Most poviders want to know your postcode before they’ll show you their deals, because where you live can determine which types of deal (and what speeds) you can access
There are 3 main types of broadband connection, and providers offer a range of packages based on these connection methods.
Firstly, there’s standard ADSL broadband, which uses the existing telephone network and offers speeds of up to 11Mbps. This connection used to be the most common for household customers, but over time, consumers have increasingly opted for fibre-optic broadband, which delivers higher speeds through fibre-optic cables.
Finally, households that can’t access fibre-optic broadband but still want a fast connection may be able to get mobile broadband. This method uses the same 4G network that your smartphone uses. This type of connection is increasing in popularity as consumers move away from getting fixed-line connections.
Regularly shopping around pays off, as our table shows. And providers frequently offer discounts and perks.
While it’s possible to get a standalone broadband plan, major providers offer bundles combining several services such as broadband, landline calls, mobile contracts and TV.
Larger suppliers like Sky, BT and Virgin Media regularly market package deals. If you find the right deal, you can save a decent amount when compared to the cost of getting the services separately.
According to the industry watchdog Ofcom, 80% of UK households buy bundled services from telecom firms as opposed to buying each service separately.
Broadband jargon explained
Here’s the terminology you’re likely to encounter, with broadband.
Mbps stands for megabits per second (Mbps), which is the speed at which your Internet downloads or uploads information. The higher the Mbps, the faster your connection. The fastest connections available offer speeds as fast as 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). 1 Gbps is equivalent to 1,000 Mbps.
Full fibre or fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) is a type of high-speed Internet connection that links directly to your home instead of relying on copper cables from a network cabinet operated by BT Openreach near your home.
Fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) is a type of connection that is brought to a customer’s home by fibre-optic cables that connect to a roadside cabinet. A copper wire then carries the connection from the cabinet to the home. This is the most common connection for home broadband users and is slower than full fibre or fibre-to-the-premises.
Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) broadband is the most basic broadband connection, which uses the existing telephone to provide an Internet connection and offers speeds of up to 10-11 Mbps.
Openreach is the name of a BT-owned company that owns all of the pipes and telephone lines that connect nearly all of the UK to the Internet.
Download speed is the speed at which your connection downloads information from the Internet, whether that’s web pages, images or videos for example.
How to choose the right broadband plan
Shop around just before your contract ends. Your power as a customer is strongest just as your existing broadband contract comes to an end. Your current supplier will be keen to keep your business and may be willing to offer a discounted deal to keep you on board. Switching is likely to get you big savings, so if your current supplier isn’t up to scratch, vote with your feet.
Check what speeds you can reasonably expect where you live. Ofcom has a handy online tool to show you what kind of download speeds you can expect in your area. Knowing what kinds of speeds you can expect will help you narrow down your search from all the available suppliers.
Make sure your comparison search covers your area. When doing an online comparison search, you may find a package that offers great value, but it may not be available in your area. So make sure to type in your postcode before you hit “search” to avoid disappointment.
Check the total minimum cost. While most customers shopping around are likely to look at the monthly cost of any new Internet plan, it’s important to understand how much you’re likely to pay over the life of the whole contract. This may include any upfront postage or set-up costs.
Look out for bundle discounts. Larger providers like BT, Virgin Media and Sky offer Internet plans as part of larger bundles that can include pay TV packages, landline and mobile services. These can represent good value if you’re happy for all these services to be provided together.
How to switch broadband
Once you’ve decided to switch broadband suppliers, your best bet is to use an online comparison site, as they can show you a range of deals from different firms in one place.
Before making the switch, make sure you’re able to move without paying any hefty penalty charges. Suppliers can make it difficult to switch away before the end of a contract by levying an extra charge to let you out of your contract early.
Once you’ve decided which package you want and you’ve read all the conditions attached to it, make your purchase and give your details to your new supplier. Most providers make it easy to switch to them when you buy online.
Switching from an Openreach service
If the supplier you’re switching away from uses the Openreach phone network, then you won’t need to tell that firm that you’re leaving – this is all arranged automatically by your new supplier.
You should then automatically receive letters from both your current supplier and your new supplier, which have to include certain pieces of information, including the services you’re switching, any early contract termination charges you may have to pay and how your switch may affect other services you may have with the firm you’re switching your Internet plan away from.
Your new provider will need to give you an expected date for your switch over to be completed. This typically takes around 2 weeks.
Switching from a non-Openreach service
If you’re switching to, or from, a fibre-to-the-premise or “full-fibre” service or 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 start a new service with a new provider. You should contact both providers.
Your old provider will confirm that your contract is ending, and explain any charges that might apply, while your new provider will let you know when your new contract will start.
If you use a bundle of services with a provider, like home phone and broadband, you’ll usually be switched in one of the ways outlined above, but your landline will probably need to be cancelled at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
No. A full-fibre connection, which is how the fastest speeds are delivered, uses a network of cables that don’t need to go via a phone line into your home. Other types of connection, including standard broadband (which offers download speeds of up to 11Mbps) or fibre-to-the-cabinet (where your connection comes via a copper cable from a roadside cabinet), typically require a landline.
Many of the large broadband providers are members of Ofcom’s Automatic Compensation Scheme. This means that if certain things go wrong with the service you receive from the company, you’ll be entitled to a certain amount of money. If your supplier isn’t a member of the scheme, it’s worth getting in touch with them to see what they can offer.
Yes, sort of. Both the government and Ofcom have said that a “decent” broadband connection for typical home broadband should be at least 10Mbps and that if you’re not receiving this where you live you have the right to request a connection from BT (or KCOM if you live in Hull). You can find out more about this right to request a 10 Mbps minimum speed by going to the Ofcom website.
Broadband glossary of terms
Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL). Refers to a type of technology which allows digital data to be transmitted over copper wires.
Anti-Virus. This means computer software that is used to prevent, detect and remove malicious software and other computer threats.
Bandwidth. Describes how fast data can be sent over an internet connection. Most of the time you can swap the word ‘bandwidth’ for ‘speed’ and still make sense.
Broadband. This refers to basically any type of internet connection. Broadband can be divided up into four different types: ADSL (or standard), fibre-optic, cable, and mobile.
Browser. Browsers act as a door to the internet. All of them are slightly different, but they allow you to surf the internet and access websites. A browser is essentially a piece of software that retrieves and presents information from the World Wide Web in a visual way for users to easily digest.
BT Openreach. Openreach is a subsidiary of telecommunications company BT Group (which owns all the pipes and telephone cables that connect UK homes and businesses). Openreach develops and maintains the UK’s telecoms network. In 2016 Ofcom ruled that Openreach had to be separated from BT. Because other broadband providers rely on Openreach (and by extension BT) to invest in the network, Ofcom became increasingly concerned that BT was making decisions about Openreach which benefitted its own business rather than competitors.
Cable Broadband. Often used interchangeably with ‘fibre-optic’ broadband, cable broadband refers to a fibre-optic connection that runs all the way to your home. This might sound a bit confusing. When providers offer ‘fibre-optic’ broadband, they’re talking about a fibre optic connection up to your local street cabinet. The final leg of the journey, however, is still made over the old copper lines – don’t worry though, it’s still much faster.
Cookies. Every time you visit a site that uses ‘cookies’, a cookie is downloaded onto your computer. The next time you visit the same site, your computer checks to see if it has a cookie relevant to that site. If it does, you computer sends the information in the cookie back to the site. The site then ‘knows’ you’ve been there before, and can tailor what appears on the screen accordingly.
Data. This has a whole host of meanings, but when we’re talking about broadband we’re normally talking about ‘internet data’. Internet data is measured in bytes. Everything you do on the internet uses a certain number of bytes. Browsing Facebook and Twitter pages might consume 20Mb of data, while streaming one of of HD videos will rack up around 1Gb.
Dial-up Internet. This is a service that allows internet connectivity through a standard telephone line. By connecting the telephone line to a modem, and configuring your computer to dial a specific number provided by your ISP – you’re able to access the internet.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). DSL, short for ‘digital subscriber line’, is a broad term for a digital high-speed data connection that uses the same wiring as a regular telephone line. ADSL is simply a specific type of this technology.
Domain. A ‘domain’ or ‘domain name’ refers to the location of a website on the internet. For instance, www.finder.com/uk points to the IP address ‘202.129.142.31’. But it’s generally easier to remember a name than a string of numbers.
Dongle. A dongle is great for those who need broadband on the go. It’s basically a small modem with the ability to connect to wireless or mobile broadband (3G or 4G). It’s the same technology that allows your mobile to access internet.
Download. Downloading is basically the copying of one file from one computer system, to another computer system.
Download Limit. (Sometimes referred to as a usage cap). Broadband providers set limits of how many gigabytes you can download per month. These sizes range from 1GB to about 40GB. Many providers also offer broadband packages with unlimited downloads, this means that you can download as much as you want without the worry of reaching yourlimit.
Download Speed. The opposite of ‘upload speed’. Download speed measures the rate at which data is transferred from the Internet to your computer.
Downstream
Encryption. Encryption refers to the process of converting data into an unintelligible sequence of numbers and symbols using algorithms. This way, even those with unauthorised access to the data will just be able to see a string of nonsensical alphanumerical characters.
Fair usage policy. You may notice with some broadband providers that your ‘unlimited’ package is subject to a ‘fair usage policy’. ISPs may slow down the connection of ‘heavy’ internet users, in order to make things fair for other people using the connection. A heavy user downloads films, music, and other large files on a daily basis. ‘Unlimited’ might not really be ‘unlimited’, so make sure you check the small print.
Fibre-optic. This high speed broadband literally uses fibre optic cable to send data. It’s really fast and is less likely to cut out than standard (ADSL) broadband. The fibre optic cables send data to your local street cabinet, and then the last leg of the journey is made over copper phone lines.
Firewall. A firewall is (usually) a piece of software that monitors traffic between your computer and the internet. If some data trying to access your computer doesn’t pass the set of rules determined by your firewall, it is deemed a threat and denied access. If it does then it’s all good!
Fixed Line
Gigabit (Gb). Pretty similar to a Gigabyte. Both represent a unit of measurement for digital storage space. The difference is found in the ‘byte’ vs. ‘bit’. A gigabit is 8 times smaller than a gigabyte.
Gigabyte (GB). More commonly used is the term Gigabyte. Shortened to GB, it is used to describe the memory or disk space of a computer. It comes after megabyte (MB) in terms of size, and before terabyte (TB).
Hotspot. Generally, a hotspot is a physical location which allows people to access the internet using Wi-Fi. Mobile phones can also be used as a hotspot, allowing you to connect other devices to your phone and then access the internet.
Hub. Sometimes referred to as a ‘router’, a hub connects multiple networks and ‘routes’ network traffic between them.
Instant Messaging (IM). Instant Messaging is a type of online chat that allows users to send messages in real time. Even during peak times for internet usage, the delay is rarely more than a second or two.
Internet. The internet is a big network of computers. It allows people to send information around the world. It’s also made up from millions of business, domestic, government, and academic networks.
Intranet. While intermeans between, intra means within. An Intranet is a private network, usually within a company or organisation.
IP Address. The ‘IP’ part stands for ‘Internet Protocol’. The ‘address’ refers to a unique string of numbers assigned to every device on a network. Just as a street address tells us where to send a letter, an IP address identifies the location of computers and devices on the internet. Computers use these numbers to communicate with each other. Since we tend to understand words better, the Domain Name System (DNS) was put in place to allow people to use catchy words for their websites. When you connect to a different Wi-Fi network, your IP address will change. Remember, the IP address relates to the network rather than the specific device you’re using.
Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is an organisation that provides services for accessing the internet. Your ISP is the gateway to the internet. You can have a shiny computer and a brand new router, but without a subscription to an ISP, you won’t have an internet connection.
Kilobit (Kb) A Kilobyte is 1,024 bytes.
Landline. Landline refers to your old phone line. The wire that runs through the wall to connect your telephone is the ‘landline’. Due to the rise in mobile network technology, these wires will eventually become obsolete and be completely replaced by more efficient broadband and fibre optic lines.
Local Area Network (LAN). Typically, LAN uses wired connections to link computers and other devices (like printers) to each other. Devices connected to a LAN can access data from any machine also connected to the network. LANs are found in limited areas such as residences, schools, universities, and offices.
Megabits Per Second (Mbps). Broadband speeds is measured in ‘megabits per second’, often shortened to Mb Mbits p/s or Mbps. Bits are tiny units of data, with a megabit representing a million of them. The higher the number of Mbps (megabits per second) you have, the speedier your online activity should be.
Mobile Broadband. This refers to broadband on the go – not just the internet connection you get on a mobile phone. Another mobile broadband device commonly talked about is a ‘dongle’ which allows you to connect to the internet using the same technology as a mobile phone.
Modem. This is often confused with ‘router’. The reason for this is that most ‘routers’ provided by ISPs these days tend to roll the functionality of a modem and a router into one box. While a router allows your devices to access the internet, a modem is the piece of hardware required to convert the analog signals of a copper landline into digital signals that computers can use.
On Demand. Most TV channels are making their programmes available online. Because you can go online and choose when to watch these programmes, the service is called ‘On Demand’.
Phishing. Phishing is the name given to fraudulent emails and files sent to a user, pretending to be an established company or institution. Fraudsters send these emails hoping to fool recipients into clicking on a malicious link or giving away information. Phishing scams are used to commit fraud and identity theft. Be sure to check emails thoroughly before clicking on anything!
Peer-to-peer networking (P2P). Usually, when you want to download a file, you click on the link and your computer sends a request to the server storing the file. The server then responds, and your download begins. The problem with this is that when hundreds or thousands of people request a download at the same time, the server struggles to process the requests and everything slows down. With P2P networks, the approach to downloading is different. Peers are suppliers and consumers of files. Resources are shared, so if someone wants to download some MP3 files, the burden is shared between computers with the same files – speeding up the process and relieving some of the pressure seen with centralised systems.
Piracy. This is the illegal copying, distribution, or use of software. It is such a profitable “business” that it has caught the attention of organised crime groups in a number of countries. Large swathes of the web are dedicated to pirated content, but here be dangerous waters!
Quad-play. This is a marketing term for providers which offer broadband, TV, phone, and mobile services.
Router. Sometimes referred to as a ‘hub’, a router connects multiple networks and ‘routes’ network traffic between them.
Static IP Address. Most IP addresses in residential networks change frequently. They’re known as dynamic IP addresses. They change because it’s easier to create new, unique numbers, than to worry about whether that combination of numbers is already in use by another network. Static IP addresses are the opposite, remaining unchanged. They come in handy for businesses, and allow It makes geolocation services to accurately assess where you are. They normally cost a bit extra to get from your ISP too.
Streaming. Streaming is a relatively recent development, because your broadband connection has to run fast enough to show the data in real time. If there’s an interruption due to congestion on the internet, the audio will drop out or the screen will go blank. To minimise the problem, your computer stores a ’buffer’ of data that’s already been received. If there’s a drop-out, the computer eats into the buffer to let you carry on watching videos or listening to music. If there is no more data in the buffer, it will usually stop and display a ’buffering’ logo or sign.
Superfast. In the UK, ‘superfast’ broadband is defined as a connection with download speeds of 24Mb or above. That’s almost always achieved with a fibre optic line – though you can also get superfast speeds through mobile broadband and occasionally copper lines.
Tethering. Using your phone to connect a laptop or tablet to the internet is called tethering. On most phones this function is called a ‘personal hotspot’.
Throttling. Bandwidth throttling is the intentional slowing of Internet service by an ISP. It is a reactive measure to regulate network traffic and minimise bandwidth congestion.
Traffic Management. Web traffic management is when broadband providers adjust your download or upload speeds for certain tasks at certain times, to make sure that everyone using the line has a stable connection. Certain activities like TV streaming and gaming are placed in a ‘fast lane’. Other activities like file sharing and software updates are placed in the ‘slow lane’.
Upload Uploading is like downloading but in the other direction. The uploader is sending a file to a computer set up to receive it (or download it).
Upload Speed. The opposite of ‘download speed’. Upload speed measures the rate at which data is transferred from your computer to the Internet.
Usage cap. (Sometimes referred to as a download limit). Broadband providers set limits of how many gigabytes you can download per month. These sizes range from 1GB to about 40GB. Many providers also offer broadband packages with unlimited downloads, this means that you can download as much as you want without the worry of reaching your limit.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) A VPN creates a secure network connection over a public network, usually the internet. Educational institutions for instance use VPNs to connect campuses and students to information and resources from different locations around the world.
Wearable. This refers to electronic devices that can be worn on the body, either as an accessory or as part of material used in clothing. One of the major features of wearable technology is its ability to connect to the Internet, enabling data to be exchanged between a network and the device.
Wi-Fi. A type of technology allowing computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the Internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area.
*Average speeds are based on speed available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8-10pm). Speeds vary according to factors like location, and the speed you receive may differ from the figure in our comparison. Most providers will give a customised estimate based on your address.
The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products we can track; we don't cover every product on the market...yet. Unless we've indicated otherwise, products are shown in no particular order or ranking. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations), aren't product ratings, although we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it; this is subject to our terms of use. When making a big financial decision, it's wise to consider getting independent financial advice, and always consider your own financial circumstances when comparing products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Liz Edwards as part of our fact-checking process.
Nick Renaud-Komiya has been a writer and reporter for nine years, covering a range of consumer issues from energy suppliers to banking and mortgage issues. He enjoys helping people take control of their personal finances and better understand their consumer rights. Nick’s consumer writing and money journalism has been featured in a range of outlets including MoneySavingExpert.com, The Sunday Mirror, The Independent and Money.co.uk. Outside of work Nick enjoys cooking and collecting old David Bowie merch. See full bio
Buying a 4g dongle is still a good option for occasional mobile broadband use but these devices are fast being replaced by more sophisticated MiFi devices.
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