When tested by Ookla, 5G provided an average latency of 32ms across the top four mobile networks (EE, O2, Three and Vodafone), which is more than enough to keep you connected and up to speed with your friends when you’re jumping on the latest games.

Great versatility

One of the key selling points of 5G broadband is the lack of need for any kind of engineer or installation assistance, and this kind of self-sufficiency doesn’t need to stop there once you’re up and running. If you are struggling to get the maximum connection from your router, want to hook your PC up with an ethernet cable, or simply don’t like where your router is in the house, you always have the option to move your router to a better (or more stylish) location in the house. 

If you’re struggling to work out where the best place for your router is, or want to look more in-depth at your router’s settings and functionalities, you can. Many 5G broadband routers now have apps provided by the provider to help you optimize your connectivity with indicators as to where your signal is strongest, router settings, and more to help you personalise your 5G broadband connection to your needs.

Amazing value

As someone who’s worked with deals and finding great value across mobile and broadband something I cannot stress enough about 5G broadband is the potential value for money opportunities it brings. When compared to Virgin Media’s M250 plan, which offers average speeds up to 264Mbps, Three’s 5G broadband plan, which can reach speeds up to 265Mbps, is £13 per month cheaper, that’s a saving of £156 per year! 

Whether you need the best speeds out there or are just looking for a reliable way to stay connected, that kind of saving is something that cannot be ignored, and since you don’t need anything set up, there is no upfront cost, no setup fee, nothing to worry about other than a much lower monthly payment than you would expect from a fixed-line competitor. 

So why do I think 5G broadband gaming could soon conquer fixed-line broadband?

Don’t get me wrong, 5G broadband is still something that can be improved, greater coverage, more providers, and higher speeds, are all key factors that will, in the future, bring more people into the 5G broadband market, but what is already on offer is definitely competitive, and can only get stronger from here. 

With download speeds capable of rivaling some of the UK’s best broadband deals, latencies that give you stable experiences across all your online activities, and versatility to ensure you get the best connectivity possible, 5G broadband is showing signs of providing a stress-free, high-quality experience for gamers looking to save on their broadband, and I am all for it. It might not be ready for those needing the most intense connectivity quite yet, but with the advancements being made in 5G connectivity, it’s not far off, and the savings are only going to get bigger and more widely available from here. 

Today's best Three deals

As mentioned above, Three is currently the place to go for the best 5G broadband speeds for gaming, streaming, and staying connected in your home for a great price. But you can also make big savings on some of the best smartphones of the year with Three. What's more, take out a 5G broadband plan with Three and you'll be eligible for existing customer discounts on your phone or SIM-only plan that will help you save even more on your monthly bills, check out some of their top deals below.

Just a few more days to go before this business broadband offer from Vodafone expires. Save more than £100 - that’s the first three months free - and get free installation when taking a Pro II Fibre100 business broadband contract for at least two years. Then it’s only £36.50 per month or £766.50 + VAT for the remainder of that contract - that’s an effective cost of just under £32 + VAT, without any upfront fee.

The offer includes Vodafone’s most advanced broadband hardware to date which includes a 4G mobile router that acts as a broadband line backup to offer what Vodafone calls an unbreakable connection, switching to wireless mode should wired connectivity give up the ghost.

Based on the more advanced WiFi-6E technology, Pro II Broadband also includes a Mesh Wi-Fi extender as well as dedicated UK-based business support, anytime calls and a static IP address. This allows businesses to access computers remotely, host a website, run CCTV and generally improve the reliability of VOIP internet calls (Voice over IP). 

Vodafone says that the hardware can support more than 150 devices which makes it ideal for a small business. The offer enables you to reach speeds of up to 100Mb/s which I would consider to be the minimum for an SMB. 

Upgrade to upload and download speeds of up to 900 Mbps although you will need to check availability where the business is located. As for most business broadband providers, the monthly price shown will increase by the CPI rate published in January + 3.9%, which is a real burden for UK SMEs.

How does the competition compare

If a cheap broadband deal is what you are looking for, 5G broadband would likely be an ideal solution for you, but many are yet to discover the benefits of this new cable-less broadband solution for themselves. 

When you look at broadband deals across fibre, full fibre, and even gigabit internet offerings, you might find yourself limited by a number of factors such as provider availability, cost, or even the infrastructure in place in your home, but with 5G broadband, many of these issues quickly become obsolete.

Where can I find the best 5G broadband deals? 

To find the best deals in your area check out our 5G broadband deals page. In short, though, Three currently offers some of the strongest 5G broadband deals on the market, offering speeds up to 265Mb/s from only £20 per month. If you’re looking for a great mobile broadband deal, Three also offers mobile broadband solutions from as little as £12 per month, meaning you can stay connected whether you are at home or on the go for less than you’d pay any of the major broadband providers. You can check whether Three Broadband is available in your area by using their coverage checker to see what is available to you. 

Other 5G broadband providers include EE, Vodafone, Sky, BT and Tesco Mobile to name a few, each of whom offers competitive benefits and prices, often also offering exclusive deals for existing customers, so if you are looking for a great 5G broadband deal and want to save as much as possible, make sure to check out your own network providers offerings to see how much you can save.

The battle for the best broadband deal has long been fought between broadband providers’ offerings of fibre, full fibre and gigabit connections, but this may be about to change. 5G broadband has, in recent years, seen a sharp rise in popularity which has seen many families choose to transition to this new form of 5G internet from their previous cable broadband setups thanks to its simplicity, cost and even speed. 

In the past, cable-less broadband had seen itself fall far short of the speeds seen from cable broadband connections, mainly due to a lack of access to a strong 5GHz network. However, thanks to the recent rise in 5G connectivity across the UK, mobile networks are beginning to offer 5G broadband contracts which not only help you save but even provide speeds strong enough to rival its fibre broadband counterparts and raise questions as to whether 5G broadband for gaming is now possible. 

What benefits might I see using 5G broadband for gaming?

Using a 5G broadband connection is no different from using a fibre connection when it comes to the day-to-day, but ensuring your connection is right for you is where 5G broadband gaming shines since you have more control over your 5G internet connection than you could ever expect from a fibre connection.

Since the device is only plugged into the wall, if you are struggling for connection, you can simply move it to a better spot, no need for an engineer, moving cables or any of the usual hassle that comes with connection problems. And if you are looking to refine your connection, most 5G routers come with an easy-to-use app to help you find the best place in the house for your router, and refine settings to make sure you get the best connection when you need it most. This means no more slow loading into your online games, no lag spikes as you are about to complete a mission, and no more dropping out of group calls at the vital moment.

5G broadband is also a great way to help you save on your broadband connection, as you often have the ability to choose how much data you need per month and pick your contract accordingly, much like you would with your mobile, so you only need to pay for what you think you’ll use, making your contract cheaper and less wasteful, and if you need to add more in the future, you can, thanks to many providers offering options to increase your plan if need be.

Where can I get the best 5G broadband for gaming?

5G broadband is fast becoming available across some of the best mobile networks in the UK, at the moment, however, the best 5G broadband for gaming can be found with Three.

Three have the UK’s fastest 5G network, offer 5G broadband contracts for between 1 and 24 months, and have a dedicated app to help you get the best 5G gaming experience possible. You can get a 5G home broadband contract with Three from as little as £20 per month with £0 upfront (or £25 per month, £0 upfront on a 1-month-rolling contract) and you get a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not happy with your connection, making this one of the best 5G broadband deals currently available and a great choice for those looking to make 5G gaming a reality in their home.

You might have come across the term 'cable broadband' while you've been searching for the fastest or best broadband deals on the market.

Although cable broadband is similar to fibre broadband, there is one key difference: rather than using copper wires to connect your home to the local cabinet, cable broadband uses coaxial cables. This means cable deals are much quicker than ADSL packages, fibre-to-the-cabinet connections and even some Full Fibre deals.

In this handy guide, we've explained exactly what cable broadband is, the benefits it can provide and some details about how you can check whether cable broadband packages are available at your address. 

What is 'cable broadband'?

Cable broadband connects your home to a fibre cabinet in your area. However, cable broadband is different to many of the ADSL and fibre broadband deals you'll see on the market. 

It's true that both fibre connections and cable connections use fibre optic cables to send data. However, cable broadband utilises coaxial cables in the last part of the journey between the exchange and your home, rather than outdated copper wires or fibre optic cables. These are the same cables that are used to provide cable TV to homes. 

Coaxial cables consist of a copper wire that's surrounded by a concentric conducting shield, which is separated by an insulating material. Their design means that coaxial cables are ideal for carrying high-frequency electrical signals with low losses. 

As they feature a shielded design, coaxial cables are much more efficient than copper wires. This, in turn, allows the centre conductor wire to transmit data quickly while being protected from external interference or damage. As a result, these cables don't lose as much speed over longer distances. This is ideal if you live quite far away from the nearest exchange/cabinet. 

How fast is cable broadband? 

The technology behind cable broadband packages has improved remarkably in the last few years. As such, cable broadband packages can now provide you with incredibly fast download speeds that easily outstrip those offered by fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) connections.

The exact speeds you'll receive from a cable broadband package will depend on your provider, where you live, the router you use and the exact package you select. However, generally speaking, cable broadband packages tend to compete with the speeds offered by Full Fibre packages. 

This means that average download speeds can reach (or even exceed) 1Gbps. This is a remarkable upgrade on a few years ago, when cable packages could only deliver speeds up to 300Mbps. 

How is cable broadband installed? 

If cable broadband is available in your area (it's not yet available nationwide), then you'll be able to spot a dedicated provider socket outside your home. This will usually be from Virgin Media. 

If a previous tenant or homeowner had chosen a cable broadband package, then you'll find a corresponding master socket within your home. If this is the case, then the cable broadband installation process will be straightforward. All you'll need to do is connect your router to the master socket with the cables provided.

If cable broadband has not previously been installed in your home, then you won't be able to see a master socket. In this scenario, an engineer will need to visit your home and fit one before you can get online. 

This engineer will visit your home at an agreed time and will usually drill through the exterior wall. They'll then feed a cable through and connect the main socket to your hub and TV, installing and securing the appropriate cable where needed. At most, the installation process should take three hours. 

Which providers offer cable broadband? 

As of August 2023, Virgin Media continues to dominate the UK's cable broadband infrastructure. Although some small providers do offer cable broadband services, Virgin Media is the number one choice for homes up and down the country. 

This is because the company has operated on its own network since it took over the NTL: Telewest network in 2006. Ever since, it has expanded the network rapidly and has brought cable broadband to the masses. 

Recently, Virgin Media has also been on a mission to supply the fastest broadband speeds on the market. In fact, the company recently removed many of its slower packages from the market and now pushes customers towards its 1Gbps option, which is faster than the quickest options offered by Sky and BT at the moment. 

Virgin Media also often bundles its cable broadband packages with TV and phone services. Although these packages can be rather pricey, they are usually much more cost effective than buying each package separately. 

What are the benefits of cable broadband? 

Considering cable broadband? Well, let's take a look at some of the main benefits this form of internet connection can provide: 

• It's incredibly fast because coaxial cable technology can provide average download speeds that exceed 1Gbps.
• The connections are much more reliable and longer lasting than those that that still rely on copper wires, like ADSL and FTTC broadband connections.
• You can bundle services together in order to save money, including cable TV packages and phone plans.

Is cable broadband available at my address? 

It's important to remember that not all broadband types are available universally. Sadly, while 95% of homes can receive fibre connections, cable is far less widely available. That said, availability is improving rapidly and Virgin Media now suggests that around 60% of homes in the country can access cable broadband deals. 

Thankfully, it's very easy to tell whether your home is eligible for a cable broadband deal. As well as being able to spot the dedicated provider socket outside your home, you can also run a broadband comparison via the widget below. This will show you exactly what deals are available at your address. 

As well as showing you whether you're able to receive a cable broadband deal, it will also display which fibre and full fibre packages are available at your home address. This way, you can compare all the available options and easily locate the best one for your needs. 

Simply provide us with your postcode and we'll do all the hard work for you. 

Looking to upgrade your broadband deal because you need faster speeds? In this case, you may be tempted by a full fibre broadband package. 

But, although they're quick, full fibre packages aren't right for everyone. This is because they can be expensive and many people don't need download speeds that are quite this fast. 

Unsure whether a traditional fibre package or a full fibre deal is right for you? Well, making this decision can be incredibly tricky if you don't have all of the relevant information in front of you. Thankfully, we're here to help. In this detailed guide, we've outlined everything you need to know about the fibre vs full fibre debate, so you can make an informed decision about which option is best for your needs. 

What is fibre broadband?

When we say 'fibre broadband', we're referring to 'fibre-to-the-cabinet' (FTTC) broadband. These connections primarily use fibre optic cables to supply your broadband, but they also rely on old copper wires for the last part of the journey. For this reason, these connections are sometimes called 'part-fibre broadband'.

With this type of connection, fibre optic cables run from a provider's broadband exchange to your nearest telephone cabinet (this is usually somewhere on the street outside your home). Then, copper wires run from here to the inside of your property. 

Although these connections are more technologically advanced (and better) than the old ADSL connections that entirely rely on copper wires, they can still be slow and inefficient. This is because, the further your house is from the street cabinet, the more copper wiring is required and the slower your connection gets. 

That said, part-fibre broadband remains an incredibly popular option in homes across the country. This is because it is a reliable and cheap option that provides speeds that are much faster than typical ADSL connections. 

However, when we're discussing ADSL connections and FTTC connections, it's important to say that these are in the process of being phased out of the market due to the 'inefficiency' we mentioned above. 

The sad reality is that the copper cables that have been the backbone of the nation's communications system for so long are starting to show their age and are now being replaced. So, although it is still possible to purchase fibre packages, the plan is that many will be removed from the market entirely by 2026, when Openreach has connected 25 million homes and businesses to its Ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband network. 

This change may affect you sooner than this though. This is because the rollout is happening on a town-by-town basis. As soon as 75% of properties in your town or city have been connected to this new network, you won’t be able to buy old copper products if full fibre is available at your premises. 

What is full fibre broadband? 

By contrast, the term 'full fibre' is used to describe 'fibre-to-the-premises' (FTTP) connections, which are much faster and usually more expensive. 

With this type of connection, the fibre optic cables run straight into your home and copper cables are not involved in the process whatsoever. This means that you can receive a much faster connection that allows you to do more with your internet. 

However, although full fibre options provide rapid download speeds and reliable connections, we should stress that FTTP products are not universally available. That said, the rollout is happening quickly and the plan is that 25 million homes and businesses in the country will be able to receive a full fibre connection by December 2026. 

Why are Openreach pushing full fibre so aggressively? Well, put simply, FTTP connections are faster, more reliable and less prone to interference than FTTC ones. 

Why is full fibre broadband quicker? 

Full fibre broadband packages are faster than standard fibre packages because they only use fibre optic cables to deliver your broadband connection. These are much quicker than the copper wires that are used by FTTC connections. Allow us to explain. 

Fibre optic cables are capable of transmitting large volumes of data at the speed of light. As a result, they can provide homes with incredibly fast download and upload speeds. By contrast, FTTC or part-fibre connections use copper telephone wires for the final part of the connection. This severely limits the speeds you can expect to receive (although part-fibre packages are still much quicker than ADSL connections). 

The slowdown caused by the copper wiring is higher than many people would expect. For example, most FTTC packages provide average download speeds of around 30Mbps to 80Mbps. But, by contrast, full fibre packages can provide download speeds that are in excess of 1Gbps.  

Why do people choose full fibre over part fibre?

Most people choose a full fibre connection over a part-fibre connection for one reason: it's much faster. These extra speeds allow people to do much more with their internet connection (like letting multiple family members stream content at the same time) and they provide extra convenience, as there's no buffering or lag to worry about.

With a full fibre connection, even the busiest and largest households will be able to: 

• Work from home without interruptions 
• Download films and TV shows in UHD in seconds 
• Play data-heavy games online without lag 
• Stream in 4K Ultra HD with better quality and no buffering
• Upload files to the cloud and emails quickly due to faster upload speeds
• Connect a large number of devices thanks to the larger bandwidth 

Added to this, it's also important to say that the improved technology that underpins the full fibre network also makes the connection much more reliable and less prone to interference. For these reasons, these connections are incredibly popular with people who work from home or rely heavily on their internet connection.  

What other broadband options do we have in the UK?

Both part fibre and full fibre packages are incredibly popular. However, there's a chance that neither of these types of broadband are right for you. 

Thankfully, if this is the case, a number of different types of broadband are available here in the UK. So, if you don't like the idea of a fibre or a full fibre connection, it's worth doing your research into the following types of broadband:

• ADSL broadband 
• Satellite broadband
• 4G broadband
• 5G broadband
• Cable broadband

Find the best deal for you today

Decided whether a full fibre or a part-fibre broadband deal is right for you? Well, armed with this new knowledge, head over to our best broadband deals page. Here, we've provided a comprehensive rundown of the best deals available today. There's also loads more buying advice here, including extra hints and tips. 

Ready to buy now? Simply put your postcode into our widget below. Provide us with your postcode and we'll show you all of the best deals that are available at your address. You can even use the filters and ensure you're only seeing deals that match your requirements. Your new broadband deal could be only a couple of clicks away! 

While looking for the best broadband deals, you may have noticed there are a number of different broadband types to choose from. 

Fibre is now the most popular choice for UK households, but there are still some who might prefer - or only be able to get - ADSL. However, both can include different options and packages that can make it confusing on what might be the best choice for your property.

So if you are in the market for a new ADSL or fibre tariff, be sure to have a look through this guide as we've looked at both these broadband types in isolation and have covered the core differences. 

What is ADSL broadband?

ADSL - or 'Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - broadband was once the main choice for most households and businesses, but this is now no longer the case.

ADSL has the slowest download speeds and it's not as widely available as it used to be, because most providers have switched to offering fibre. 

It's now only really for remote locations and areas where fibre hasn't been rolled out yet. However, if you can get it, then it can be one of the cheapest broadband choices.

How does ADSL broadband work?

ADSL broadband uses copper telephone wires - the ones you might see connected to your house from a nearby telegraph pole - to supply your broadband. 

These wires run from the nearest telephone exchange, to the pole, across to a property and inside it into a 'microfilter' device that splits the phone and broadband services, allowing you to use both at the same time.

It's because of this setup that ADSL is the slowest, and by today's standards, the least reliable broadband type. The copper wires can only transmit a limited amount of data and they're not particularly hardwearing, so can have issues with connectivity and how effectively they can send signals. Although, as we've mentioned above, this can mean ADSL broadband packages are cheaper than faster ones.

With an ADSL line that's in decent working order, you can get average download speeds of about 10Mbps and average upload speeds of about 1Mbps. But if it's a really old line and your property is quite far from the cabinet, the speeds can drop. By contrast, some properties can have upgraded versions of these lines called 'ADSL2+', where speeds can reach around 24Mbps.

If you want to learn more about this, check out our comprehensive 'what is ADSL broadband?' guide.

What is fibre broadband?

When we say 'fibre broadband', we're referring to 'fibre-to-the-cabinet' broadband or 'FTTC', which in part uses fibre-optic cables to provide your broadband. You may also hear it being referred to as 'superfast' broadband and with it you can typically get average download speeds of between 35 and 80Mbps - a clear step up from ADSL.

It's now the most common broadband type in the country, as network providers like Openreach - which most internet service providers (ISPs) use to facilitate their broadband to consumers - have largely upgraded from the older ADSL connections. 

Something to note here though is that if you see the term 'Full Fibre' being used to describe a broadband package, this is in reference to newer 'fibre-to-the-premises' connections, which are much faster and usually more expensive. 

These connections are also the next stage of upgrades we're getting to our fibre broadband services in the UK. Again, this is because network providers like Openreach are aiming to get these ultrafast connections available to the majority of nationwide properties.

We've explained more about this in our 'what is Full Fibre broadband?' guide.

How does fibre broadband work?

With FTTC connections, your broadband is supplied partly by fibre optic cables which run from a provider's broadband exchange to your nearest telephone cabinet, with the final section of the connection to your property being via the original copper wires. 

Fibre optic cables are able to transmit larger amounts of data at the speed of light, which is why they can give you faster average download and upload speeds. They're also more durable than copper wires so aren't as likely to suffer from any damage or performance issues.

However, as the last part of the connection does use the copper telephone wires, it also limits the speeds, and again, if the line is really old and far from the cabinet, the speeds can also drop a bit.

We've also gone into more detail about fibre broadband connections in this useful guide.

What are the main differences between the two?

From our descriptions above, it's quite clear to see there are a few big differences between ADSL and fibre broadband, but below we've summarised these into a few handy bullet points.

Key differences

• ADSL has slower download and upload speeds
• Fibre provides a faster, more secure connection
• ADSL is an older technology and is no longer widely used
• Fibre is typically more expensive of the two
• ADSL will eventually be completely phased out
• Fibre allows you to do more online
• ADSL can be better-suited to basic broadband requirements

What can you do online with fibre broadband?

What the above list shows us is that fibre is largely a better choice than ADSL for your broadband, especially in regards to speed and reliability. However, it's also a smarter choice for today's internet users too, because such connections can allow us to do much more online, without interruption and on multiple devices. 

Here are a few examples:

• Download larger files
• Stream video content in UHD/4K
• Make video calls
• Enjoy online gaming
• Casually browse websites
• Be able to access broadband and TV bundles

As you might expect here, the faster the fibre connection, the greater the number of devices that can use it at the same time. So this is something to bear in mind if you do live in a larger household where you'll have lots of users.

Which providers offer ADSL broadband?

One of the advantages of this broadband is that pretty much all ISPs offer an ADSL package, but as we've mentioned earlier, these are only really for areas that don't have fibre yet - e.g. remote locations. You’re also unlikely to be offered ADSL if fibre is in your area.

That said, here are a few examples of leading providers that still have ADSL options:

• Sky - its 11Mbps 'Essential Plus Broadband'
• BT - its 10Mbps 'Unlimited Broadband'
• NOW Broadband - its 11Mbps 'Brilliant Broadband'
• Plusnet - its 10Mbps 'Unlimited Broadband'
• TalkTalk - its 11Mbps 'Fast Broadband'

Which providers offer fibre broadband?

The majority of providers offer fibre broadband packages - mainly because the majority use the same network from Openreach. However, unlike ADSL, there's a larger choice of tariffs as these can range in the average download speeds they give, and ultimately, in price.

It's also worth mentioning that independent broadband providers like Virgin Media and Hyperoptic - who have their own networks - can technically still offer 'fibre' packages that have similar speeds to those that use the Openreach network.

If you head over to our 'best broadband deals' page you'll see a breakdown of the latest fibre and ‘Full Fibre’ offers from some of the most popular ISPs.

What does the future hold for ADSL and fibre broadband?

As we've alluded to earlier in this guide, both ADSL and fibre will one day be a thing of the past for most parts of the UK. 

Openreach is in the process of retiring all its copper lines and getting ultrafast 'Full Fibre' connections 'to 25 million homes and businesses by December 2026'. This will cover the majority of the country's premises, with only a small number requiring connections that use the old phone lines. 

What other broadband options do we have in the UK?

Whether you opt for a fibre or an ADSL broadband package is of course up to you, your budget and your personal preferences. That said, if you want something faster, or you want to future-proof your internet before these two types are phased out, you'll be pleased to know there are other broadband options out there in the UK.

We've already mentioned 'Full Fibre', but as our guide to all the different broadband types shows, you might be able to get one of the following:

• Satellite broadband
• 4G broadband
• 5G broadband
• Cable broadband

What broadband do I have right now?

If you’re unsure what type of broadband connection you have now - especially if you are looking to change tariffs - you have a few options for finding out. You can:

• Run a speed test and match the download speeds you’re getting to the information we’ve given above.
• Contact your provider directly to see exactly what package you have with them.

When will fibre be available in my location?

If it turns out that you can’t access fibre broadband right now, the bad news is that you’re in a small minority of just 2%. This is because Openreach’s fibre network currently extends to 98% of the country, it’s only more remote and rural areas that can’t get it right now. 

As mentioned above, Openreach also has a target to get its faster ‘Full Fibre’ network to ‘25 million’ homes and businesses ‘by the end of December 2026’. At the time of writing, the UK's general Full Fibre coverage (including all networks) is 66.8% and continues to rise.

The best thing you can do here - if you want a faster fibre package - is keep an eye out for the latest rollout updates in your area. You can also register for specific updates through Openreach’s ‘Fibre Checker’ tool.

How can I speed up my broadband?

It might be the case that you’re happy to stick with your ADSL connection, but you want to try and improve the speeds you’re getting. If this sounds like a familiar situation, you can try the following:

• Move your router/hub closer to where you’ll be using most of your devices. This will help avoid your WiFi signal from being disrupted.
• Limit the number of devices that are using the internet at the same time - especially those that are doing lots of streaming.
• Reboot and restart your broadband tech and devices to refresh your connection.
• Speak to your provider about upgrading your router - especially if you’ve had it a number of years.
• Try a wired connection for key devices, rather than using the WiFi.

Another thing to note here is that these approaches can also boost the quality of your fibre connection, so by all means give them a try if you want to get a bit more out of your fibre broadband.

Additional ADSL and fibre broadband FAQs

To help cover all bases with these two broadband types, we’ve also thrown in a few extras FAQs to answer some of the other more common queries customers can have when looking to pick one of these options.

How to find the best broadband deals

Whatever you decide to pursue for your next broadband package, our breakdown of the latest and best broadband deals is a great place to start. Alongside this, you might want to speak to your current provider to see what new tariffs or upgrade options might be available to you.

Alternatively, if you want to know what broadband deals are currently on offer in your specific location, our widget below can help. All you need to do is enter your postcode into it and then we'll list out what broadband packages and deals you can get in your area.

Looking at the best broadband deals on the market and noticed that you're eligible to receive 'symmetrical broadband speeds'? If so, you may have questions about what this means for you, or whether these deals are worth the additional cost. 

Put simply, symmetrical upload and download speeds are exactly what they sound like. So, a 500Mbps fibre package that offers symmetrical download speeds will offer you download and upload speeds that are both 500Mbps. 

The most notable example of a symmetrical broadband package that's on the market at the moment is Virgin Media's Gig2 package. Customers who buy an upgrade can enjoy symmetrical upload and download speeds of two gigabits per second! 

However, the reality remains that the majority of connections you see on the market are 'asymmetrical'. This means that although this same package would offer you the same download speeds, the upload speeds you'd receive would be much lower. 

Keen to learn more about exactly what symmetrical broadband speeds are and how they can benefit you? We’ve pulled together this in-depth guide.

What are symmetrical broadband speeds?

As we mentioned above, ‘symmetrical speeds’ mean that your download bandwidth and your upload bandwidth are the same. So, if your internet package offers you average download speeds of 100Mbps and your line is symmetrical, then your upload speeds will also be 100Mbps.

If your line is asymmetrical, your upload speeds will be a fraction of this. For example, if you take out the same 100Mbps package, then your upload speeds may only be 20-30Mbps. That's a noticeable difference. 

However, the reality is that upload speeds of 20-30Mbps are enough for most people. However, if you regularly game online, stream gameplay or upload large files to the cloud, then you may find that these speeds are simply too slow for your needs. This will be the case if your files take an incredibly long time to upload, or if you start to suffer from lag while gaming. 

If this applies to you, then it's well worth considering a symmetrical package that will boost your upload speeds. 

What are upload speeds and download speeds?

Before we dive into why upload speeds are so important and how symmetrical speeds can help you, let’s first clarify exactly what we mean by upload speeds and download speeds, so you can be clear on what each one does:

• Download speeds are how quickly you can access the internet. If you have fast download speeds, webpages will load in an instant and you’ll never encounter buffering when you’re watching YouTube videos or Netflix shows.
• Upload speeds are how quickly you can share something on the internet. The quicker your upload speeds, the faster you’ll be able to share a post on social media, upload a file to Google Drive, or participate in a video meeting for work.

It's likely you've never really considered the importance of upload speeds before, and this is understandable. After all, broadband providers regularly only advertise their download speeds as this is the more well-known of the two. People tend to understand that the higher the average download speed, the more quickly they'll be able to download large files or stream media.

But, even though downloading is more common and the figure provided can be more eye-catching, there are now more reasons than ever for people to require their internet connection to provide them with good upload speeds. 

This is particularly the case because more people are working from home than ever before and now rely on video calling, which requires high upload speeds and download speeds. But, upload speeds don't just help you work more smartly, they also help you enjoy your downtime even more. This is because a good upload speed is very helpful if you love playing video games online with your friends, or if you want to upload all your family photos to the cloud so you don't lose them. 

Why are upload speeds important?

Internet service providers typically advertise their download speeds. This is because most people are interested in these speeds because the majority of devices pull data down from the internet. For example, quick download speeds are vital if you want to watch your favourite shows on Netflix, stream music, or play your favourite games online.

However, while many devices pull data down from the internet, others push data up to the internet. This happens if you upload a file to your Google Drive, if you’re attaching a document to an email or if you’re gaming online or streaming your gameplay.

Plus, upload speeds are also vital if you work from home and use video conferencing. This is because bits of software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams rely on both upload speeds and download speeds to send and receive data. If your upload speeds are poor, the person on the other end will likely glitch and may be inaudible.

On top of this, if you have a wireless home security system that includes cameras, then upload speeds are essential for making sure this system works correctly. This is because these devices allow you to stream the movement they capture when you’re not at home and this requires impressive upload speeds; especially if you want to stream in HD. 

What is a good upload speed?

The exact upload speed you’ll need will depend on how you’re using the internet. If you live in a small home on your own or you only use the internet to scroll social media and update your emails, then low upload speeds of around 2Mbps will likely be fine.

However, if you work from home, you’ll struggle to be productive with these speeds and you’re likely going to need speeds of around 10Mbps. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to send emails with large attachments or participate in work calls.

That said, if you regularly need to share large files for work and you’re heavily reliant on video meetings, you should aim for upload speeds of around 20Mbps. These speeds are also appropriate for online gamers and live streamers.  

Pros of symmetrical broadband speeds

As you may expect, opting for symmetrical upload and download speeds can provide you with a number of benefits. 

For example, with higher upload speeds, you'll be able to upload large files faster. This makes it far easier for you to keep your family photo collection up-to-date, keep any of your current projects secure, or send emails with large attachments. 

This is particularly important if you use cloud-based storage for work and find that you're very unproductive because the upload process takes a long time. It's also important if you're a content creator who is regularly uploading TikTok videos or videos to YouTube. 

Added to this, if you notice slow uploads and calls dropping out with your current connection, then this may be because your data is getting 'clogged' due to a lack of available bandwidth in high-traffic periods. Again, this can lead to a drop in productivity if you work from home regularly. With symmetrical broadband speeds, your upload speeds should never be strained due to high use, so you can work seamlessly and without interruption. 

Plus, as more companies move to cloud-based storage systems, the ability to reach the cloud will only become more important. Reliably accessing the cloud when you need to requires high upload speeds. So, by choosing symmetrical broadband speeds, you will guarantee that your cloud services are always available.

Negatives of symmetrical broadband speeds

As you may expect though, there are also negatives associated with symmetrical broadband speeds, including the price. It's almost always less expensive to choose an asymmetric broadband connection, which may be right for you if you're not regularly uploading files or going on video calls. 

Similarly, you won't receive an improvement in the average download speeds you're receiving if you choose a symmetrical connection. If download speeds are a priority for you, then you may be better off paying extra for a package that offers higher download speeds rather than one that offers symmetrical speeds. 

Which providers offer symmetrical speeds?

Sadly, not all broadband providers offer symmetrical broadband (in fact, the majority don't). So, you shouldn’t just assume that your upload speeds will match your download speeds. When you do the research, you'll often find that a lot of providers offer upload speeds that are much slower than the advertised download speeds.

For example, Sky’s incredibly popular Ultrafast+ package offers a minimum download speed guarantee of 400Mbps but only offers estimated upload speeds of 58-60Mbps.

Any provider that uses the Openreach network (for example BT, Sky and Plusnet) cannot offer symmetrical speeds at the moment. Plus, even though Openreach is in the process of upgrading its network to provide Ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband to 25 million homes and businesses, this upgraded network still will not provide symmetrical broadband speeds. This is because Openreach's Ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband provides download speeds of up to 1,000Mbps, but only provides upload speeds of up to 220Mbps.

Thankfully, in the past couple of years, a number of the smaller broadband providers that utilise their own fibre networks, like Grain and Hyperoptic have expanded their rollout of symmetrical broadband speeds. Other providers to look at include Gigaclear and Community Fibre (if you live in London).

Symmetrical speeds are something that Virgin Media currently offers via its Gig2 package. For an extra fee, customers can access symmetrical download speeds of 2Gbps. In the coming years, Virgin wants to build on this even further. By 2028, the company hopes to provide symmetrical 10Gbps download and upload speeds to all of its customers. 

Do I actually need symmetrical speeds?

Whether or not you need symmetrical speeds will depend on how you use the internet. So, let’s start by saying that if you only use the internet to send emails, check your social media, or browse the web, you probably don’t need symmetrical speeds. But, it’s increasingly rare that people only use the internet for these purposes.

If you work from home, regularly upload files, or rely on your internet connection for your home security system, then symmetrical speeds will likely be essential. This is because all your uploading and downloading will happen instantly, so you’ll find it easy to check your cameras, take part in work calls, and upload files/share content with your clients.

For context, if your upload speed is 10Mbps, it will take 15 minutes to upload a 1GB video and share it with a client. By contrast, if your upload speeds measure 300Mbps, the same upload will only take 30 seconds!

On top of this, symmetrical speeds guarantee that you never lose bandwidth when you’re uploading and downloading at the same time. This means you can gather lots of information for a work project at the same time as uploading all of your family holiday photos to your cloud storage solution. Without symmetrical speeds, this would be near impossible.

Looking for increased upload speeds? Switch provider today

Changes to our online habits in recent years have increased our demands for good upload speeds. After all, working from home, online gaming and livestreaming have all completely changed the way many of us engage with the internet.

If you regularly upload content, then you may find that your current package struggles. Want to switch to a new package that provides you with faster upload speeds? Simply visit our best broadband deals page or pop your postcode into the tool below. We’ll then show you the best broadband deals in your area.

It's becoming increasingly common to see the term 'Full Fibre' being used to describe some of the options we have in today's selections of the best broadband deals. 

Invariably this also appears to be in reference to the faster packages on offer from different internet service providers (ISPs). But, while there's some truth in the fact they are usually the faster choice, for those of us who aren't familiar with the latest broadband terminology, it can be difficult to know exactly what you 're getting with these deals.

So, in this guide, we've explained all there is to know about Full Fibre broadband. We cover everything from what it is, how it works, where you can get it, and as an added bonus, how to decide if such a deal is the right option for you.

So, what is Full Fibre broadband?

In simple terms, Full Fibre broadband is a type of broadband connection that uses fibre optic cables to deliver your internet. These cables run all the way from a broadband provider's internet exchange to your property - hence the use of the word 'Full'.

How does Full Fibre broadband work?

You can also see Full Fibre being called 'fibre-to-the-premises', ‘fibre-to-the-home’ or 'FTTP/FTTH' broadband, which again is in reference to how it works. 

As we've mentioned earlier, the fibre optic cables run all the way from a broadband exchange to a property and these are capable of sending large amounts of data at light speed. This means that the average download speeds, average upload speeds and overall broadband performance can be much faster and reliable than other types of broadband. In some cases they can even be the same, these are known as ‘symmetrical broadband speeds’.

Full Fibre can theoretically deliver download speeds in excess of 1,000Mbps (or 1Gbps), but ISPs tend to package these up differently and often split out the speeds at different costs. Typically this can be anywhere from 100Mbps up to over 1Gbps.

For the 500+Mbps packages, you may also see Full Fibre being referred to as 'ultrafast' broadband, which is meant to reflect the quality and scale of these speeds.

What can you do online with Full Fibre?

When you include the fact that pretty much all Full Fibre packages come with unlimited data and these faster speeds, it means you can essentially do anything you want online. This includes:

• Online gaming
• Quickly downloading music, software, videos and apps
• Online calls and meetings
• Streaming in 4K/UHD
• Using all your favourite streaming apps
• Quickly uploading content to the cloud
• Using VR software
• Operating multiple smart devices and tech around your home or business

While it's fair to say you can also do some or all of these with certain other broadband types, the faster Full Fibre speeds (plus the dependable connection), means multiple devices can do all of the above simultaneously. Equally, smaller numbers of users on Full Fibre can enjoy uninterrupted and seamless experiences when online.

That said, it also applies that the faster your average download and upload speeds, the more secure and capable of handling multiple users your broadband will be.

What are the other advantages to Full Fibre?

If we look at the bigger picture, a Full Fibre connection can also offer lots of other benefits. A few examples include:

• Increased productivity for those working remotely
• No disruption at peak times
• Better energy efficiency (thanks to the faster data transfer)
• Superior quality of video and audio
• Stronger speed guarantees (subject to the ISP)
• Symmetrical upload and download speeds (again, subject to the ISP)

Can you get a phone line with Full Fibre?

This is a common question customers ask, as with Full Fibre broadband you don’t need a phone line or landline - like you do with ADSL or fibre broadband. 

However, if you want a landline, or you want to keep your existing landline, it’s likely your broadband provider can offer you this even with a new Full Fibre connection. It might just be that your phone service is instead delivered via your broadband/WiFi.

We explain more about this in our ‘do I need a landline for broadband?’ guide.

What are the downsides of Full Fibre broadband?

While all of the above seems very positive, there are a couple of notable factors with Full Fibre that can put some consumers off. The main one here is the cost.

As a rule of thumb, you can say that the faster the broadband, the more expensive it will be. In other words, Full Fibre deals often tend to sit at the pricier end of the market - especially those that have speeds up to and above 1,000Mbps. 

Another notable problem some of us face is that Full Fibre simply hasn't been rolled out in our area yet. Or, if it has been, we haven't had our properties connected to it yet. 

The latest data shows that UK-wide the main network operator (Openreach) has now connected 12 million properties with a target of 25 million by the end of December 2026. If we look a bit closer at this with Ofcom’s most recent report on network coverage, 62% of residential premises can currently access Full Fibre connections and 80% can get ‘gigabit-capable’ speeds - but this also includes cable broadband networks.

Although this is a positive sign, it’s nowhere near the 98% UK coverage Openreach has with its fibre network.

How can I find out if I can get Full Fibre?

There are a few ways you can check to see if your property either has a Full Fibre connection, or if it's available for you to connect to if you want to get it.

• Check directly with your current provider
• Have a look at the latest Openreach rollout information
• Ask a neighbour to see what broadband they currently use

The first approach here is probably the most effective as not all ISPs use Openreach to supply their broadband, some have their own independent cable networks, such as Virgin Media. Going direct will also be a good way to learn more about if and when Full Fibre will be available to you.

Which providers offer Full Fibre broadband deals?

It used to be that only a limited selection of ISPs offered Full Fibre, but now you can find that the majority of the UK's most popular broadband providers offer these - largely because they use the same Openreach network. 

However, there are also independent firms and even newer companies that have Full Fibre connections available on their own networks. Just a couple of examples include Hyperoptic, Gigaclear and Community Fibre - and technically Virgin Media qualifies for this category too.

If you are looking for the fastest Full Fibre, here are a few examples of the ultrafast and gigabit-capable speeds on offer with some top ISPs:

• BT Broadband - Full Fibre 900 - 900+Mbps
• Sky Broadband - Gigafast - 900+Mbps
• EE - its new 1.6Gbps package
• Plusnet - Full Fibre 900 - 900Mbps
• Shell Energy - Full Fibre 900 - 944Mbps
• Vodafone - Full Fibre - 910Mbps
• Hyperoptic - Hyperfast - 900+Mbps

How is Full Fibre installed on your property?

Each ISP will have their own procedures for connecting your property to its Full Fibre network. But, as an example, an Openreach installation will involve the following steps:

• You book a suitable installation date
• You determine where you want to cable to enter your property with your ISP
• An engineer will visit and run a fibre cable from the nearest cabinet to your property
• This will connect to a junction on an external wall
• Another fibre optic cable will then run from this to your chosen internal point 

If it’s the case that you have a Full Fibre connection already - most new build homes for instance have to have them - it might be that you can ‘self install’ your broadband. By this we mean you can essentially receive your new Full Fibre-capable router or tech, plug it in and then easily connect to it.

You can learn more about home broadband installation processes here.

Is 'Full Fibre' the same as 'fibre' broadband?

This is another commonly asked question and the awkward answer is 'sort of'. 

Full Fibre can be referred to as a 'fibre broadband' product, but really 'Full Fibre' is different to 'fibre' in that fibre refers to the older types of connections - specifically, slower 'fibre-to-the-cabinet' or 'FTTC' connections. As you can guess from the name, this only involves a partial fibre connection.

In our guide to fibre broadband you can learn more about this subject and the core differences between these broadband types. 

Do I need Full Fibre?

Whether it's worth getting Full Fibre is of course down to your specific online needs and requirements for your broadband, as well as how much you can comfortably pay each month.

If you know you can definitely afford a more expensive Full Fibre package, then it does make sense to get one and receive the best performance online. 

However, if you're unsure then you should check out our guide to finding the best broadband for your needs. Here we cover all the considerations you should make to help you determine which tariff will best suit your requirements and budget.

It's also worth looking through our rundown of the best broadband deals, as you might find a bargain if you're able to switch right now. 

What does the future hold for Full Fibre?

As the broadband rollout we mentioned earlier shows, Full Fibre is on course to become the main type of broadband for the majority of buildings in the UK. 

At the same time, we'll also eventually see the end of older broadband connection types that use copper wires - specifically ADSL and FTTC. Openreach has stated it plans to retire the majority of these lines and eventually they will be purely for hard to reach or remote areas.

When Full Fibre is the main option, we then may see the markets becoming more widespread and competitive, which could lead to more tariffs and a bigger choice of more affordable packages. 

Where to find the best Full Fibre broadband deals

In the meantime, if you are looking to switch or upgrade your internet to Full Fibre, our best broadband deals guide is a great place to start. 

Alongside this, we can even show you what options you have in your location if you enter your postcode into our widget below.

Although, as we mentioned, Full Fibre might not be in your area yet. So again we recommend doing a little research or contacting your provider to see when it will be available and what you need to do to get a connection installed into your property.

When you take a look through the latest and best broadband deals, you'll likely see how they can include different options. Everything from a selection of average download speeds, to varying contract lengths and extras like TV services can be thrown at you, which can also make it hard to know what to choose.  

So if you are in the market for a new package, you might want to take a look through this guide first. This is because we've broken down all the different types of broadband deal you can get and have explained more about what can be included in them.

In addition to this, we've also given you some helpful advice and guidance on how to find yourself a broadband deal with some or all of the extras you really want.

What do broadband-only packages typically include?

As the description suggests, this type of package will just include broadband services and is often the basic option given by a provider.

These can of course differ quite significantly in terms of what these services include -
and more importantly in price. A simple rule of thumb is the bigger the speeds and shorter the contract, the higher the costs, although this isn't to say you can't pick up a bargain on a faster tariff. 

Within a broadband-only package you'll likely see some or all the following in the description of it:

• Average download speeds - how fast you can download data in 'megabits-per-second' Mbps.

• Average upload speeds - how fast you'll be able upload data in Mbps.

• Data allowances - how much data you can use each month, sometimes these are capped, but now tend to be unlimited.

• Connection type - this could be ADSL, fibre, Full Fibre, satellite, 4G, 5G or cable. Each offers different speeds options. 

• Contract length - how long you'll be tied into your broadband deal, these are often 12, 18 or 24 months in length.

• Router/Hubs - the provider might explain more about the WiFi router or hub that comes with the package.

• Upfront fees - you may have to pay one-off costs when you sign up, this could be for the delivery of your new router.

• Setup fees - you may also need to pay a one-off cost when you sign up to activate your broadband.

• Line rental costs - broadband connections that use older phone cables (ADSL and some 'FTTC' fibre ones) may need to pay a monthly fee to maintain this line.

• Speed guarantees - some providers promise your connection won't drop below a certain speed.

If you want to get some additional insights into the other terms you can encounter when browsing through different deals, check out our broadband jargon buster.

What is a broadband bundle?

Unlike a broadband-only package, with a bundle deal you can get additional services to go with it. These are usually extra TV or phone services, or both of them added on to your broadband. In some cases your broadband can also be what supports or facilitates these particular add-ons. 

You may also think that including more in your package would automatically mean a higher cost, but while this can be the case, in some instances providers will in fact offer better prices or better value when compared to paying for each service in isolation.

Let's a closer look at some of these:

Broadband and TV bundle deals explained

With a broadband and TV bundle deal you'll receive your internet, plus a digital TV package. Much like your broadband, the TV options can range significantly in terms of the channels you get and the ways you can watch them.

Many broadband providers now offer such bundles, but the most popular choices in the UK tend to be Sky, BT or Virgin Media. Between these big three you can access the widest channel selections. These cover all the free-to-air ones, plus their own entertainment packages (e.g. Sky Cinema, Sky Sports and TNT Sport).

You can also choose from a great selection of TV tech. For instance, if you look at our round up of the latest Sky broadband and TV bundle deals, you'll also see the likes of Sky Q, Sky Stream and Sky Glass being offered. These allow you to stream, record, pause and catch up on your favourite shows and channels.

BT and Virgin Media also have similar services and they have been known to update their channel listings with free additional content.

Broadband and phone bundle deals explained

Whether you have an ADSL or FTTC broadband connection using old phone cables, or you have a new Full Fibre one, you can access broadband and phone bundle deals. They're just supplied and delivered differently through their respective cabling.

Again, as the name suggests, these see you get a phone service from which you can make calls, as well as your broadband. You also get different options to choose from which can include:

• Pay-as-you-go - where you only pay for the calls you make.
• Free calls at selected times - usually evenings and/or weekends.
• Free minutes - you can get or build up free minutes each month.
• International calling - the ability to call different countries.
• Free local calls - the ability to call local numbers without any charges.
• Free calls - essentially a free-to-use phone line whenever you need to make calls.

Broadband, TV, phone and mobile bundle deals explained

This is another bundle where you can work out from the name what can be on offer. 

Sometimes known as 'quad-play' bundles because of the four services that get put together, these are quite rare these days and can only be found with a handful of providers.

What extra broadband tech is available?

Alongside the router or hub you get with your broadband, some providers also have some top tech and devices you can include to improve your broadband's performance or give you more ways of using it. A few examples are:

• WiFi boosters/extenders - these can be plugged in around your property to increase the range of your broadband.

• Dongles - a portable USB device you can plug into a laptop or computer to get internet access on-the-go.

• Provider Apps - with these you can do things like check your account, get service updates, connect to free WiFi hotspots and receive customer support.

What broadband protection software and tools can you get?

Some broadband packages come with additional antivirus software built in as standard. This is to give you further protection for your devices against cyber threats when you're using them online. 

In other cases, you can get these added in for an additional cost each month. The levels of protection can also extend to things like additional password security features, VPNs and even tech insurance to cover you against damage or theft of your devices. 

What broadband discounts can you get?

Possibly one of the key questions when it comes to broadband packages, and you'll be pleased to know that providers regularly offer discounts and savings. Here are some examples of what you can find:

• Monthly cost reductions - often during sales events.
• Money off if you add on a particular bundle.
• Affiliate promotions - special rates you can get through provider partners.
• Student discounts (subject to eligibility).
• Access to social tariffs (subject to eligibility).

Other broadband package boosters and bolt-ons

To build on the section above, if you look for a broadband deal when a provider is running a promotion - in particular during major sales events like Black Friday - you can often see enticing extras, package boosts and bolt-ons that can see you get more out of your chosen tariff. 

These can include:

• Free upgrades to faster download speeds
• A selected number of months of free/discounted services
• Free trials of better packages/services
• Vouchers/gift cards when you sign up
• Bill credit when you sign up
• Free memberships for streaming services (e.g Netflix)

In some cases, broadband providers also do offers that tie in with the services or products of third-parties. Virgin Media for instance has teamed up with O2 and any new customers already using that particular mobile phone network can get access to perks like double data, free speed boost and gift vouchers.

Which broadband deal is right for me?

It's important to remember that you shouldn't just take any deal for the sake of it and instead you should look for one which gives you the best value, meets your needs and potentially gives you extras you'll really benefit from getting.

You can find out more about this in our guide on finding the best broadband provider for your needs, but some of the main considerations you should be making are:

• What download speeds will cover the demands of your household.
• How much you can afford to pay each month.
• Whether you want to add in a TV or phone bundle.
• Whether or not you'd consider upgrading your deal if there's a promotion available.
• Any tech extras you might want.
• If the provider is offering any sign-up incentives (e.g. vouchers).
• What contract length you'd be willing to take.
• How the deal you've seen compares with the rest of the market.

Where to find the best broadband deals, bundles and extras

Now you know more about what can be included in broadband packages and bundle deals - and you have an idea of what you want to get - the next thing is to find them.

One of the first places to start is with our guide to the best broadband deals. But, you can also enter your postcode into our widget below and we'll show you what offers you can find in your location. 

You can also enquire about the deals that pique your interest directly with the provider. Although a lot of these stories are anecdotal, there are still plenty of instances where haggling or talking to a provider has lead to customers getting even better deals. 

So it's also worth giving this a try - after all, nothing ventured, nothing gained. 

When you're in the market for a new internet package, it's likely you'll see the terms 'FTTC' and 'FTTP' being used in the descriptions of the best broadband deals around. Without the right technical knowledge, these terms might seem a little confusing, but you don't need to worry, as we're here to explain all.

Simply put, these are two types of broadband - two of the most popular in fact - with each offering similarities and differences in everything from how they work to how much they cost. Moreover, FTTC and FTTP have different availability in terms of their network rollout and might not even be available at your property just yet.  

So, in this guide we've detailed more about FTTC and FTTP broadband packages, compared some of their key features, explained which internet service providers (ISPs) offer them and how and where to check which you can access. 

FTTC and FTTP are both 'fibre broadband'

An important point to cover first is that both FTTC and FTTP fall under the 'fibre broadband' umbrella, as both feature the use of fibre-optic cables in some capacity to provide internet services.

At the same time though, this is where the key differences start to be shown and it's important to know exactly how much these particular cables figure in your connection, as it can significantly affect what type and level of internet service you're getting. 

So let's look at the definitions to get a clearer idea of these different uses of fibre:

What is FTTC?

FTTC stands for 'fibre to the cabinet' broadband and it's so called because it's an internet connection which sees fibre-optic cables running from your ISP to your nearest telephone cabinet. The rest of the connection from the cabinet to a property is via the old, copper telephone lines. 

Such connections are much more reliable and faster in terms of download and upload speeds than standard 'ADSL' broadband. This is because fibre-optic cables are much sturdier and can transmit more data far faster than copper cables - whereas ADSL relies solely on these old lines for the full network connection.

However, because the final part of the connection is still on the copper lines, it does still limit the speeds and the amount of data that can be sent. 

What is FTTP?

This term stands for 'fibre to the premises' (it can also sometimes be ‘FTTH’, which is 'fibre to the home') and as you might be able to work out, it's a broadband connection which sees fibre-optic cables running all the way to a property. 

As you might also work out, if you had a FTTP connection you'd be able to access really fast download and upload speeds. The issue here is that FTTP has yet to be fully rolled out across the UK by network providers, so only certain households and businesses can currently get it.

At the time of writing, the latest rollout data suggests 66% of UK premises are now covered by ‘Full Fibre’ FTTP connections.

FTTC and FTTP: other names you might encounter

Much like how older ADSL broadband gets referred to as 'standard' broadband, it's true that both FTTC and FTTP can also have different names. These can vary from ISP to ISP, but can include:

• FTTC - also known as 'fibre', 'fast fibre' and 'superfast fibre' broadband.
• FTTP - also known as 'Full Fibre', ‘FTTH’, 'ultrafast fibre' and in some cases 'gigabit-capable' broadband.

FTTC vs FTTP: average download speeds

As we've explained above, there are some big overall differences here in terms of average download speeds, but at the same time you can also get lots of different options with each connection type.

On a general level, you'll find the following ranges of average download speeds:

• FTTC - average download speeds tend to start at 35Mbps and can go up to around 75Mbps.

• FTTP - with 'Full Fibre' connections, average download speeds can go from 50Mbps to in excess of 1,000Mbps.

FTTC vs FTTP: upload speed

It's a similar situation with upload speeds with these broadband types, here's what you can typically encounter with each:

• FTTC - upload speeds can typically be between 5Mbps and 10Mbps.

• FTTP - theoretically these can be the same as your download speeds as some FTTP connections offer what are known as 'symmetrical' internet speeds. However, this depends on the ISP and in most cases they're 50-95% slower than the average download speeds.

Another important thing to remember here is that these are also 'average' download and upload speeds and what you're advertised and sold in your package might not necessarily be the speeds you always receive. This is because both can be affected by external factors like higher numbers of users and technical issues with the cables and connections.

In the case of FTTC, the distance your property is from the cabinet and the quality of the existing copper line can also affect your broadband performance.

FTTC vs FTTP: cost

With all internet packages you can apply a general rule that the faster the package, the more expensive it's likely to be each month. So it shouldn't be a surprise to know that with FTTP you're probably going to be paying more than you would for a FTTC tariff. 

However, this isn't to say there aren't deals to be had, and if you look when an ISP is running its deals and promotions, you might pick up a decent price on a faster package.

Another thing to bear in mind is that with FTTC you'll still have to pay line rental on your bills - a maintenance charge for the copper phone line - but this isn't a cost you'll incur with FTTP, as they don’t use them! 

FTTC vs FTTP: reliability

FTTP is hands down the more reliable of the two broadbands. This is because the fibre-optic cables that run from the ISP to your property are much more hardwearing than the copper ones still used in ADSL and FTTC connections. This means they're less likely to suffer outages and can ultimately provide a more secure connection.

If we look at the bigger picture here as well, an ultrafast FTTP connection with unlimited data will be a more dependable option for businesses and households with high usage. This is down to the simple fact that they are better equipped to support and handle being used by multiple people and devices simultaneously.

FTTC vs FTTP: what extras can you get?

With both FTTC and FTTP broadband you can get a variety of extras within the packages you can be offered. The only real difference here is performance. For instance, on the slower FTTC speeds you might not be able to stream as well in UHD, or enjoy online gaming simultaneously on the same connection. 

But to give you an idea of exactly what you can get with both, here are some popular options:

• TV bundles
• A landline included
• Combinations of the above
• Steaming TV and app services

The Pros and Cons of FTTC and FTTP

If you're still a little on the fence about which you’d prefer, below we've weighed up the pros and cons of each connection to help make your decision-making a bit easier:

FTTC: pros

• Faster download and upload speeds than ADSL.
• A more affordable option for fibre broadband.
• Now widely available across the UK.
• You can still get TV and phone bundles.

FTTC: cons

• Nowhere near as fast in terms of download and upload speeds as FTTP.
• You'll likely need to pay line rental.
• The copper cables are more prone to outages and performance issues.
• You won’t be able to stream in UHD as well as FTTP.

FTTP: pros

• Very fast average download and upload speeds.
• More reliable than FTTC and less likely to have performance issues.
• No requirement to have a phone line or pay line rental.
• You can also get access to phone and TV bundles with UHD streaming.

FTTP: cons

• Typically the more expensive of these two broadband options.
• Isn't widely available in the UK yet.
• Ultrafast speeds might be unnecessary for certain properties and usage requirements.
• You can end up paying more for bundle deals without any notable performance upgrades.

Which ISPs offer FTTC?

A positive to FTTC is that it is an option that can be found from most UK ISPs within their respective broadband packages. Here's a selection of some of the most popular providers that offer FTTC packages, with some examples of their respective average download speeds tariffs:

• BT - its ‘Fibre 1' package can give average download speeds of up to 50Mbps.
• EE - its ‘Fibre 50 Essentials’ option gives speeds up to 49Mbps
• NOW - with its ‘Super Fibre’ you can get speeds up to 63Mbps
• Plusnet - its 'Unlimited' fibre speeds go up to 40Mbps.
• Sky - its ‘Superfast 80’ fibre can give speeds up to 61Mbps
• TalkTalk  - you can get speeds up to 67Mbps on its ‘Fibre 65’ tariff

Which ISPs offer FTTP?

As mentioned above, FTTP broadband isn't as widely available as FTTC broadband, but more and more ISPs are starting to offer it to customers. Here's a selection of the most popular providers that have ultrafast speeds, also with some examples of the huge download speeds you can get:

• BT - has a number of Full Fibre options, the fastest gives speeds up to 900Mbps
• EE - offers several Full Fibre packages and currently has one of the fastest on the market, it’s 1.6Gbps service
• NOW - has a 'Full Fibre 75' package with speeds of up to 75Mbps, but technically this is powered by Sky.
• Sky - also offers several Full Fibre speeds going up to 900Mbps
• TalkTalk - is another provider giving a selection of Full Fibre tariffs that go up to 944Mbps
• Vodafone - has a number of Full Fibre packages and is to launch a 2.2Gbps tariff (which will the fastest in the country)

We should also give honourable mentions here to Gigaclear and Hyperoptic. These ISPs offer many ultrafast broadband packages on their own independent cable and fibre networks that are separate to the Openreach network that most other providers utilise.

In addition to this, Virgin Media has its own independent cable network but could fall under both FTTC and FTTP. This is because its cables technically run to its cabinets, but thanks to the technology used in these it can also offer speeds up to as much as 2,000Mbps!

What does the future hold for FTTC?

For now FTTC can be a great choice for consumers looking to get decent speeds for lower prices, but it's not going to be around forever. This is because the network operator, Openreach, plans to retire its old copper network.

Openreach claims that it's becoming too expensive to maintain and repair the copper phone wires and once it's brought 'Full Fibre' into every area, it will start switching off any old lines. The company is aiming to complete its Full Fibre rollout by December 2026. 

What does the future hold for FTTP?

Alongside FTTP likely becoming the preferred and main broadband option for UK households and businesses, there are a few other things we can speculate might happen with it:

• It becomes cheaper as it becomes more widely available.
• We get a wider choice of FTTP broadband packages.
• ISPs may vary their average download speed options as well.
• Fibre-optic lines may get upgrades to offer even faster speeds.

So which broadband option should I choose? 

Ultimately, this is down to your specific broadband needs and your budget. We go into more detail about this subject in our ‘how do I find the best broadband provider for me?’ guide, but as a general rule of thumb, if you’re worried about performance, speed and reliability - and less so cost - then FTTP is the way forward for you. 

The other big factor here though is whether or not you can even get FTTP broadband to your property. You can check this with different providers, but be prepared to learn that ‘Full Fibre’ has yet to be rolled out in your area. Although it does mean you can be absolutely sure that FTTC is the broadband for you!

What connection do I currently have at my property?

It’s also worth investigating what your existing broadband connection is on your property. It might be you could already be using FTTP - for instance, this will be the case if you’re in a new build house - so it may just be a matter of selecting a new speed. 

Equally, if you are currently on a FTTC type of package, it may be an indication that you’re going to be limited to such deals. If you’re in any doubt, simply contact your existing provider and they’ll be able to advise on your circumstances.

Where to find the best FTTC and FTTP broadband deals

With our regularly updated guide to the best broadband deals, you'll quickly be able to track down the best offers for both FTTC and FTTP internet packages. We can even show you what's available in your specific location if you enter your postcode into our widget below.

If you're currently shopping around for a new broadband deal, then you may find all of the terminology confusing. From Mbps to gigabits and bandwidth, it feels like there's a lot of jargon to unpack when it comes to broadband. 

Sadly, if you don't understand all of these terms, you may find it difficult to find the best package for you. After all, if you don't know what all the terms mean, you can't possibly understand which offer is right for you. 

We understand that the world of broadband is constantly evolving. New packages are released constantly, while services and changes are made regularly. To help you keep up with this fast-moving market, we've put together this definitive guide to broadband jargon. Read it carefully and you'll find it easy to find a tariff or deal that suits your needs. 

Without further ado, here's our definitive guide to the common and important terms you might encounter when you're searching for your next broadband deal. 

Common technical broadband terms

To start, we've covered some of the most common technical terms you're likely to see being used to describe different broadband products:

• Average download speed - this is typically the download speed a provider claims you'll be able to receive when you take out a package and it's displayed in megabits per second (Mbps). However, the key word here is 'average', as it in fact means it's a reflection of the typical speeds around half customers will get during peak usage hours.

• Bandwidth - this is the capacity your broadband network has to send data. The higher the bandwidth, the faster the speeds you can receive. 

• Broadband - the all-encompassing term to describe the internet connection found in most homes and businesses.

• Data - the information that is transmitted via your broadband. This is transmitted in the form of 'bits'.

• Download - in broadband terms, this is the transmission of data and information from one device/source to another via a broadband network. When considering downloads, most people are concerned with download speeds. This equates to how quickly you can download files. The faster the download speed, the quicker your downloads will be. 

• Fixed line - this is broadband that is delivered through actual cables. It's the most common option in the UK as it covers ADSL, cable and fibre connections.

• Gigabits - this is another measurement of the number of bits. In this case, one gigabit is equal to 1,000 megabits.

• IP Address - essentially the location of your device when it's online, but in number form. A bit like a postcode for your broadband.

• ISP - this stands for 'Internet Service Provider', which in turn is a description of any broadband supplier.

• Kilobits - another data measurement unit. Here, one kilobit is equal to 0.001 megabits.

• Megabits - another data measurement and one that's most commonly used when describing the download speeds of broadband packages. 

• Network - this is a way of connecting devices together wirelessly via your broadband.

• Symmetrical speeds - this is where your download bandwidth and your upload bandwidth are the same. These are usually offered with some Full Fibre connections.

• Traffic - the amount of users and/or devices on a broadband network at the same time. Much like traffic with cars, the more you have, the slower you go.

• Upload speed - while download speed is how fast you get information to your device via your broadband connection, this is how fast you can send information. It's also measured in Mbps.

• Wireless - in relation to broadband this means being able to access the internet from a device without having to physically plug into a connection. The main example is when a user connects to and uses a WiFi network.

Different broadband types

The next A-Z covers the different types of broadband we can currently get here in the UK:

• 4G broadband - a broadband type that's delivered wirelessly via the 4G mobile network. You can get average download speeds of up to 100Mbps.

• 5G broadband - a broadband type that's delivered wirelessly via the 5G mobile network. This is faster than 4G and can theoretically deliver average download speeds of up to 1Gbps.

• ADSL - or 'Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line' - it's the oldest broadband type and is delivered via the copper cables of the phone network. This is also the slowest type of broadband as these cables are limited in how much data they can send. Average download speeds are around 10Mbps.

• ADSL2+ - this is an upgraded version of ADSL broadband and can give slightly faster speeds of around 24Mbps.

• Cable broadband - this commonly refers to broadband that's delivered via an independent cable network. A key example is the broadband and TV that's offered by Virgin Media, which is delivered this way.

• Fibre broadband - this is broadband that's delivered by a connection which in part uses fibre optic cabling. This makes it faster than ADSL as the fibre cables can deliver more information much quicker than copper ones. Average download speeds range from 30Mbps to 100Mbps.

• 'Full Fibre' broadband - this broadband sees a property get their broadband via fibre optic cables that run all the way from the local exchange point and into the building. This can then provide huge average download speeds up to 1,000+Mbps. 

• Gigabit-capable broadband - a broadband connection that can deliver average download speeds in excess of 1,000Mbps. Virgin Media and EE are two popular providers who offer such packages.

• Independent provider - an ISP who uses a network that's different to the Openreach network. Two of the most popular/widely available examples include Virgin Media and Hyperoptic.

• Mobile broadband - this is broadband (usually 4G or 5G) that's delivered without physical cables via a mobile phone network.

• Satellite broadband - another type of broadband that's delivered without physical cables and is instead beamed into a property via orbiting satellites. 

• 'Standard' broadband - this is another term that is sometimes used to describe ADSL broadband connections. 

• 'Superfast' broadband - this term is used by some providers to describe fibre broadband connections.

• 'Ultrafast' broadband - a term used to describe Full Fibre and gigabit-capable broadband connections.

It's fair to point out that the above just covers the basic definitions and there's in fact a bit more to it with each broadband option. So if you'd like to know more about them, have a look at our in-depth guide about all the different broadband types that are available here in the UK.

Other broadband technology

This part of our broadband jargon buster gives a run down of terms you'll find describing some of the technology that's involved with delivering and boosting your broadband:

• Coaxial cable - this is a type of cable that's used by Virgin Media as part of its independent broadband network.

• Ethernet cables - a type of cable (often yellow in colour) you can use to connect a device directly to a router. This is then referred to as a 'wired' connection and can be faster and more reliable than WiFi.

• Fibre-optic cable - these are cables that transmit large amounts of data at the speed of light. 

• FTTC - or 'fibre-to-the-cabinet' - is the technical way to describe fibre broadband connections.

• FTTP - or 'fibre-to-the-premises' - is the technical way to describe 'Full Fibre' broadband connections.

• Hub - some providers use this term to refer to the router they will send out as part of their broadband package. This is also because they sometimes can do more than just handle broadband and can essentially be a 'hub' for different types of media.

• Landline - a phone handset you can plug into the phone line that services your property. 

• Modem - this is a device that is occasionally used to connect a device to the internet. Most households now use a router, but people with older packages may still use modems. 

• Phone line - the older copper wire that's joined onto a property, which is used for ADSL and part of a fibre broadband connection, as well as for phone services via a connected landline.

• Router - a piece of tech that allows your devices to access the internet. This can be done via WiFi or through a wired ethernet connection. Each ISP will use and offer different types for handling different broadband speeds.

• WiFi - this is a wireless broadband network (often created by a router) that your devices can connect to in order to use the internet.

The language of broadband deals

Our last glossary looks at some of the language we see being used with the different promotions and deals providers tend to offer:

• 4K - is a screen resolution of around 4,000 pixels, and in relation to broadband, is often used to show the level of streaming quality a connection can provide.

• Antivirus - this is a type of software that helps protect your devices from online threats like viruses and malware.

• Boost - some ISPs may offer you a free or costed 'boost' to your broadband, this basically means a faster speed or new connection.

• Bolt-on - this is a fancy term some providers use for optional extras or additional services. This is because you 'bolt them on' to your current broadband deal for an additional cost. 

• Bundle - with certain ISPs (like BT and Sky) you can find ready-made packages that include other services alongside your broadband, these are referred to as 'bundles'. A popular example of this is TV and broadband bundle deals.

• Cooling off period - a timeframe (usually two weeks) offered by some ISPs when you’ve either switched providers or started a new broadband contract in which you have the option to cancel or change your tariff if you aren’t satisfied with it.

• Contract - the agreed cost, services and duration of the broadband deal you sign up for with a provider.

• Dongle - this is a USB device that can be plugged into a device in order to establish a portable mobile broadband network.

• Exit fee - sometimes called a 'penalty', this is a cost you pay to your ISP if you want to leave your contract early. Some, but not all, providers include these in the service agreements.

• Line rental - a charge (typically included in your monthly bill) which covers the cost of the maintenance of the copper phone line servicing your property. These are now only really found with ADSL and fibre broadband deals.

• Openreach - the main broadband network that is shared and used by most ISPs to deliver their services.

• Quad play - this term is occasionally used to describe a broadband deal that includes broadband, TV, mobile and a phone service in one package.

• Set up/Installation - refers to any work that might be required either in your property yourself or by a visiting engineer to get your broadband connection up and running.

• Speed guarantee - with certain ISPs you get a contractual guarantee that your broadband will never drop below a certain average download speed. If it does, you're potentially entitled to compensation. 

• Streaming - a means of viewing television or visual content through your broadband.

• UHD - which stands for 'ultra-high-definition' is another commonly referred to streaming resolution that ISPs use to demonstrate the capabilities of certain broadband speeds.

• Upfront fees - these are one-off charges you pay before you get your broadband that you must pay with some ISPs. These tend to cover things like installation, new connections or just the postage of your new router.

Using this jargon to find a better broadband deal

Now you're hopefully a bit more up-to-speed with all-things broadband, the next thing to do is to put your new found knowledge to good use and get yourself a top deal. 

So with the above, you might want to bear in mind the following tips and tricks when contacting ISPs to help you get a better understanding of what's available to you:

• Do your research and compare packages and prices across providers
• Investigate and compare these to your current broadband package and tariff 
• Ask a potential provider about their available broadband extras
• Enquire about any sales or possible bolt-on promotions
• Discuss the availability of different broadband types with them
• Read up on the network rollout from independent providers in your area

Where to find the best broadband deals

We can also assist you with finding a top broadband package, as our guide to the best broadband deals lists out all the latest offers from the UK's most popular broadband providers. 

You can also use our widget below to see what specific deals are available in your area. All you need to do is enter your postcode into the tool and we'll show you what can be found from all the leading ISPs in your location.

You might have come across the term 'superfast' when you've been looking through some of the best broadband deals on the market. It's no secret this can mean that these deals have quick average download speeds, but it is also a blanket term that can refer to many different packages and broadband tariffs.

So to give you some more insights into what 'superfast broadband' can actually involve and include, we've put this guide together that explains all you need to know about it.

What is 'superfast broadband'?

In simple terms, 'superfast broadband' is a type of internet connection that gives faster speeds than 'standard' ADSL broadband. You may also hear or see it being referred to as 'fibre broadband'. The maximum average download speeds it offers can range, but typically the minimum you can get will start at 30Mbps. 

How does superfast broadband work?

With superfast broadband you'll have what's known as a FTTC - or 'fibre-to-the-cabinet' - connection. This is the most-used type of connection in the UK. It involves a fibre optic cable running from your local broadband exchange to the nearest street telephone cabinet. The rest of the connection into your property is then done through the older telephone cable network.

It's this use of fibre optic cables that brings the faster average download speeds, as they are able to send more data much more quickly than the telephone cable networks that are used for older ADSL connections. 

However, the use of copper telephone lines does still limit the top speeds we can get with FTTC. This is unlike the huge download speeds that are available with 'Full Fibre' - or FTTP (fibre-to-the-premises) - broadband, which utilises a complete fibre optic connection right through to a property.

If you want to find out more about how these different connections work, you can take a look at our guide to all the broadband types we can get in the UK.

What are 'superfast' average download speeds?

These can range from 30Mbps to 300Mbps, although this can also depend on whose official definitions you choose to follow. 

For instance, the UK communications regulator, Ofcom, defines 'superfast' average download speeds like those we've just mentioned above. However, network operator Openreach claims they max out at 80Mbps and the government says they can in fact start at 24Mbps. 

So you will get some variation from providers, but if you're ever unsure just check with them directly to get clarification on the average download speeds you're expected to receive, or that you're currently receiving for your broadband.

It's also worth highlighting that in some cases now, speeds above 100Mbps might be classed as 'Full Fibre' speeds and ultimately if your property can get a Full Fibre connection, this will be the package you're offered, rather than a fibre one.

How reliable is superfast broadband?

Thanks to the use of fibre optic cables, superfast broadband is much more secure and reliable than standard ADSL broadband. This is because fibre optic cabling is less likely to break, suffer wear and tear or have issues transmitting data when compared to the older copper wires.

What can you do online with superfast broadband?

The faster average download speeds you receive will allow you to do more online than you can with ADSL broadband. Moreover, the connection will be able to manage multiple devices running simultaneously and doing things like:

• Streaming in UHD
• Downloading large files
• Uploading large files
• Online gaming
• Home working
• Casual browsing
• Online video calling
• Using smart devices about the home

It's also important to note that the faster the superfast package is, the better it will be at handling these types of tasks being done online. Plus, the faster the package, the greater the number of devices that will be able to use the connection at the same time without suffering from performance issues.

Which providers offer superfast broadband?

One of the best things about superfast broadband is that pretty much all of the UK's best and most popular internet service providers (ISPs) offer it as a service - mainly because they use the same Openreach network. As such, you’ll find tariffs from the likes of:

• BT
• Sky
• Plusnet
• EE
• TalkTalk

We should point out that these are just a small snapshot of the choice we have in the UK. This is because according to Openreach’s latest data, it now supports superfast broadband and other tariffs across over 650 different providers. 

On top of this, there are even providers with their own independent broadband cable networks - such as Virgin Media - have tariffs that offer speeds that can be classified within the 'superfast' category. A couple of other examples of independent broadband firms that are growing in popularity, and which have superfast tariffs, include Gigaclear and Hyperoptic.

Superfast broadband: UK coverage

To add to the fact you have a wealth of ISPs offering superfast broadband, another big positive is that the Openreach fibre network now covers just over 97% of the UK. 

This is according to Ofcom's most-recent 'Connected Nations' report, which also states that ‘the number of premises unable to get access to decent broadband, when factoring in fixed wireless and fixed line networks, has dropped from 61,000 to 57,000 premises' since its last report.

At the same time, Openreach is aiming for complete UK fibre coverage and it continues to upgrade its network to provide even faster ‘Full Fibre’. The current target is to connect 25 million homes by 2026. At the time of writing, the actual coverage for such internet speeds is around 62%, but it is steadily increasing.

More superfast broadband FAQs

To give some more in-depth insights into this subject, here are some of the questions people have about this particular broadband type:

• Broadband and TV bundle deals.
• Upgraded tech (e.g. routers and WiFi boosters).
• A landline.
• Monthly discounts.
• Vouchers and gift cards.
• Mobile phone contracts.
• 4G and/or 5G WiFi guarantees.
• Streaming app subscriptions.

Other considerations to make before choosing superfast broadband

With such a big choice of superfast broadband deals available, there are a few more things to consider to help narrow down your options. 

Slower speeds (30-50Mbps)

Ideal for those in smaller households that only use a small number of devices at the same time for casual browsing or streaming.

Mid-range speeds (50-100Mbps)

A strong choice for small to medium-sized households with moderate usage demands (e.g. online gaming, streaming in UHD, home working).

*Faster speeds (100-300Mbps)

Any large and busy properties with multiple devices being used for UHD streaming, online gaming, video calling and more.

If you need further information on this - as you know for sure you’ll be doing plenty of streaming - you can find the specifics around streaming service requirements in our guide here. 

To give you just one example, full UHD streaming on Netflix with one device requires minimum speeds of 25Mbps - so you should be able to see why using multiple devices for this at the same time can be an issue for slower connections.

*As we alluded earlier in this guide, it's important to note that more and more providers are now packaging such speeds within their 'Full Fibre' tariffs, instead of their fibre ones.

More ways to choose a superfast broadband package

As well as looking through our selection of the best broadband deals, there are a few other ways you can find a new superfast broadband package:

Contact your current provider

As we've alluded to earlier, you can go directly to your existing supplier to learn more about the superfast broadband packages they currently have available. This can either give you an idea of what you could upgrade to or it can be something you then compare to the deals you've already found from other ISPs. If you feel confident enough you could even try haggling with your provider about getting a better superfast speed but at a price that's more in line with your budget.

Uncover the best deals in your location

Another easy option we can help facilitate involves simply entering your postcode into our widget below. We'll then show you exactly which superfast broadband deals and options are available in your location. Then all you need to do is enquire about your chosen package and make the most of your new speedy connection.

ADSL broadband used to be the main option for UK consumers, but a quick glance at the latest and best broadband deals will show you that fibre packages and Full Fibre deals are now much more popular.

There are plenty of great reasons for this too. After all, fibre and full fibre deals are much faster and offer better online experiences. This is because they allow you to do more things, like download in UHD and stream your favourite TV shows and films. 

However, the term 'fibre broadband' itself can be confusing. This is because it can cover lots of different bases with things like average download speeds and browsing performance, plus there are different types of fibre connection available to some, but not all, UK properties. 

So, to clear all this up for you, this guide explains all there is to know about fibre broadband. 

What is fibre broadband?

Fibre connections use fibre optic cables to send data, rather than the older, standard copper wires you get with ADSL broadband. The use of such cables essentially means more data can be sent faster, hence the larger average download and upload speeds you can get.

That said, under the 'fibre' umbrella there are two main types of broadband connections available:

• FTTC - or 'fibre-to-the-cabinet' - this type of broadband sees the fibre cable run from the local broadband exchange to your nearest street telephone cabinet. From there, the rest of the connection is via copper telephone wires. This type of broadband has been hugely popular over the last few years, but Openreach is now starting to phase out this particular type of connection.

• FTTP - or 'fibre-to-the-premises' - this sees the fibre optic cables run all the way from the broadband exchange directly into a property. This direct connection is what gives the fastest broadband speeds. It can also be offered by providers as 'Full Fibre'.

Both of these offer faster average download speeds than ADSL broadband, which relies solely on the old copper telephone cables.

As we mentioned above, soon the majority of us will only be able to access Full Fibre deals. This is because Openreach is upgrading the network and will no longer maintain the copper wires that are required for FTTC connections. 

At present, Openreach (which is responsible for maintaining the telephone cables, ducts, cabinets and exchanges that connect nearly all homes and businesses in the United Kingdom to the national broadband and telephone network), is also conducting a Full Fibre rollout. 

Openreach is aiming to provide Ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband to 25 million homes and businesses across the UK by December 2026. As soon as your address is able to access ultrafast Full Fibre speeds, you'll no longer be able to purchase 'standard fibre' or FTTC deals.

How does fibre broadband work?

The fibre optic cables transmit data and information in the form of binary codes - 0s and 1s that are referred to as 'bits'. These codes/bits are generated millions of times every second through light pulses that quickly switch on and off, and these are sent along the cables at light speed. 

While it's also fair to say older copper cables work in a similar way, the major differences are that copper cables use electrical charges that can't send as much data as quickly. What's more, the further the signals need to go along the copper cable, the weaker the signal gets. 

So with this, having these fibre cables running all the way from the broadband provider, to the nearby exchange and into your property (which is what Full Fibre is) can of course give you the fastest speeds.

How fast is fibre broadband?

As we've alluded to above, fibre broadband speeds can vary massively depending on what type of connection you have installed. What's more, within each fibre connection type you can opt for different broadband speeds that fit within their respective ranges - this is why we have such a wide choice of broadband deals today.

So to give you a top level overview, these are the typical speed ranges on offer:

• FTTC - has average download speeds of between 35 and 80Mbps. These are sometimes called 'superfast' speeds.

• FTTP - can theoretically offer any average download speeds, up to and in excess of 1,000Mbps (1Gbps). These are sometimes called 'ultrafast' and the above 1,000Mbps speeds may be referred to as 'gigabit internet'.

For the sake of comparison, ADSL broadband gives average download speeds of 10-12Mbps, but again this can be slightly slower or faster depending on how far the copper line has to go from the cabinet to your property and if it's in a decent condition.

In some cases you can get speeds of up to 24Mbps on the upgraded ADSL2+ lines that some providers have in place. 

What are the benefits of fibre broadband?

When compared to ADSL speeds, the benefits of fibre broadband are quite clear to see:

• Faster average download speeds.
• Faster upload speeds.
• A more dependable and secure connection.
• Easier casual browsing.
• Less chance of buffering or issues with streaming.
• Smoother quality of online calls.
• Multiple devices can use it at once.
• Seamless online gaming.
• You can get your tasks done quicker.

If we dig into the specifics of the above benefits, the faster the fibre or Full Fibre connection you have, the better the download speeds you'll receive. Plus, you'll be able to use your internet on a larger number of devices without interruption. 

Where is fibre broadband available in the UK?

Most of the UK's internet service providers (ISPs) use the Openreach national network to supply their broadband. As of June 2024, Openreach claims that its fibre coverage now extends to more than 98% of the country. It has also made Full Fibre available to over 13 million premises up and down the country. 

The latest Full Fibre network coverage across all providers at the time of writing is 66.8.%

With Full Fibre, the company's aim is to make gigabit capable broadband available to 25 million homes (or 85% of the country) by December 2026. You can check the progress of this particular roll out here. 

Anywhere that doesn't have fibre access yet will most likely be served by an ADSL connection. There are also some independent fibre companies like Hyperoptic and cable broadband providers like Virgin Media who also offer gigabit-capable connections. 

If you want to know more about this then take a look at our guide to the different broadband types available in the UK.

When will Full Fibre be available in my area? 

The Full Fibre rollout is happening quickly. If Full Fibre isn't yet available in your area, then the good news is that it will be soon. Remember, 25 million homes and businesses will be connected to the network by December 2026. 

This rollout is happening on a town-by-town and city-by-city basis. This means that as soon as the upgrade has been made in your area, you'll be able to make the switch (there's no need to wait). 

You can check out the status of the rollout here and you can use the postcode checker to see whether there's a plan to build a Full Fibre exchange at your address. 

Which providers offer fibre broadband?

As mentioned above, the majority of ISPs offer fibre and Full Fibre broadband, particularly those that share use of the Openreach network. Here's a short selection of known fibre and Full Fibre broadband providers:

• BT Broadband 
• Sky Broadband 
• TalkTalk
• NOW Broadband
• Plusnet
• Hyperoptic 
• EE 

Fibre broadband: FAQs

Alongside questions about how fibre broadband works and the speeds it offers, we've also answered a selection of other FAQs people tend to have about this particular service:

Should I get fibre broadband?

If fibre is available in your area, then you'll likely be asked to upgrade by your provider. Although people used to be able to choose between ADSL and fibre deals, this is no longer the case with most providers, who are withdrawing ADSL deals from the market. 

If you do have the choice between ADSL, fibre and Full Fibre, then you need to consider which option is best for you. Similarly, if a range of Full Fibre deals are available, you'll need to consider which is right for your needs. A 100Mbps package will suit a different need to a 1Gbps package.

Your budget should be a big factor here, because as a rule of thumb, the faster the package, the higher the cost. So you should think about how much you're willing to pay each month versus a speed you think will suit your needs.

On this subject, your internet usage and needs are another key aspect. If you're in a busy household with lots of users doing things like streaming in UHD or online gaming, then a bigger Full Fibre package will probably be a good choice. Equally, if you're in a smaller property and you'll just be doing a bit of casual browsing, an entry-level package will probably suffice. 

Despite all this, it is true that there can be great deals to be had on both fibre and Full Fibre broadband - you just need to know where to look. Fortunately, we can help with this. Just visit our best broadband deals guide or use our widget below. With the latter you just need to pop in your postcode and we'll give you a rundown of the best fibre and Full Fibre deals in your area. 

Alternatively, you could speak directly with your current ISP and see if you can haggle for a better price on a faster fibre tariff.

Looking for the fastest broadband deals on the market? Gigabit broadband is likely to be the best option for you. 

These packages provide ultrafast download speeds in excess of 1Gbps. In fact, there are currently a few options from some of the most popular broadband providers that offer speeds topping 2,000Mbps. 

But, exactly what are gigabit broadband packages, how do they work and do you really need one? This guide reveals all. 

What is gigabit internet?

A gigabit internet connection is one which is capable of offering average download speeds of at least 1Gbps - which is the same as 1,000Mbps. In other words, really, really fast internet. 

Many people consider gigabit internet to be the future of broadband. However, it does remain the future at the moment. Even though the availability of gigabit-capable broadband is improving rapidly, these connections still aren't widely available and they're only offered by certain providers. 

For example, most providers that use the Openreach network, such as Sky, can only provide packages that offer average download speeds of 900Mbps. These are rapid, but they technically fall short of the gigabit mark. 

How does gigabit internet work?

Gigabit internet is delivered in a similar manner to fibre and ADSL broadband. However, in order to get these huge speeds, it requires a 'Full Fibre' or 'fibre-to-the-premises' connection. 

With this type of connection, fibre-optic lines (which are capable of sending data at light speed) run directly from your nearest broadband exchange to your property. As such, there aren't any disruptions or limitations (like what you can get with ADSL and FTTC connections).

In addition, some ISPs with independent networks - such as Virgin Media and Hyperoptic - can also offer gigabit speeds via their own cables. Virgin is also slightly different as it uses its own network of 'coaxial cables', which work in a similar way to fibre-optic ones. 

If you'd like to learn more about the different broadband types available in the UK right now, check out our guide here.

What speeds does gigabit internet offer?

As mentioned above, gigabit internet gives average download speeds of around 1Gbps or 1,000Mbps. You also may encounter some tariffs that are classed as 'gigabit broadband' if their average download speeds are between 900Mbps and 1,000Mbps, this is because the 'Full Fibre' connections they use can theoretically reach gigabit speeds.

However, there are some exceptions to this and some ISPs can offer broadband deals that are faster than 1Gbps. The main example of this is Virgin Media's top 'Gig2' tariff, which offers average download speeds of 2,000Mbps. This is the fastest package you can get in the UK from a leading and nationwide ISP, but similarly, you can also get ‘blistering speeds’ of 1,600Mbps from EE’s new 1.6Gbps plan.

Although, if you live in London, you can get a mighty 3Gbps connection from independent provider Community Fibre - but this is exclusive to selected boroughs across the UK capital.

We also shouldn't ignore upload speeds, as these also tend to be quite high with gigabit broadband connections. Even those that come under the 1,000Mbps average download speed threshold can still give upload speeds in excess of 100Mbps. Some can also offer ‘symmetrical speeds’ where the upload and download speeds are the same - Virgin's Gig2 being a key example of this.

To give you a greater sense of perspective here, the UK industry regulator Ofcom's latest broadband report, it says the average download speed for home broadband connections in the UK was 69.4 Mbps - which is still significantly slower than what gigabit broadband can deliver. 

How reliable is gigabit internet?

Thanks mainly to the big speeds and the use of fibre-optic and/or coaxial cables, gigabit internet is one of the most reliable broadband types out there right now. 

The direct-to-property cables prevent drops in performance that you may otherwise have with older, less-dependable copper cables that you get with FTTC and ADSL broadband. This is because copper cables are limited by the amount of data they can send and their broadband speeds are affected by their distance from the broadband and telephone exchange serving your property. What's more, fibre and coaxial cables are more durable and are less likely to get damaged and suffer from  wear and tear, which can lead to performance issues.

Direct cables also don't tend to have as many issues with lag when compared to satellite broadband and 4G and 5G broadband. This is because they won't be affected by external circumstances such as poor weather and a weak signal strength.

Lastly, with the big/symmetrical download and upload speeds, gigabit broadband can comfortably handle high intensity usage from many different devices at once, all while maintaining a quality connection for each user. In turn, this can make people more productive when working online.

What can you do online with gigabit internet?

The possibilities are almost endless with gigabit internet in terms of downloads, streaming and browsing, but the big speeds make it especially good for:

• Online gaming - as the chance of lag is significantly reduced.
• Streaming in UHD - even on multiple devices at once you'll get 4K.
• Using the cloud - any online storage can be quickly accessed and utilised.
• Home working - you can Zoom, download and browse without issues.
• Using VR - the reduced latency and fast speeds improve the experience.
• Operating a connected household - from security cameras, to smart speakers, automated lights and more, they’ll all run seamlessly.

Where can I get gigabit internet?

According to Ofcom's most recent data - and as of its spring 2024 'Connected Nations' report - the number of homes across the UK that can access gigabit-capable internet via a 'Full Fibre' or cable connection is 24 million, which is around 80% of all properties. But if we just look at 'Full Fibre' in isolation it's around 62% of homes.

These figures are steadily continuing to rise and network operators including Openreach and Virgin Media have issued targets to make gigabit broadband available to 99% of properties by 2030.

However, this lack of a widespread rollout is one of the downsides to gigabit-broadband, as ultimately it's not as accessible as some other types. This is perhaps most noticeable when compared to fibre broadband, which can be accessed by 98% of the UK. 

If you are interested in getting a gigabit broadband deal, the best thing to do is find the best broadband deals with these 900-1,000+Mbps speeds and then go to the provider to see if their network has reached your location, or if your property can be connected to it.

Which ISPs offer gigabit broadband?

Using our best broadband deals guide and our widget at the bottom of this page we can show you a selection of UK ISPs that currently have gigabit and gigabit-capable packages available. 

However, to give you a top-level overview, here's a selection of popular providers where you can find tariffs with speeds ranging from 900 to 1,000+Mbps:

• Virgin Media - Gig2 - 2,000Mbps
• BT Broadband - Full Fibre 900 - 900+Mbps
• Sky Broadband - Gigfast - 900+Mbps
• Vodafone - Full Fibre - 910Mbps
• Hyperoptic - Hyperfast - 900+Mbps
• EE - Full Fibre Max Gigabit - 900+Mbps and its 1.6Gbps bundle
• Plusnet - Full Fibre 900 - 900Mbps

A tip to remember here is that aside from independent cable providers like Virgin and Hyperoptic, most ISPs use the Openreach network, so will invariably offer similar speeds across their broadband packages - they'll just be packaged up and priced differently. 

Gigabit internet and gigabit broadband: FAQs

To give you some additional insights into gigabit broadband, here are some of the frequently asked questions people have about it:

• The number of people using the internet.
• The quality of your router and your distance from it.
• Whether or not you're using a wired connection to the router.
• Technical issues with the provider.

Should I get gigabit internet?

Knowing whether or not gigabit internet is the right choice for you really depends on your budget. As if you're prepared to spend a bit more for seamless, future-proofed and reliable broadband then getting these ultrafast speeds is a no brainer.

That said, if you have older tech at home, you might want to check whether these pieces of equipment are compatible before you make any decisions.

Plus, if you're looking for something more affordable, it's worth remembering that you can still get decent and fast speeds in mid-range packages and these will still support the demands of busy households and businesses. 

Is gigabit internet worth it?

In short, it depends. Like we’ve said above, if you have high internet usage, you want to have a dependable connection and you can afford it, it seems a worthwhile choice. At the same time, if you live in a smaller household with lower internet use, opting for a cheaper fibre broadband deal should fit the bill and be a better use of your money.

Where to get your next gigabit broadband deal

As we’ve mentioned earlier, our best broadband deals page will show you what gigabit internet packages are available right now. But, feel free to make the most of our widget below - just enter your postcode and it will show you exactly what's available in your area.

Other than this, you may wish to go directly to your current provider and see if you can upgrade or move to a gigabit broadband deal. It might also be worth waiting for them to release their promotional offers if you want to get some extras or bring your monthly costs down a bit. 

If you have one of the best broadband deals for your home or business, the chances are it'll be from a fibre or ADSL fixed line connection, but did you know that you could also get your broadband via satellite?

This technology might seem like the stuff of science fiction - or just be something you mainly associate with how you get your TV channels - but the truth is that it's now a service that's widely available across the country. However, it's still not one of the most popular types of broadband we see in the UK, which begs the question of why this is the case. 

In this guide, we've taken a closer look at satellite broadband in order to help you decide if it might be the right option for your broadband needs.

What is satellite broadband?

As the name suggests, satellite broadband sees your internet wirelessly beamed down from orbiting satellites to your property. As such, it's something that can technically be accessed anywhere, with the right equipment. 

How does satellite broadband work?

Satellite broadband works in a similar way to satellite TV or radio. The provider beams laser signals from its base on the earth up to its orbiting satellites. These signals are then sent back down to your property from the satellite and are received by a satellite dish and transmitter you'll need to have installed - most likely on your roof. 

Thanks to the use of laser technology, these signals work on higher frequencies than standard radio waves and are able to send and transmit more data and information - which is ideal for broadband.

However, much like different types of broadband, the quality of the service can depend on a number of factors. These include:

• The number of satellites in orbit - in simple terms, the more there are, the better and stronger the signal quality.

• How far away they are from us - different satellites orbit at different distances, but again if these are close to the Earth, they allow for lower latency.

• The transmission tech - the quality of the satellites and the devices used to receive the signals also matters a lot when it comes to sending and receiving data.

How do I access satellite broadband?

Right now there are a handful of satellite broadband providers that offer their services in the UK, but this number is expected to grow in the coming years. Here are the most popular options you can get in this country today:

Starlink
Arguably the most ‘well known’ is Starlink - which is operated by Elon Musk’s aerospace firm SpaceX. This has actually been available for customers to use in the UK since 2021 and has been used in many rural areas. It’s also one of the fastest providers with average download speeds of between 50Mbps and 200Mbps. It claims users typically get speeds over 100Mbps.

Eutelsat OneWeb
This provider is a combination of French provider Eutelsat and London-based OneWeb. At the time of writing it offers satellite broadband to the majority of countries around the world via its network of over 630 satellites. 

Freedomsat
Freedomsat has also been around for a while but now offers a range of satellite broadband products to homes and businesses around the country. These aren’t especially fast though and most of their tariffs have data caps. However, it can be a good choice for those in remote locations.

Brdy

With Brdy you get a choice of two plans, its 50Mbps ‘Standard’ option and its 100Mbps ‘Superfast’ one - both have unlimited data. This provider claims to have over 25,000 customers across the world and promises quick delivery and self-installation. In fact, it has a number of package features that are more like a typical broadband plan.

Konnect
This provider offers its services all over the UK and promises ‘easy set-up’ and average download speeds of up to 75Mbps and data plans that can be unlimited. However, it is also technically another company that sits under the Eutelsat umbrella. 

Once you've contacted a provider - and learned if you can access its services - getting connected to your new satellite broadband can be relatively straightforward. The company will send an engineer out to install a dish on your property and to fit a modem and wireless router inside it, which shouldn't take much longer than a few hours. Then, you'll be good to go.

How fast and reliable is satellite broadband?

The average download speeds of satellite broadband can vary from provider to provider, and as of 2024, the speeds on offer are slower and not as wide-ranging as fibre and Full Fibre speeds. 

As aforementioned, Starlink currently has the fastest average download speeds of between 50Mbps and 300Mbps, while most other providers max out at 30-80Mbps, which isn't much faster than a typical fibre package. Although, with its steadily rising popularity, we may see more variety and faster speeds being rolled out sooner rather than later.

In terms of reliability, satellite broadband can suffer from high latency (or lag) which is due to the fact the signal is going to space and back again. This doesn't always happen, but when it does, it can affect download speeds and can cause issues with streaming. The signal can also be affected by storms and adverse weather. 

Satellite broadband: FAQs

To give some more in-depth insights into this subject, here are some of the frequently asked questions people have about this particular broadband type:

Should I choose satellite broadband?

As we've alluded to above, the main benefit is that satellite broadband can be accessed pretty much anywhere, but at the moment it's more for homes and businesses that can't get ADSL or fibre connections. Moreover, it tends to be more expensive than standard broadband packages that offer similar speeds and not all tariffs have unlimited data.

So with that, it's worth weighing up the following pros and cons if you're considering using it.

Pros:

• Widely available all over the country.
• Easy to get set up and you can pay monthly.
• You don't need a landline.
• Its popularity is growing.

Cons:

• It's not superfast yet and often has data limits.
• It can be expensive.
• You can experience lag and weather-related performance issues.
• There isn't as much choice on the market right now.

Alternatives to satellite broadband

One of the great things about the UK is that we’re not short on other broadband options, you can see everything that’s available in our guide here. That said, like we’ve alluded to earlier in this article, if you like a remote area, the chances are you won’t be able to access a fair few of them and satellite is likely a smart choice.

Choosing your next broadband

Ultimately, if your property doesn't have access to ADSL or fibre then satellite broadband is probably your best bet. Again, similar options include 4G and 5G broadband, but these are also subject to network coverage in your area. 

If you need further assistance you can also check out our guide to choosing the best broadband provider for your needs. 

Alternatively, if you want a new tariff, then you might want to head over to our best broadband deals page, or enter your postcode into our widget below. Both of these will give you a clearer idea of what broadband options you have and can help you pick the right package.

ADSL broadband used to be the most popular form of broadband available. However, in June 2024, it's seen to be outdated and is now being removed from the market by many providers, who are pushing customers towards fibre and full fibre deals instead. As a result, if you're looking for the cheapest and best broadband deals on the market today, it's unlikely you'll see many ADSL deals in your search results. 

However, although faster connections like fibre and cable broadband are now more popular than ADSL deals, there's still a place for ADSL packages on the market. After all, in some locations, they remain the only option available. 

Looking for an affordable tariff or keen to learn more about how the technology behind ADSL broadband works? In this guide we've outlined everything you need to know, including all the jargon, the providers that still offer ADSL connections and what this type of internet does and doesn't allow you to do online. 

What is ADSL broadband?

ADSL - which stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - is a type of broadband that's provided to a property via a standard copper telephone line. As we've mentioned above, it's the slowest and most basic connection option available on the broadband market today. It offers average download speeds of 10-12Mbps. To put this into perspective, basic fibre options offer speeds of 30Mbps+, while full fibre options offer average download speeds of 100Mbps+.

As we also mentioned above, it's also now considered to be outdated and many providers have started to remove ADSL options from the market. For this reason, if you're searching for broadband deals in your area, you may not notice any ADSL packages. 

How does ADSL broadband work?

The old copper phone lines used with ADSL connections are in fact part of BT's Openreach network - something that's used by many broadband providers. These connections run from the nearest telephone exchange into a property.

Through something called 'local loop unbundling', different broadband providers (other than BT) can use the line to offer their services. The 'local loop' specifically refers to the part of the line that goes from the exchange into a building.

As these lines are also used for connecting landlines, a device called a 'microfilter' is then utilised. This separates the broadband and phone line, so both can be used at the same time. 

However, the download speeds you can get from the old copper cables are limited and they can only send so much data at once - hence why they're so slow. On average the download speeds are around 8Mbps, but this can be slightly higher or lower depending on how far the cable has to travel from the exchange and the condition it's in. 

A close and decent quality ADSL line can reach average download speeds of about 10Mbps and upload speeds of 1Mbps. In some instances, a property may also be serviced by the slightly upgraded 'ADSL2+' lines, which give top speeds of 24Mbps. 

This is exactly why many providers have started to remove ADSL deals from the market. These speeds simply aren't quick enough for homes that have multiple connected devices, households where people work from home and need to go on video calls, or homes where multiple family members need to be online simultaneously. For context, even the most basic fibre broadband packages are around 3x quicker. 

Who offers ADSL broadband?

It used to be the case that ADSL was the main broadband product available to UK customers and that it was widely available on the Openreach network. It also used to be considered quick, as it was much faster than dial-up internet. 

Today though, only households that cannot access fibre connections are eligible to receive ADSL connections. This is because most providers won't supply an ADSL connection to a house where they can deliver at least one fibre package. As the fibre network now covers more than 98% of the country, this means very few households can access ADSL deals. The majority of these properties are located in rural or remote areas. 

That said, if you live in a non-fibre area, then you may still be able to find ADSL broadband packages - which are often quite cheap, but slow - from the likes of:

• Sky - its ‘Essential Plus’ package
• BT - its ‘Broadband’ package
• NOW Broadband - its ‘Brilliant’ package
• Plusnet - its ‘Unlimited’ package
• EE - its ‘Standard’ package
• TalkTalk - its ‘Fast’ package

Remember though, ADSL broadband is in the process of being retired entirely. Openreach has been steadily upgrading the network from old copper cabling to a faster one with fibre cables, and the company is on course to roll this out to 25 million homes and businesses by December 2026.

As such, we will likely see fewer providers offering ADSL and ultimately less choice when it comes to packages in the next few years. 

At present, although all the above providers do still technically offer ADSL deals, all of them only offer these packages in places that cannot get a fibre connection. As a result, if you're searching for deals and live in an area where it's possible to get either a fibre or a Full Fibre connection, the above deals may not display in the results you're shown. 

What can and can't you do online with ADSL broadband?

With the slower download and upload speeds provided by an ADSL connection, you won't be surprised to hear that there are some limitations to what you'll be able to do online. 

Here are a few examples of the kinds of things you will be able to do:

• Casually browse websites
• Stream music
• Download files, apps and documents
• Use streaming services (potentially with some interruption during peak times)

However, you won't be able to do the following:

• Stream in 4K or UHD
• Use video chat without interruptions or loss of quality
• Use multiple devices online at the same time
• Quickly download large files
• Include larger TV bundles (in most cases)

What to think about before you choose ADSL broadband

As the above lists suggest, even the online tasks you can do with ADSL broadband can be affected if there's more than one active internet user in a household. This can be especially challenging for those working from home. 

However, the flip side to this is that you can pick up an affordable tariff if you opt for an ADSL connection. What's more, some providers tend to offer extra incentives if you're a customer who can't access fibre broadband yet.

So with that, before you choose ADSL broadband, it's important to consider the following factors:

• The broadband usage and requirements of your household.
• How much you can realistically afford to pay each month.
• If there are any download limits (as some packages can have these).
• What extras a provider is including. 
• How long the contract is and if it works out good value in the long run.
• Whether or not fibre is likely to come to your area any time soon.

What other types of broadband can I get in the UK?

As we've mentioned earlier, ADSL used to be the main choice for broadband here in the UK. However, this is no longer the case. To give you an idea of how much things have changed in the last 10 years or so, here's a rundown of the other types of broadband we can now receive in the UK:

• Fibre - uses 'fibre-optic' cables to connect your property to your nearby telephone cabinet, instead of the copper lines. Due to this, fibre broadband packages can transmit much more data and give average download speeds of between 30 and 80Mbps.

• Full Fibre - this type of fibre broadband sees the fibre-optic cables run all the way from the provider's exchange and into your property - this is also known as 'fibre-to-the-premises or FTTP. As such, huge average download speeds of 1,000Mbps can be accessed with Full Fibre broadband. 

• Cable - rather than using the Openreach network, there are some providers (with Virgin Media's broadband deals being the main example) who have their own independent cable networks that bring broadband into homes and businesses. While cable broadband isn't as widely available as some other types, the technology in these cables can give average download speeds over 1,000Mbps. 

• Mobile - you can do away with cables altogether with mobile broadband. This is because this broadband type uses phone networks and all you need to do is plug in a router or dongle and connect your devices to the WiFi it will then provide. This can be available as 4G broadband and 5G broadband, with the latter being the faster of the two. However, whether or not you can get mobile broadband depends on the coverage in your area.

• Satellite - this is another broadband type that's cable-free. As you can guess, your broadband is instead beamed into your property via satellites. It's becoming more and more popular as the technology is starting to advance and offer faster speeds. It was historically only really for remote properties who couldn't get ADSL. You can learn more about this in our 'what is satellite broadband?' guide. 

ADSL broadband: FAQs

To help get you even more up to speed, here are some extra frequently asked questions consumers have about ADSL broadband:

When was ADSL first made available in the UK?

ADSL was first actually launched way back in 2000 and was marketed as a 'permanently connected' internet line to replace 'dial-up'. The first ADSL speeds were around 512kbps, which was a notable increase from the 56kbps that was available through dial-up. 

The technology quickly grew in popularity as it of course meant consumers could use the internet and their phone line at the same time - rather than the single connection modems that were typically used by households for their internet access. ADSL also meant that customers didn't have to pay a charge for the specific amount of time they were online. 

ADSL download and upload speeds began to slowly increase following the technology's introduction and, by 2005, there were more ADSL connections supplying households than there were dial-up ones. By this time, the download speeds had increased to a maximum of around 2Mbps.

More advice for finding the right broadband option

If you decide that you do indeed want ADSL broadband, then you should head to our best broadband deals page to see what offers can be found right now. You can also use our widget below to see what's available in your area.

Equally, our guide and widget can show you more about the other broadband options we've mentioned above, including fibre, 'Full Fibre', 5G broadband, cable and more. This is something we go into finer detail about in our guide to the different broadband types that we can get in the UK, if you want to get some additional insights into these. 

Finally, if you're still unsure about whether or not ADSL is right for you, then we also have our handy 'how do I find the best broadband provider for me?' guide that should be able to point you in the right direction. 

When you're searching for the best broadband deals on the market, it's easy to become overwhelmed with choice. After all, with so many different providers, types of broadband, contract lengths and speed options available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your needs. 

As a result, unless you know exactly which partner you'd like to choose and the speed you'd like, you could end up making a costly mistake. 

This is where we come in. In this guide, we've outlined the top broadband providers in the UK and outlined all of their USPs. We've also put together details about their affordability and the types of packages they're offering at the moment. So, read on to discover everything you need to know. 

Best broadband providers

BT

For years, many have considered BT to be the gold standard in broadband. It's easy to see why, too. 

The excellent range of BT broadband deals includes a fantastic selection of medium-to-fast speeds. Plus, although the company only provides ADSL connections to ineligible properties to receive fibre broadband, it does currently offer a near-unbeatable selection of both fibre and full fibre packages with options that range from 36Mbps to 900Mbps. 

As well as providing download speeds to suit almost any need, BT also offers speed guarantees, smart Wi-Fi hubs, good internet security and a knowledgeable customer services team that's easy to contact. Given their price and availability, it's easy to see why the company's Full Fibre 1 and Full Fibre 2 packages are two of the most popular broadband options in the UK today.

We think that BT is undoubtedly one of the top internet service providers in the UK. However, this doesn't mean that its offering is flawless. Before you sign up with the provider, you should be aware that the company specialises in 24-month contracts. Plus, its deals aren't the cheapest and it cannot compete with Virgin Media's fastest options. 

Added to this, although BT has long been considered to be the market leader in the broadband space, the company's relationship with EE recently changed. As a result, many of the company's flagship broadband deals (including a new 1.6Gbps option) are now offered by EE. 

Sky

Sky is one of the best-known and most popular internet service providers in the UK. Again, it's easy to see why. 

Sky has claimed countless awards over the past few decades, offers some of the best internet and TV bundle deals in the country, and regularly offers great incentives and discounts on its contracts. 

On top of this, Sky's broadband deals include a speed to suit every household. Its fibre deals start at 36Mbps, while its fastest fibre offers average download speeds of 900Mbps. Plus, the company also offers a 'wall-to-wall Wi-Fi' guarantee. Loyal customers even receive VIP incentives, which many providers reserve for new customers. 

That said, Sky also relies on the Openreach network that's utilised by BT. This means it cannot compete with some of the speeds offered by Virgin Media and EE. Plus, the company also specialises in 18-month contracts, which can be restrictive. That said, if you'd also like to receive Sky's TV channels, opting to bundle them with the company's Wi-Fi is a bit of a no-brainer. 

Virgin Media 

Searching for the fastest speeds available? Virgin Media's broadband deals are likely to be the best for you. 

Virgin Media has one major advantage over some of its other competitors: it uses its own network. This means it doesn't need to rely on old copper cables that are slow to transmit data. 

As a result, the entire Virgin Media network is now gigabit-ready and all of Virgin’s tariffs offer average download speeds of 100Mbps or faster. Added to this, the company has recently launched one particular deal that offers symmetrical upload and download speeds of 2Gbps! Plus, on top of all of this, the company usually offers good incentives and discounts on some of its contracts. 

However, although Virgin's network provides the fastest connections in the UK, it's still very much under development. This means the company's coverage isn't the best. Estimates suggest that only around 60% of properties in the UK can access Virgin Media's broadband packages. However, those who do receive excellent speeds, great customer service, and a range of incentives. 

Plusnet

Although it used to be considered a value option for broadband, Plusnet now offers a lot more than a cheap connection. Plusnet's broadband deals are considered to be great all-rounders and the company often tops lists like this. 

Not only does Plusnet undercut the deals offered by the likes of Sky, BT, and Virgin, but it also offers excellent customer service and top-notch reliability. This means Plusnet customers usually receive excellent value for money. 

Overall, Plusnet offers a great range of contract lengths, a good selection of fibre internet deals, and a friendly, reasonably-priced service that customers can rely on. Perhaps it's no wonder that the company was voted as the 'Broadband Provider of the Year' by Uswitch in 2024. 

EE

EE's broadband deals are both fast and reliable. Plus, the company offers some of the best levels of customer service in the industry. Added to this, EE also offers some attractive discounts and incentives for its existing pay monthly customers. 

Since 2016, EE has been a member of the BT family. Until recently, this meant that the company provided many of the same solid and reliable pages as BT. However, EE's relationship with its parent company recently changed and now EE has replaced BT as the flagship broadband provider. 

As part of this, EE now offers the widest range of deals, including a new 1.6Gbps option that is one of the fastest on the market today. 

Overall EE is a solid broadband provider you can trust; especially if you’re already an EE pay monthly customer. However, there are a couple of downsides you should be aware of. For example, the company's contracts are inflexible and its TV and internet bundles leave something to be desired. Let's see if either of these downsides change when the new partnership between EE and BT is more firmly established!

NOW Broadband

There's no doubt about it, NOW Broadband is one of the best value internet service providers in the country. 

NOW Broadband is owned by Sky, but this brand is specifically focused on providing the cheapest tariffs on the market. You may be surprised to hear that some of its deals (36Mbps and 63Mbps) start from as little as £23 per month. In fact, even its most expensive package, which offers average download speeds of 100Mbps (and is powered by Sky) only costs £26 per month.

As a result, in surveys, NOW Broadband's customers rave about the value for the money they receive. Plus, many are also happy with the reliability of their connection and the customer service on offer. 

Added to this, we should also mention that NOW Broadband is one of the most flexible providers out there and many of its deals only last for 12 months. The only expiation to this is the 100Mbps package, which comes with an 18-month contract. 

However, although there are a number of reasons to pick up a NOW Broadband deal, it's worth noting that it's quickest package only provides average download speeds of 100Mbps. As a result, if you're looking for the fastest speeds on the market, NOW is unlikely to be the right provider for you. 

Vodafone

Vodafone is home to Britain's longest-running mobile phone network (the company placed its first call in 1985). However, it only entered the broadband market seven years ago. 

That said, the company is now more than making a statement: Vodafone's broadband deals are aggressively priced and come with fast download speeds. So it's no surprise that Vodafone's customers regularly praise the speeds they receive and the value for money available. Plus, current Vodafone members can also receive a discount that makes the company's packages even more affordable. 

However, although the company offers a great range of speeds and a particularly affordable 35Mbps option, its standard contract length is 24 months, which is the longest in the industry. Plus, customers do complain that it's difficult to contact the company and the customer service provided isn't the best.  

TalkTalk

Like NOW Broadband, TalkTalk specialises in affordable broadband contracts. In fact, the company's Fibre 35 package is usually available for around £28 per month. Meanwhile, its popular Fibre 65 plan costs the same amount. Added to this, TalkTalk's broadband deals also provide you with great discounts on NOW TV passes. This is great if you're looking to bundle your broadband with your TV. 

Although the company specialises in deals across both traditional copper lines and fibre lines, it also offers a Full Fibre 900 contract that offers average download speeds of 944Mbps. This means it can compete with the fastest speeds offered by both BT and Sky. 

Specialist providers to consider 

Don't like the sound of any of the major UK broadband providers? Well, certain smaller providers like Hyperoptic, Gigaclear, and Zen Internet specialise in ultrafast, 'fibre-to-the-premises' or 'FTTP' internet connections that provide some of the top broadband speeds on the market. 

So, if you're interested in an ultrafast speed, which is typically delivered as a 'Full Fibre' broadband connection, then it may also be worth checking out these providers. 

Other key considerations

So, now you know all about the best broadband providers in 2024, how do you know which is right for your needs? 

Well, each of the above broadband providers has its own specialisms and things that make it unique. So with this, the one you consider to be the 'best' is largely down to personal choice and your unique circumstances. However, before you sign up, here's a list of things you need to consider: 

• Coverage in your area 
• Whether you receive a 'minimum speed guarantee'
• Contract length 
• The total cost of signing up 
• Whether you'll receive an incentive for signing up
• Whether you need any extras, like a landline or TV package 

The importance of broadband coverage

Of all the above points, coverage is the first thing you need to check. For example, while companies such as Sky and BT use the Openreach network and can provide fibre connections to around 96% of the country, Virgin Media uses its own network. However, although they can provide quicker speeds as a result, only around 60% of the country can actually receive a Virgin connection. 

Similarly, although 96% of homes can access fibre speeds via the Openreach network, only eight million homes are eligible to receive Full Fibre connections. So, it's worth checking what's actually available at your address before you do any detailed research. 

When you're researching available speeds at your address, you should also make sure that you're not lured in by 'headline' speeds and 'average' speeds. This is because not every property is eligible to receive these speeds, which are merely an illustration of the download speeds received by the average property. 

Today, as well as advertising an average speed, a number of the top broadband providers in the UK also offer a 'minimum speed guarantee'. You should check this and make sure it's still quick enough for your needs.

The right contract length

Following this, you should decide what length of contract you're looking for. While some providers specialise in offering short-term deals, many of the larger suppliers like Sky and BT only offer 18 and 24-month contracts which can be prohibitive. However, these can be cheaper in the long run and often come with incentives. Plus, if your chosen supplier does not meet the minimum speeds guaranteed in your contract, you can usually leave without penalty.

That said, if you'd much prefer a shorter contract, take a look at NOW. They're currently offering the shortest contracts on the market, with many of their deals only lasting for 12 months. 

Be wary of sign up costs

This leads us to our next point: sign-up costs. Nowadays, the vast majority of providers charge some form of sign-up fee. This can be as low as a £5 delivery fee for your new router all the way up to £70 for an engineer visit. This is something you should check before you sign up. Again, if you choose to go with a longer contract, then these fees may be waived entirely and you may actually receive a freebie like a gift card.

Remember to look for bundle deals

Finally, you need to consider whether you'd like an internet-only package, a broadband deal that includes a landline or an option that bundles together your internet, phone and TV packages. Again, this is largely a personal choice. But, if you do regularly watch shows on Sky Cinema or TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), then you may find that bundling your TV and internet together with a broadband and TV deal provides you with a considerable cost saving.

Key broadband terms

Another way to help make sure you always find the best broadband deal is to get up to speed with some of the latest lingo that's used to describe the products on offer from providers. 

Here's a selection of commonly used terms you might encounter, with an explanation of what they mean:

• Average download speed - it's a provider's reflection of the average download speeds that around half of customers will get during peak usage hours. It's usually one of the main selling points and is displayed in megabits-per-second or 'Mbps'.
• Average upload speed - this is how fast your broadband sends out information and again is based on a user average and is displayed in Mbps. Although, this figure is usually much lower than download speeds.
• Fibre broadband - you'll see this used to describe broadband deals that use fibre-optic cables as part of the connection. These are also known as 'fibre-to-the-cabinet' or 'FTTC' connections and are faster than standard ADSL broadband. They give average download speeds that range from 30Mbps to 100Mbps.
• Full Fibre broadband - these are also known as 'fibre-to-the-premises' or 'FTTP' connections and have fibre-optic cables that run all the way from the local exchange point and directly into your building. These are much faster and have average download speeds up to 1,000+Mbps. 
• Gigabit-capable broadband - for broadband packages that are over 1,000Mbps (or 1Gbps) you might see them being referred to like this.
• 4G broadband - a broadband that's delivered via a provider's 4G mobile network.
• 5G broadband - a broadband type that's delivered wirelessly via a provider's 5G network. These are much faster than 4G and can give speeds upwards of 1,000Mbps.

If you'd like a more in-depth look at the key broadband terms you might encounter when browsing the markets, be sure to take a look through our helpful broadband jargon buster. 

Find the best broadband deals

Whatever your preferences might be with your next broadband package, in addition to the useful insights above, we have a few more ways we can help you find the best option. 

Either head to our best broadband deals page to see our run down of the top tariffs on the markets today. Or enter your postcode into the widget below to see exactly what you can get in your area.

Across the UK, hundreds of internet service providers are in operation. At times it feels like they all claim to offer the best broadband deals on the market, unbeatable customer service and the widest range of speeds available. 

While some of these broadband providers operate across the country, others only work in small local areas. Plus, while many only specialise in internet connections, others have a wide range of packages, including broadband and TV deals. 

Of course, some of these providers are more popular than others. But, which is the most popular and why? Here, we've taken a look at the biggest broadband providers in the UK in terms of customer size and analysed what each offers in terms of cost, speed and customer service. 

Best broadband provider: UK customer numbers

To first give you a clear idea of the most popular providers by the estimated number of customers, recent data from ISPreview shows that the top 10 providers are:

• BT (including Plusnet & EE) - 10,000,000 subscribers
• Virgin Media - 5,722,900 subscribers
• Sky Broadband - 5,700,000 subscribers
• TalkTalk - 3,800,000 subscribers
• Vodafone - 1,383,000 subscribers
• Shell Energy - 595,000 subscribers
• Glide - 400,000 subscribers (apparently mostly students)
• Utility Warehouse - 363,595
• Hyperoptic - 300,000 subscribers
• Community Fibre - 200,000 subscribers

These are the stats as of 14th May 2024. However, Shell Energy UK was purchased by Octopus Energy in December 2023. As part of this deal, Octopus recently announced that it will be selling all 595,000 of its newly acquired broadband customers to TalkTalk within the coming months. 

As a result, once the switch is complete, these numbers will change significantly and TalkTalk will be home to almost 4,500,000 customers. 

Best broadband provider: UK fastest download speeds

One of the key determining factors in the popularity of an ISP is its selection of broadband speeds - and often the top average download speed it can offer is what can really turn heads.

So if we look just at max speeds, the best/most popular option in the UK that's widely available is Virgin Media - with its relatively new Gig2 tariff (2Gbps), that can be found in certain locations around the UK. The provider with the fastest broadband speed was a title only recently held by EE, after it announced a new 1.6Gbps per second package last year. 

Although, if we're going to get technical about it, Community Fibre actually offers the quickest download speeds on the market at 3Gbps. However, this particular package is only available at a select number of properties in London. 

Although these examples are mighty quick, it's also worth highlighting that a number of other major ISPs now offer ultrafast broadband speeds that come close to matching the above: 

• Sky - ‘Gigafast’ - 900Mbps
• BT - ‘Full Fibre 900’ - 900Mbps
• Vodafone - ‘Full Fibre 900’ - 910Mbps
• TalkTalk - ‘Full Fibre 900’ - 900Mbps
• Plusnet - ‘Full Fibre 900’ - 944Mbps
• Hyperoptic - ‘Hyperfast’ - 900+Mbps

UK broadband providers ranked by complaints

Another key area for popularity is the overall quality of service given by an ISP and a good reflection of this is by the number of (but more appropriately the lack of) customer complaints. In other words, fewer issues consumers appear to be having with one can help make a provider more appealing.

We can turn to the most recent data by the UK communications regulator Ofcom  (April 2024) to see what the situation is here. Based on its study of 'complaints per 100,000 customers' from Q4 2023, the provider who fared the best is Sky - a position it has consistently held.

Sky received just five complaints per 100,000 customers and this was closely followed by Plusnet (nine) and EE (nine) and then BT (11). 

If we look at the flip side of all this though, the broadband provider who got the most complaints per 100,000 customers was Virgin Media, with (20). This was ahead of the next worst, which was NOW Broadband (18), and this low ranking has been the situation in the last three reports by Ofcom. 

Cheapest broadband provider

Being able to find good value for money is another big factor when it comes to ISP popularity and as we've discussed in our cheap broadband deals guide, the top provider when it comes to pure affordability is often Plusnet. 

That said, our guide also explains how different types of broadband packages can be cheaper across different providers. Here are a few examples of where you might be able to grab a great deal on a specific tariff type or broadband bundle:

• Virgin Media: lowest prices on superfast fibre
• Now Broadband: cheap plans for broadband and TV
• Vodafone: affordable offers on fibre internet
• TalkTalk: excellent prices across ADSL, fibre and TV
• Hyperoptic: cheapest on ultrafast speeds

How to choose your new broadband provider

With the above you should now have a better understanding of which broadband providers are the most popular and a few of the key reasons why they're held in such high regard. 

This is also information you can use to aid your search for a new broadband provider, plus we can also support you with our guide to the best broadband deals on the market right now.

However, a final thing to consider is that features like download speed and affordability can be affected by whether or not your property can access a particular ISP's network. It might be the case that your household will still need ‘Full Fibre’ installing, or that ADSL connections are no longer available to you.

However, we can also help with this, as you can enter your postcode into our widget below and we'll show you specifically what broadband deals can be available in your location.  

If you take a look through all the latest broadband deals, you'll see a variety of different broadband types being listed, often with lots of different information about their respective download speeds and how they work. Without the right knowledge, this can be confusing. 

Whether it's getting muddled up by the uses of 'fibre' and 'Full Fibre' or trying to work out why some tariffs cost more or give you different Mbps figures - it can be a minefield.

Ultimately, you'll always want to pick the option that's right for your needs, so knowing what you're signing up for really helps. This is where our guide can get you up to speed - so to speak - as we've explained all you need to know about the different broadband types that are currently available here in the UK.

Broadband types explained...

Before we get into which broadband type is which, it's important to remember that the availability of each option varies across the country. 

This is usually down to the simple fact that a certain broadband network may not have been rolled out in a particular area yet. Unfortunately, it also means that you won't necessarily be able to access all of the options below. 

However, on a general level, here in the UK we are blessed by the fact that a multitude of options are available. So, while your property might not get certain ultrafast options right now, you're still likely to have some good speeds available. 

Here's what's on offer:

ADSL broadband

ADSL - or 'Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line' - is technically widely available, but is the slowest and oldest broadband type you can get. 

It's run through a fixed-line network of copper telephone cables that come from your nearest exchange, into your street's cabinet and then across into your property. Due to this, the typical download speeds are on average about 8-10Mbps, as the copper cables can only transmit a limited amount of data. The speed can also be affected by any damage or just wear and tear on the line.

However, these speeds can be slightly higher or slightly lower depending on how old they are and how far away your home is from the exchange - the newer and closer they are, the better. 

A benefit to ADSL though is that its slower speeds often mean providers sell them as cheaper broadband deals. That said, the existing ADSL network is currently in the process of being upgraded and the main operator of it, Openreach, is planning on retiring the old copper lines in the coming years. 

So, although it is widely available, most providers will now place you on their faster fibre connections and only tend to offer ADSL to remote locations that have yet to get access to faster broadband speeds.

Fibre (or FTTC) broadband

Fibre - or 'fibre-to-the-cabinet' - is the most popular and widely used broadband type in the UK right now. It's much faster than ADSL and gives a selection of speeds to choose from that can range from 30Mbps up to 70+Mbps. 

It's faster, because rather than running from the broadband exchange to the street cabinet along the older, copper cables, the fibre network uses fibre-optic cables. The rest of the connection runs from the cabinet to your property - hence the name 'fibre-to-the cabinet' and why some providers refer to it as 'part fibre'. This fibre-optic tech is able to send more information through and subsequently deliver these improved speeds. 

Openreach currently says that fibre broadband is already available in more than 98 per cent of the UK - as such, if you're currently using ADSL, it might be the case that you're now able to upgrade to a faster fibre broadband deal.

Full Fibre (or FTTP) broadband

'Full Fibre' - also known as 'fibre-to-the-premises' - can give you some of the fastest broadband speeds on the market, as it essentially (and as the longer name suggests) takes the fibre-optic line straight into your home.

The speeds you can get are also huge and range from 100Mbps to over a mighty 1Gbps. This is because fibre-optic cables use light pulses to send information, so the lines are ultrafast because they're sending the data at light speed. 

The downside is Full Fibre is often more expensive and it hasn't been rolled out across much of the country just yet. Openreach plans to provide it to 25 million homes and businesses by 2026. At the time of writing, around 62% of residential premises can access Full Fibre connections, while 80% can get ‘gigabit-capable’ speeds (although this also includes cable broadband).

Cable broadband

Cable broadband is a similar broadband type to 'Full Fibre' in that it can deliver speeds from 50Mbps to in excess of 1,000Mbps. However, the way its network operates is slightly different. 

If we take the UK's main provider of this broadband type - Virgin Media - we can see that they also use fibre-optic cables from the broadband exchange to the street cabinet, but they then run a different cable from the cabinet into your home. 

This particular piece of tech is a 'coaxial cable'. These are capable of transferring large amounts of data at ultrafast speeds, as well as phone and TV services, too. What's more, they are said to be more durable than fibre cables and less likely to suffer issues or connectivity problems.

The big choice of speeds and the reliability of the network is what makes this broadband type very popular. Again though, the faster the speeds, the higher the price. Plus, cable broadband isn't as widely available as fibre - at time time of writing, Virgin’s coverage is around 60% of the UK. That said, Virgin Media has pledged to upgrade its network so that it reaches over 20 million homes by 2026. 

Independent broadband providers

Although not strictly a ‘type’ of broadband, it’s important to highlight that there are some providers who offer Full Fibre connections but on their own independent networks. A popular example of this is Hyperoptic, a nationwide provider that can offer a variety of packages with speeds up to 1,000Mbps. A few others that are growing in popularity include: Community Fibre and Gigaclear.

However, a little research will show you that there are in fact hundreds of independent broadband providers, with some specifically offering services on a regional or local level.

Satellite broadband

Satellite broadband is a broadband type that's now available anywhere in the UK. 

As you might have guessed, it works via satellite transmission. This essentially beams your broadband connection down to you from orbiting vessels above. As a result, you also need to purchase and install a receiver and dish to use this type of connection.

It was historically quite slow and something that was only really used by properties and businesses in remote areas that had no connection to physical networks. But now - and primarily thanks to new providers like OneWeb and Starlink - it can be used by anyone, anywhere and can even give speeds of up to 500Mbps.

However, what you need to consider with this broadband type is the cost. It's still quite a new technology and it is on the pricey side. Plus, lots of tariffs have data caps. Having said that, this type of technology will be subject to change, upgrades and regulation in the future that could make it more affordable and flexible for customers. 

Mobile (or 4G/5G) broadband

4G and 5G broadband are alternatives to fixed line broadband that are becoming increasingly popular. We've explained more about this broadband type in our comprehensive guide to 5G broadband, but it essentially allows you to connect to a provider's 4G or 5G mobile network to power your internet. 

The installation is hassle-free too. All you need is a router, which once you've connected it to the mobile network, will start sending out a WiFi signal for your devices to connect to and use. 

You can find 4G and 5G broadband tariffs from the likes of Three, Vodafone and - on a limited capacity - Virgin Media. 

Some 4G and 5G broadband deals can also be quite cheap when compared to standard fixed broadband, but the downside is you can of course only get these if you have decent mobile coverage in your area. At the time of writing, around 93% of the UK landmass can get 4G, while 5G is now available to around 92%.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband

FWA is a type of broadband you can get and it’s similar to 4G and 5G broadband in that it operates wirelessly. The key difference is that it’s transmitted via different types of radio waves - albeit on the same 4G and 5G network - across two fixed points. However, it’s not as widely available as its mobile network counterparts.

Different speed descriptions for different broadband types

Now we've covered the different broadband types, another area it's worth looking at is the terminology some providers use when describing the speeds they offer with their tariffs - as these can also be confusing at times. 

• 'Standard' - often used to describe slower ADSL speeds of up to 15Mbps.
• 'Superfast' - refers to fibre connections with speeds between 30Mbps and 70Mbps.
• 'Ultrafast' - most providers associate this term with speeds of 100Mbps and upwards.
• 'Gigafast' - some providers use this to refer to speeds of 1,000Mbps/1Gbps and above.

Which providers offer the fastest broadband speeds?

If you are interested in the faster broadband speeds, you’ll be pleased to know that the majority of the leading providers now have Gigafast speeds available - often as their top packages.

In 2023, EE launched its Full Fibre 1.6Gbps option, establishing itself as the fastest, largely available broadband provider, which at the time saw it over take Virgin Media's Gig1 (1,130Mbps) tariff. However, Virgin has recently launched a 'Gig2' tariff which - as you might expect - gives speeds up to 2,000Mbps, to regain its position as the fastest widely available UK provider.

What extras can you get with different broadband types?

It can be argued that a broadband type can also be classified by the extras and bolt-ons you can get with a package. 

In other words, as well as the different connection options and download/upload speeds, you can often encounter different terms used to describe some of the features that come with specific broadband types. 

Here's a short selection of some more common ones:

• Contract - refers to the agreement you sign which determines parameters and the length of your deal.
• Data allowance - can be capped or unlimited and determines how much you have to use on your deal.
• Setup fees - a one off cost you might need to pay to have a certain broadband type installed or connected.
• TV bundles - packages which also include TV service.

If you want to learn more about this and see what other extras you can get with modern broadband types, then check out our helpful 'what can a broadband package include?' guide.

What locations may struggle to get access to these broadband types?

As we've alluded to in the above breakdown of the different broadband types, some - such as ADSL - are specifically for areas where there has yet to be a fibre rollout. However, if we look closer at this, we can see that it's not just rural locations, there are some urban areas that can also struggle to access the full selection of services.

Here are the areas where you're likely have some issues:

• High-rise accommodation - residents in taller buildings may face problems with signal strength.
• Listed/historic buildings - these may be unable to have broadband installed (even if in a city) due to preservation and planning regulations.
• Static homes - caravans or mobile homes that can't have permanent fixed-lines won't be able to get such connections.
• Rural/remote areas - will struggle simply because the broadband infrastructure has yet to reach them.

What broadband type do I currently have?

If you’re not sure what broadband you have - this can happen if you’ve been with the same provider a long time - there are a couple of ways you can work this out.

One is to run a broadband speed test as this will show you the download speeds you're getting and you can simply match these to the broadband type we've described above. 

The other option is to contact your provider directly and simply get them to run through what your current broadband package is and what (if any) extras it includes.

Will there be any new broadband types available soon?

It's no secret that the types of broadband we have in the UK have changed dramatically over the last decade, and although it's unlikely a new specific broadband type will be available, we might see further changes in terms of performance and accessibility with what we do have right now.

As such, we can speculate that we will see faster broadband being more widely available in the next five years. This is all but confirmed with the promises from the likes of Openreach and Virgin Media to improve their respective Full Fibre/network rollouts.

In addition, upgrades to fibre speeds will mean faster packages will likely be easier to get and we may see a wider choice of tariffs being made available from providers. What's more, this larger, more accessible broadband market may mean packages become cheaper in the long run.

What broadband type can I get?

Hopefully it's now clear to you that in the UK we have plenty of choice when it comes to broadband types. However, the fundamental thing to remember is what you can get in your home or business depends on what's available in your area. 

Although, as we've also already mentioned, you might now be in a location where faster connections have now been rolled out without you realising - so there's the potential for you to enjoy an improved broadband package. 

We can help you with this with our widget below. Simply enter your postcode into it and we'll show you the best deals in your location. You can then use these to get a better idea of what options you have available.

When choosing a new broadband package, there's more to think about than just how much it'll cost. After all, if you're purely focused on price, then you may end up selecting a package that's too slow. 

So, instead of looking at cost, you should instead focus on getting the best overall broadband deal. This means you also need to consider factors like the speeds you're receiving and the quality of the internet service provider (ISP) that you choose to partner with. 

But, with so many ISPs out there and options ranging from large conglomerates to local providers, how do you decide which provider is right for you? Well, we've put together this guide to help you make the right choice.  

From speed requirements to cost and everything in between, here's everything you need to consider before you select a broadband provider in 2024: 

What are your household's broadband requirements?

No single broadband option is right for everyone. For example, a cheap broadband-only deal will work well for a single person with low usage requirements, but it'll be insufficient for a big family in a large home because it'll likely be too slow. Similarly, a really connected and online family may benefit from a broadband and TV bundle that would be too expensive for a couple that only really watch Netflix. 

So, before you start looking at broadband deals and bundles, you need to think about how you'll use your package. To do this, ask yourself the following questions: 

• Will you want to use streaming services?
• Will anyone be online gaming?
• How many devices could be used at the same time?
• Do you expect to use a lot of data?
• Will your broadband be for work, leisure or both?
• Do you think you'll be doing lots of video calling?
• Would you be interested in including TV, phone or extra services?

Once you know your basic requirements, you'll find it easier to find packages that suit you. As soon as you have a better idea about what type of package you like, you'll be able to select a provider that either specialises in those deals or has a good reputation for providing those packages. 

For example, if you watch a lot of live sport, you may decide that an upgraded Sky broadband and TV deal is the way forward, as the bundle may be cheaper than buying both services separately. 

Alternatively, if you realise you only need a cheap package, then you may decide to instead save some money and look at broadband-only deals from the likes of TalkTalk, Plusnet or Vodafone. 

What broadband speeds do you need?

There are many different broadband speeds ranging from slower, but often cheaper ADSL connections, through to ultrafast, but more expensive, Full Fibre and gigabit options capable of delivering speeds in excess of 1,000Mbps. But, as a general rule of thumb, the faster your speeds, the better they will cope with higher download demands. 

In other words, if you know you'll be doing a lot of streaming, or online gaming, you'll want a faster speed and unlimited data. Alternatively, if it's just a package for casual browsing, something slower with a data cap will probably fit the bill.

To give you a top-level overview, these are the common broadband types and average download speeds you will encounter on the markets:

• ADSL broadband - also known as ‘standard’ broadband and can give speeds of 10-24Mbps.
• Fibre (FTTC) broadband - also known as ‘superfast’ broadband and can give speeds of 30-70Mbps
• Full Fibre (FTTP) broadband - also known as ‘ultrafast’ broadband and can give speeds of 100Mbps and above
• Gigabit-capable broadband - also known as ‘gigafast’ broadband and gives speeds of 1,000Mbps and above

You may want to also review your current broadband speeds by looking at your current package, or by doing a speed test. Then, if you feel your current speeds are satisfying your needs, or you need more/less, you know what types of deals to look out for when shopping around different providers. 

We also have detailed guides to different home broadband speeds and 'what speeds are needed for streaming?' if you also want to get a little more clued up on this.

What broadband type can you access?

The next point to consider is the broadband speeds you can access at your property. 

While you may love the idea of signing up for a gigabit-capable package that's one of the fastest on the market, the reality may be that the technology is not yet available at your property.  

The easiest way to find out exactly what is available at your property is by running a broadband speed test. You can find out what’s on offer in your location by going directly to different ISPs, or by checking online with Openreach – the main UK broadband network provider.

There are plans to upgrade the UK's fibre network (covering all provider networks) so that more and more homes will be able to access Full Fibre deals. However, the reality remains that less than 70% of properties can currently access these deals. 

If you can't yet but you'd like to have the highest download speeds possible, then it may be worthwhile looking into other types of broadband, such as 5G broadband and satellite broadband. 

Where is your broadband's access point?

Another consideration to make is where the broadband access point is on your property, as this can affect the performance of your WiFi. Ideally you’ll want your router in the middle of your home or business, off the floor and not near any thick walls. If you have it tucked away in a far corner behind lots of furniture and away from the room you’re likely to use it most, it can affect your WiFi signal strength.

As such you might want to consider getting a new access point installed, or getting a more powerful broadband connection/router or WiFi boosters. Whether or not these are available is something to look out for when shopping around providers.

You can find out more about this in our comprehensive guide around the processes that can be involved with broadband installation.

How much can you afford to pay?

Although we did say there's more to the best broadband providers than just the cost, it is still an important factor. You'll of course want to get the best value, so be on the lookout for what deals, discounts and offers providers have throughout the year, as this is a great way to potentially save in both the long and short term. 

We can also help here, as if you head to our best broadband deals guide you'll be able to see what's available from some of the country's top ISPs right now. Plus, you can get a better idea of what savings can be made on everything from upfront fees, to add-ons and more.

Naturally, what you decide here also comes down to what you can actually afford to pay each month, but you shouldn't just opt for the cheapest option out there. It can be the case that you end up paying more in the long run, as cheaper tariffs often have data limits and you may need to pay a hefty fee for exceeding these. 

However, if you have your heart set on affordability, check out our cheap broadband deals guide to see what different ISPs are currently offering. 

Are you eligible for a social tariff?

With the above point in mind, if you are on a lower income, or you’re in receipt of certain benefits, you might be eligible for a social tariff, but only certain providers offer these.

If you’re not familiar with these particular packages, they work the same way as standard unlimited broadband packages, but they’re cheaper and are usually a provider’s slower speeds. They also don’t have any mid-contract price increases.

You can find out more about these – and the providers who offer them – here with Ofcom. The page also summarises the eligibility criteria as follows:

• If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available.

• All major providers also include people on Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support.

• Some providers might include additional benefits, like Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance.

• The person receiving the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract.

What contract length do you want?

To follow on from price, you may also wish to review the different contract lengths that ISPs offer their customers. 

The majority of providers now offer 18-month or 24-month contracts and it's increasingly common that ISPs will try to lock in customers for longer. However, contract lengths do vary from provider to provider and it's fair to say that certain ISPs are far more flexible than others. 

For example, if you look in our comparison guide between Sky and BT's broadband, you'll see they both exclusively offer 18 and 24-month contracts, so if you went with either of these you'd have to be committed to sticking with them for a while. By contrast, smaller ISPs like NOW have been known to offer shorter contracts, including 12-month deals that are becoming increasingly rare to find. 

A top tip here is to also look at whether or not there are any exit fees if you sign up for a longer contract. This is because if you do wish to leave or switch providers before your contract is up you'll know whether or not you'll need to factor in an additional cost from these penalties.

Do you need a phone line?

Nowadays, a lot of broadband deals are broadband-only packages. This means that they come without any form of call package. 

That said, rather confusingly, some providers do include a phone service as standard in a 'broadband-only' package, so it's worth checking the details carefully. If they don't, you may be able to select phone services as an extra or 'bolt-on' service.

If you'd like to learn more about whether you'll receive a phone line, a landline or a call package included in your deal, check out our 'do you need a landline for broadband?' guide.

Will you want a TV bundle?

Many leading ISPs now have some form of TV bundle you can have alongside your broadband. 

The likes of Sky, Virgin Media, BT (although the TV service is now delivered via EETV) and NOW have the biggest selections, with the first two being arguably the market leaders here. But with others you can also bolt on different channel packages and attach all your streaming apps too. 

Choosing a broadband and TV bundle may also help inform the broadband speeds you want, as again, the faster these are the better they can handle multiple devices streaming in HD and UHD. Also, with Sky for instance, those who choose 'Full Fibre' tariffs to support their TV service will also be able to get additional sound boosting features and better quality streaming services around their property. 

Our best broadband and TV deals page can show you what's on the market right now.

Are the customer services any good?

Customer services can be just as important as any other part of an ISPs broadband product offering. After all, if you do have a problem or an issue with the service you’re paying for, you should be able to get it resolved. 

However, not all broadband customer services are created equal and it’s no secret that some are better than others. So again, this is something to review before you choose an ISP - especially if you aren’t as tech savvy as you’d like.

As part of your research, you should check out the following:

• Provider reviews and awards - especially positive accolades for their customer services.
• Trustpilot scores - the higher the better and with these reviews you can see exactly what customers like/don’t like about them.
• Ofcom reviews - the UK broadband regulator regularly reviews and scores ISPs on the quality of their services. You can see the latest updates here.
• What support ISPs offer - whether it be online, over the phone, via email or a combination of these, it’s worth investigating what support you’ll get with each ISPs’ tariffs.

Are you concerned about online security?

The online world can be a dangerous one at times and there’s always the threat of viruses, trojans and malware. All it takes is one dodgy download or accidental ad click to get your device infected, so having extra protection from this can be useful.

Most ISPs now have some form of online security software available, but it’s not always clear what this actually does or how it works. So simply asking what protection is in place and if there are any additional security options with your new broadband deal can be a smart move.

What other extras might you want?

Sometimes ISPs are quite upfront about the variety (or lack) of extras you can include in your package. So, to help you get the best value on your next deal, here are some of the things you should be on the lookout for when choosing a provider - especially if you're a new customer:

• WiFi boosters
• Services apps
• Accessibility to a provider's UK WiFi hotspots
• Speed boosts
• Partner benefits (such as Virgin Media's 'Volt' benefits for O2 customers)
• Free gifts or bill credit
• Router upgrades
• Free streaming service subscriptions

The USPs of leading UK ISPs

Like we mentioned earlier, we're not short on options when it comes to broadband providers, but some are still known for specific unique selling points - even though the markets are becoming more and more competitive. 

Here are a few examples from some previous reviews we've put together that you might use to sway your decision:

• Virgin: has the fastest broadband speeds
• EE: offers gigabit speeds
• Sky: best quad-play provider
• BT: best all-rounder
• Vodafone: most affordable pricing for fibre internet
• Hyperoptic: most affordable for ultrafast speeds
• Plusnet: most frequently the cheapest provider
• TalkTalk: most affordable internet across all categories
• NOW Broadband: best for cheapest for broadband and TV

How to find the top broadband deals

Now you know more about what different providers have to offer – but also that your needs and circumstances are what should inform your decision – you’re probably going to be wondering where you need to look to find the right deals.

This is where we can help, as our guide to the best broadband deals is home to the latest top offers from all the most leading UK providers. In addition to this, if you are unsure about different broadband availability in your area, you can enter your postcode into our widget below and our tool will show you the specific offers that you can get in your location.

Another option you have is to speak to your current provider and see what (if any) upgrades are available to you, or if you can look to change your current deal to something more in line with your requirements.

All broadband offers

Struggling to find a broadband deal which suits your needs? Check out more of our top offers from the UK's best broadband providers below in our deals widget to see if there is a better broadband offer for you:

The days of having a landline phone in the house are now firmly behind us. Despite this though, there's still a belief that you need to get a 'landline' in order to have the best broadband. In reality though, this isn't strictly the case. 

After all, people tend to use their mobiles or devices to make calls these days. In the same respect, even those that do have the old push-button handsets in the house probably don't tend to use them as their main point of contact. 

That said, there are some limited circumstances where landlines are a requirement for broadband. To end the myths and the speculation, we've put together this guide that sets the record straight and explains whether or not you actually do need to get a landline to make the most of the online world. 

So, do you need a landline for broadband?

Whether or not you need a landline to receive broadband depends on the type of connection you choose. 

This is because, for some types of broadband, such as ADSL, there is a requirement for a physical phone line to enter your property. However, for the majority of newer connections, like Full Fibre deals, independent cables are used. These are completely separate from the phone line's network, meaning that no phone line or landline is required. 

A 'phone line' versus a 'landline'

As we've alluded to above, one of the big areas of confusion here is around the terms 'landline' and 'phone line', but specifically what's actually needed with broadband. 

What can happen here is some of us can accidentally assume that a 'landline' and a 'phone line' are in fact the same thing. However, this is incorrect. While they both use the same physical cabling, the 'phone line' is what is connected to your property from the network cabinet on your street, whereas the 'landline' is the phone/handset you can plug into the 'phone line' socket in your home to then make calls.

That said, if you were to speak to a provider and use the terms interchangeably, the chances are they'd know what you were actually referring to and should be able to point you in the right direction. In fact, some companies still even use the term 'landline' to refer to both. 

So in regards to broadband, some types will need a phone line connection to your property in order for them to work, but if this is the situation, you DO NOT need to have a landline phone/handset with it. You can just have your broadband coming into your home or business via a phone line and you can then opt for having a landline attached to it as well, should you want to make calls from a handset.

But as we've also mentioned above, some broadband options don't even need a phone line, so let's take a closer look at each option in detail...

Which types of broadband require a phone line?

If you have ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) or 'fibre-to-the-cabinet' (FTTC) broadband - or this is the broadband you're considering getting - then you will need a phone line. This is because such connections are run through this network of older copper wires and as such these tend to offer slower speeds. 

We go into more detail about this in our guide to ADSL and fibre broadband, but in short, ADSL speeds can average around 10Mbps and FTTC can range between 30 and 80Mbps - but with FTTC the speed also depends on how far your property is from the nearest exchange cabinet; the closer you to it are the better. 

A positive here though is that the slower speeds from such connections often mean the packages that providers offer are amongst the cheapest broadband deals you can get. Although we should point out that ADSL is now only really available in places where fibre has yet to be rolled out, and much like landlines, we expect to see these phased out in the coming years.

Which types of broadband don't require a phone line?

If your property is in an area where 'full fibre' is available and you have a 'fibre-to-the-premises' connection, you won't need a phone line and instead can make the most of ultrafast speeds that can be in excess of 1Gbps. 

Similarly, if you are directly connected to an independent broadband network, such as Hyperoptic's broadband or even Virgin Media's, you also won't need to have a phone line installed.

A few other types of broadband where you don't need a phone line include satellite broadband, as well as 5G and 4G broadband - to learn more about the former, check out our guide to the best 5G broadband deals. As you may be able to work out from the names, none of these require fixed lines and instead, your internet is beamed to a dish from a satellite or harnessed through mobile data networks, respectively.

As also mentioned above, these types of broadband are the faster options, but these are only available to you if your property can access these different networks or mobile signal areas. The ultrafast speeds might also not necessarily be needed for some smaller households - to find out more about this and to get a better idea of what speeds suit different households, have a look at this guide we've put together about different broadband speeds.

So to summarise the above:

• ADSL - needs a phone line
• Fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) - needs a phone line
• Fibre-to-the-premises/full fibre (FTTP)  - does not need a phone line
• Independent cable - does not need a phone line
• Satellite broadband - does not need a phone line
• Mobile, 4G, 5G broadband - does not need a phone line

Is it cheaper to get broadband without a landline?

It often isn't. As the majority of providers are trying to move customers towards future-proof Full Fibre deals and away from ADSL connections, packages that doesn't require a landline are usually priced incredibly competitively. This means that fast Full Fibre packages are often the same price as much slower ADSL connections. 

However, this may vary in your exact location. As a result, the best thing to do here is to look through our guide to the best broadband deals. This will show you all of the very best deals that are available at your address, including both broadband-only packages and deals that include a landline. 

Can you get a landline at a later point in a broadband-only contract?

If you opt for a broadband-only deal but later decide that you actually want to have a landline then you have a few options: 

• See if you actually do have a phone line and/or calls package included in your current broadband deal and look to get a landline phone installed.
• Contact your provider to see if you can change your package to get a landline included (but this might see your monthly costs increase).
• Look to move to a new broadband deal with a different provider (although you may need to pay an exit fee if you're in the middle of your contract).
• If you're out of contract, shop around and switch to a new provider that offers a phone line and calls package as part of the deal.
• If you are on a broadband package that doesn't use a phone line, speak to your provider about what options you have regarding how you can have and use a home phone handset.

What is 'line rental?'

The broadband industry can be full of complex jargon that's difficult to decipher. One great example of this is the term 'line rental'. 

In essence, this is a cost that you need to pay each month that covers the maintenance of the old copper phone lines that connect to your property. You also have to pay this even if you don't have a landline but your internet connection relies on the wiring. 

However, the good news here is that if you do opt for a broadband package that doesn't need a phone line (such as a Full Fibre package), then you won't have to pay for line rental at all. 

What broadband deal should I choose?

If you know you're going to want a landline then you now know exactly what broadband deals to look for. But, at the same time, it's good to be aware of the different options out there - especially as the country is on course to switch primarily to full fibre within the next five years.

So again, have a look through our run down of the best broadband deals or enter your postcode into our widget below and we'll show you what's on offer in your area. You'll then be able to compare the costs of broadband-only or landline-inclusive packages and can make sure you choose the option that suits your needs and budgets. 

The best 5G broadband plans in Australia are more accessible than ever, with the cheapest plan now starting from as low as AU$29.99p/m for the first six months, and 5G networks continuing to be rolled out and upgraded across the country. It's a worthwhile alternative to standard fibre internet, with reliable speeds, connectivity and competitive pricing.

Australia's 5G broadband plans operate via the same networks that phones rely on. Operated by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, a 5G broadband plan will leverage one of these networks, though unlike a phone plan, it'll be restricted to a fixed address – meaning you won't be able to take it on the go.

That being said, you'll still be given freedom to place the modem router anywhere you want around the home, wherever signal is strongest. Compare this to the best NBN plans that require a modem be physically wired into a wall socket, and 5G home internet proves it's a lot more convenient.

However, I'd still recommend checking out the fastest NBN plans before committing to a 5G solution – as you'll get slower response times in games and less immediate speeds during video calls with a 5G connection.

Speaking of alternatives to 5G, I'd also direct your attention to the best 4G home internet plans – 4G networks are much more common across Australia, and while 5G plans are simply faster, 4G might be accessible at your address when 5G is not. These are some of the best NBN alternatives, though 5G is my personal favourite as it strikes the best balance between cost and speed.

I personally recommend 5G home internet plans over most other wireless internet solutions, but also as a strong NBN alternative if the national network is slow at your address, subject to constant dropouts or is nonexistent entirely. If you've been suffering from NBN outages or if you can't access the free NBN FTTP upgrade from your home, 5G home internet is worth keeping in mind.

Best 5G home broadband plans in Australia 2026

I've gone through all of the best 5G home broadband plans in Australia, and at the time of writing, the ones I've listed below are my favourites, pulling off great value with considerable speeds.

Best cheap 5G home internet plan

Best overall 5G home internet plan

Best premium 5G home internet plan

5G Home Broadband FAQ

If you're looking for the best NBN deals to help you save on your home internet service then you've come to the right place. I make it my mission to constantly track down the very latest discounts and savings across all of the NBN speed tiers, and the good news is there really are some great prices if you know where to look.

Of course, I'm well aware that not every household in Australia can connect to the fixed-line NBN network, and if this is you, your best option could be a 5G home internet plan or one of the other NBN alternatives such as a private fibre network.

Now that the NBN speed upgrades are live, I'm confident in saying the best NBN 500 plans ultimately provide the perfect combination of speed and price. If you do connect to the fixed-line NBN and have the connection to support it, a 500Mbps plan is the only one worth considering.

If you just need basic internet at home, however, or you want the fastest possible speeds, read on to discover the latest internet and broadband deals.

Best NBN deals

If you're one of the nearly 9 million customers who connect to the internet via the fixed-line NBN network, then below you can find the best NBN deals this month. I've taken into account all the most popular speed tiers (sorry NBN 12, you're outta here). While in most cases the NBN deals we've chosen are the outright cheapest available, a few might cost a little bit more, but we believe they offer greater overall value.

Read on to find out the best NBN deals in Australia this month.

NBN 25 deals

• View more of the best NBN 25 plans

NBN 50 deals

• View more of the best NBN 50 plans

NBN 100 deals

• View more of the best NBN 100 plans

NBN 500 deals

• View more of the best NBN 500 plans

NBN 750 deals

NBN 1000 deals

• View more of the best NBN 1000 plans

Home wireless internet deals

Internet deals FAQ

Internet contracts and pricing

Latest updates

May 6, 2026

Things move fast in the world of NBN plan pricing, as barely a week since I last checked this page, there have been some big changes. Perhaps the biggest is Dodo's 12-month introductory discount offers coming to an end. They've been replaced by 6-month offers, but at the same time have seen their intro costs significantly reduced.

May 1, 2026

There are still plenty of excellent NBN and internet deals around, although experience tells me that there'll be plenty more as we edge closer to the EOFY sales in Australia. That's not an absolute guarantee, but if you can hold off for another month or so to switch your NBN plan, you could stand to save some extra money.

March 26, 2026

No sooner had Kogan Internet dropped its prices further across all plans, it has seemingly put them back up again. The good news is that the NBN 100 and NBN 500 options are still the cheapest of all the providers I monitor at AU$71.90p/m for the first 12 months.

March 3, 2026

Kogan Internet has dropped its prices further across all plans, but the NBN 100 and NBN 500 offerings are now down an extra AU$2, taking both to under AU$70p/m for the first 12 months. That is, quite simply, the best NBN deal you'll find right now in my opinion.

February 17, 2026

There hasn't been much of a change in NBN plan pricing lately, but the big news is that Kogan Internet has dropped the monthly price of its NBN 100 and NBN 500 plans by AU$3, resulting in it now laying claim to the cheapest NBN 500 plan over the first 12 months of service.

February 11, 2026

While many of the deals I previously highlighted earlier in February are still live – including 12-month discounts on Dodo, Kogan Internet and Optus plans – Superloop has now entered the fray with a 'Speed Sale'.

Superloop is one of my favourite telcos, as it regularly offers a great, reliable service at affordable prices. Now thanks to this surprise sale, some of its plan become even easier to recommend. Its NBN 1000 plan is a particular highlight, now starting at just AU$79p/m.

• Best NBN provider: which is Australia’s top internet provider?