Compare broadband deals by postcode

Enter your postcode to compare 401 broadband deals including exclusive offers not available direct from providers

1Gbps Fibre Broadband
New customers only
  • 920Mb
  • average* speed
  • Package
  • Full Fibre (FTTP)
  • Free
  • setup
  • 24
  • month contract
  • Free
  • router delivery
View Deal
  • £20
  • per month
  • 1st year total £240
 
View Deal Expand details

Community Fibre - Broadband

This Community Fibre broadband package uses a Full Fibre (FTTP) connection, short for “Fibre to the Premises.” By delivering a fibre-optic cable directly to your home, this package bypasses slow copper phone lines, giving you the fastest and most reliable type of broadband connection available. FTTP connections are less prone to external weather conditions, providing a stable, consistent service. FTTP broadband can support faster upload and download speeds, perfect for supporting multiple 4K TVs, uploading large files, and great for online gaming thanks to very low latency.

Network information

This package is delivered via Community Fibre’s independent full fibre network.

Broadband Speed

Download: 920Mb

This broadband package has a maximum download speed of 920Mb. The 'average download' speed is 898Mb. This is based on the speeds of at least 50% of Community Fibre customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Broadband speed may vary depending on location, this can be checked on the Community Fibre website before you switch.

Upload: 920Mb

This speed is related to how quickly you can upload files. The speed shown is the 'average customer' upload speed.

Community Fibre Cost breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £20
Months 24-48 £28

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free
Setup / Installation: Free
Delivery: Free
Discount / Promotion: None

Total cost

Total first year cost: £240
Total contract cost: £480

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

This deal was last updated 29/07/2025

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

1Gb Full Fibre
New customers only | £5 off for the first 12 months | Prices may change during contract
  • 1000Mb
  • average* speed
  • Package
  • Full Fibre (FTTP)
  • Free
  • setup
  • 24
  • month contract
  • Free
  • router delivery
View Deal
  • £25
  • £30 per month from month 13
  • 1st year total £300
 
View Deal Expand details

4th Utility - Broadband

This 4th Utility broadband package uses a Full Fibre (FTTP) connection, short for “Fibre to the Premises.” By delivering a fibre-optic cable directly to your home, this package bypasses slow copper phone lines, giving you the fastest and most reliable type of broadband connection available. FTTP connections are less prone to external weather conditions, providing a stable, consistent service. FTTP broadband can support faster upload and download speeds, perfect for supporting multiple 4K TVs, uploading large files, and great for online gaming thanks to very low latency.

Network information

This package uses the CityFibre network.

Broadband Speed

Download: 1000Mb

This broadband package has a maximum download speed of 1000Mb. The 'average download' speed is 976Mb. This is based on the speeds of at least 50% of 4th Utility customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Broadband speed may vary depending on location, this can be checked on the 4th Utility website before you switch.

Upload: 1000Mb

This speed is related to how quickly you can upload files. The speed shown is the 'average customer' upload speed.

4th Utility Cost breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £25
Months 24-48 £30

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free
Setup / Installation: Free
Delivery: Free
Discount / Promotion: None

Total cost

Total first year cost: £300
Total contract cost: £660

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

This deal was last updated 12/08/2025

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

Special Offer
Ends 21st August
Full Fibre Gigafast
New customers only | Prices may change during contract
  • 900Mb
  • average* speed
  • Package
  • Full Fibre (FTTP) + Home Phone
  • Free
  • setup
  • 24
  • month contract
  • Free
  • router delivery
View Deal
  • £28
  • per month
  • 1st year total £336
£80 Voucher
View Deal Expand details

Sky - Broadband

This Sky broadband package uses a Full Fibre (FTTP) connection, short for “Fibre to the Premises.” By delivering a fibre-optic cable directly to your home, this package bypasses slow copper phone lines, giving you the fastest and most reliable type of broadband connection available. FTTP connections are less prone to external weather conditions, providing a stable, consistent service. FTTP broadband can support faster upload and download speeds, perfect for supporting multiple 4K TVs, uploading large files, and great for online gaming thanks to very low latency.

Network information

This package uses the CityFibre network.

Broadband Speed

Download: 900Mb

This broadband package has a maximum download speed of 900Mb. The 'average download' speed is 878Mb. This is based on the speeds of at least 50% of Sky customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Broadband speed may vary depending on location, this can be checked on the Sky website before you switch.

Upload: 100Mb

This speed is related to how quickly you can upload files. The speed shown is the 'average customer' upload speed.

Part of Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme

Sky call charges to UK landlines & mobiles

Call types: Daytime Evening Weekend
UK Mobiles 19.35p 18p 18p
Local 15.5p 15.5p 15.5p
Rest of UK 15.5p 15.5p 15.5p
0845 numbers 15p 15p 15p
0870 numbers 15p 15p 15p

Digital phone upgrade and call charges explained

All analogue phone lines in the UK are being upgraded to a new digital phone service. This means your phone will connect through your broadband router instead of a traditional copper line. In the event of a power cut, your phone line will no longer work unless you have battery backup. If you rely on your landline for emergency calls and don’t have access to a mobile phone, speak to Sky about backup options. The call charges listed above only apply if you're on a pay-as-you-go call plan or if your inclusive call allowance has been used up.

Sky Cost breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £28
Months 24-48 £49

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free
Setup / Installation: Free
Delivery: Free
Discount / Promotion: £80

Total cost

Total first year cost: £336
Total contract cost: £672

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

This deal was last updated 15/08/2025

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

Special Offer
Ends 25th August
Full Fibre 910
New customers only | Up to £4/month saving for existing mobile contract customers
  • 910Mb
  • average* speed
  • Package
  • Full Fibre (FTTP) + Home Phone
  • Free
  • setup
  • 24
  • month contract
  • Free
  • router delivery
View Deal
  • £29
  • per month
  • 1st year total £348
£80 Voucher
View Deal Expand details

Vodafone - Broadband

This Vodafone broadband package uses a Full Fibre (FTTP) connection, short for “Fibre to the Premises.” By delivering a fibre-optic cable directly to your home, this package bypasses slow copper phone lines, giving you the fastest and most reliable type of broadband connection available. FTTP connections are less prone to external weather conditions, providing a stable, consistent service. FTTP broadband can support faster upload and download speeds, perfect for supporting multiple 4K TVs, uploading large files, and great for online gaming thanks to very low latency.

Network information

This package uses the CityFibre network.

Broadband Speed

Download: 910Mb

This broadband package has a maximum download speed of 910Mb. The 'average download' speed is 888Mb. This is based on the speeds of at least 50% of Vodafone customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Broadband speed may vary depending on location, this can be checked on the Vodafone website before you switch.

Upload: 910Mb

This speed is related to how quickly you can upload files. The speed shown is the 'average customer' upload speed.

Vodafone call charges to UK landlines & mobiles

Call types: Daytime Evening Weekend
UK Mobiles 13p 13p 13p
Local 11.5p 11.5p 11.5p
Rest of UK 11.5p 11.5p 11.5p
0845 numbers 11p 11p 11p
0870 numbers 11p 11p 11p

Digital phone upgrade and call charges explained

All analogue phone lines in the UK are being upgraded to a new digital phone service. This means your phone will connect through your broadband router instead of a traditional copper line. In the event of a power cut, your phone line will no longer work unless you have battery backup. If you rely on your landline for emergency calls and don’t have access to a mobile phone, speak to Vodafone about backup options. The call charges listed above only apply if you're on a pay-as-you-go call plan or if your inclusive call allowance has been used up.

Vodafone Cost breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £29
Months 24-48 £34

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free
Setup / Installation: Free
Delivery: Free
Discount / Promotion: £80

Total cost

Total first year cost: £348
Total contract cost: £696

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

This deal was last updated 19/08/2025

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

Be500 12 months
New customers only | No mid-contract price rises
  • 500Mb
  • average* speed
  • Package
  • Full Fibre (FTTP)
  • Free
  • setup
  • 12
  • month contract
  • Free
  • router delivery
View Deal
  • £25
  • per month
  • 1st year total £300
 
View Deal Expand details

BeFibre - Broadband

This BeFibre broadband package uses a Full Fibre (FTTP) connection, short for “Fibre to the Premises.” By delivering a fibre-optic cable directly to your home, this package bypasses slow copper phone lines, giving you the fastest and most reliable type of broadband connection available. FTTP connections are less prone to external weather conditions, providing a stable, consistent service. FTTP broadband can support faster upload and download speeds, perfect for supporting multiple 4K TVs, uploading large files, and great for online gaming thanks to very low latency.

Broadband Speed

Download: 500Mb

This broadband package has a maximum download speed of 500Mb. The 'average download' speed is 488Mb. This is based on the speeds of at least 50% of BeFibre customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Broadband speed may vary depending on location, this can be checked on the BeFibre website before you switch.

Upload: 500Mb

This speed is related to how quickly you can upload files. The speed shown is the 'average customer' upload speed.

BeFibre Cost breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-12 £25
Months 12-24 £37

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free
Setup / Installation: Free
Delivery: Free
Discount / Promotion: None

Total cost

Total first year cost: £300
Total contract cost: £300

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

This deal was last updated 12/08/2025

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

500 Full Fibre
New customers only
  • 500Mb
  • average* speed
  • Package
  • Full Fibre (FTTP)
  • Free
  • setup
  • 12
  • month contract
  • Free
  • router delivery
View Deal
  • £25
  • per month
  • 1st year total £300
 
View Deal Expand details

Zzoomm - Broadband

This Zzoomm broadband package uses a Full Fibre (FTTP) connection, short for “Fibre to the Premises.” By delivering a fibre-optic cable directly to your home, this package bypasses slow copper phone lines, giving you the fastest and most reliable type of broadband connection available. FTTP connections are less prone to external weather conditions, providing a stable, consistent service. FTTP broadband can support faster upload and download speeds, perfect for supporting multiple 4K TVs, uploading large files, and great for online gaming thanks to very low latency.

Network information

This package is provided over the independent Zzoomm full fibre network.

Broadband Speed

Download: 500Mb

This broadband package has a maximum download speed of 500Mb. The 'average download' speed is 488Mb. This is based on the speeds of at least 50% of Zzoomm customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Broadband speed may vary depending on location, this can be checked on the Zzoomm website before you switch.

Upload: 500Mb

This speed is related to how quickly you can upload files. The speed shown is the 'average customer' upload speed.

Zzoomm Cost breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-12 £25
Months 12-24 £37

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free
Setup / Installation: Free
Delivery: Free
Discount / Promotion: None

Total cost

Total first year cost: £300
Total contract cost: £300

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

This deal was last updated 12/08/2025

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

5G Home Broadband
New customers only | Plug and play
  • 150Mb
  • average* speed
  • Package
  • Home Broadband (4G/5G)
  • Free
  • setup
  • 24
  • month contract
  • Free
  • router delivery
View Deal
  • £17
  • per month
  • 1st year total £204
 
View Deal Expand details

Three - Broadband

This Three broadband package uses a Home Broadband (4G/5G) connection, delivered through a plug-and-play 4G/5G router. There’s no need to wait for an installation date or arrange an engineer visit. You can be online within a few days. Performance may vary depending on local mobile signal strength.

Broadband Speed

Download: 150Mb

This broadband package has a maximum download speed of 150Mb. The 'average download' speed is 146Mb. This is based on the speeds of at least 50% of Three customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Broadband speed may vary depending on location, this can be checked on the Three website before you switch.

Upload: 10Mb

This speed is related to how quickly you can upload files. The speed shown is the 'average customer' upload speed.

Three Cost breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £17

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free
Setup / Installation: Free
Delivery: Free
Discount / Promotion: None

Total cost

Total first year cost: £204
Total contract cost: £408

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

This deal was last updated 22/07/2025

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

500Mb Fibre Connection - Broadband Only.
New customers only | The same upload and download speed
  • 522Mb
  • average* speed
  • Package
  • Full Fibre (FTTP)
  • Free
  • setup
  • 24
  • month contract
  • Free
  • router delivery
View Deal
  • £25
  • per month
  • 1st year total £300
 
View Deal Expand details

Hyperoptic - Broadband

This Hyperoptic broadband package uses a Full Fibre (FTTP) connection, short for “Fibre to the Premises.” By delivering a fibre-optic cable directly to your home, this package bypasses slow copper phone lines, giving you the fastest and most reliable type of broadband connection available. FTTP connections are less prone to external weather conditions, providing a stable, consistent service. FTTP broadband can support faster upload and download speeds, perfect for supporting multiple 4K TVs, uploading large files, and great for online gaming thanks to very low latency.

Network information

This package is provided over the independent Hyperoptic full fibre network.

Broadband Speed

Download: 522Mb

This broadband package has a maximum download speed of 522Mb. The 'average download' speed is 509Mb. This is based on the speeds of at least 50% of Hyperoptic customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Broadband speed may vary depending on location, this can be checked on the Hyperoptic website before you switch.

Upload: 522Mb

This speed is related to how quickly you can upload files. The speed shown is the 'average customer' upload speed.

Part of Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme

Hyperoptic Cost breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £25

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free
Setup / Installation: Free
Delivery: Free
Discount / Promotion: None

Total cost

Total first year cost: £300
Total contract cost: £600

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

This deal was last updated 25/07/2025

No postcode provided. Please enter your postcode above to see technical details.

Broadband providers often apply in-contract price increases each April. Since January 2025, Ofcom regulations require that any such increases must be clearly shown by the internet service provider before you complete your order. Not all suppliers increase prices during the contract, so be sure to check the pricing details at checkout to ensure a fair comparison between providers.

How do I find the best broadband deal in my area?

There are more broadband providers in the UK than many people realise. Some operate only in specific regions, often serving areas that are underserved by larger networks. While the ‘Big Four’ BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and TalkTalk continue to dominate much of the UK market, they aren’t always the best choice for every location.

Word-of-mouth is often a good starting point when searching for a better broadband deal. In some areas, smaller independent providers may offer ' Full Fibre connections', strong customer support, or community focused services. Providers like B4RN are a great example offering exceptional performance and competitive pricing, particularly in rural communities. Other niche providers may not always compete on price but can stand out for their local presence and service quality.

To see what’s available where you live, use our broadband availability checker. It compares a wide range of national and regional ISPs, helping you explore the best options for your address. You can filter results by price, speed, contract length, or provider to find a package that suits your needs. If there's a bargain out there, we'll help you find it!

Need a little help understanding the technical side of things? Our broadband terminology guide can help with that.

Frequently Asked Questions

The right broadband speed for your household depends on how you and your family use the internet. The information below will help you choose the best package based on the number of users and their online activities:

1-2 Users (10-25 Mb)

Ideal For: Casual users who primarily browse the web, check emails, and use social media.

Typical Activities: Light browsing, reading articles, and streaming TV. You may experience occasional buffering of TV content at the lower end of this speed. (Not suitable for ultra-high definition 4K).

2-3 Users (25-50 Mb)

Ideal For: Households with a few users who stream videos, engage in light gaming, or have children attending online classes.

Typical Activities: Moderate browsing, light gaming, and streaming TV. Speeds at the lower end of this range (25 Mb) may struggle to maintain smooth TV streaming during busy periods with three users. For a more reliable experience, consider a minimum speed of 40 Mb.

3-4 Users (50-100 Mb)

Ideal For: Families with multiple users who frequently stream, game, or work from home, especially those needing faster upload speeds.

Typical Activities: Streaming in HD or 4K, online gaming, and video calls. If you're working from home and need to upload or download large files (e.g. videos), we recommend the higher end of this speed range (closer to 100 Mb), especially if others are heavily using the connection.

4+ Users (100 Mb or more)

Ideal For: Larger households with multiple users engaging in high-demand activities like 4K streaming, gaming, and working from home.

Typical Activities: Streaming in ultra-high definition (4K), online gaming, and frequent video calls. If you’re working from home while others are streaming in 4K or HD, speeds above 100 Mb would be beneficial.

If working from home is a priority, consider a broadband provider that offers a built-in 4G/5G backup solution. This feature seamlessly activates for all connected devices if your main broadband connection fails and restores once the problem is resolved. Providers like Vodafone, EE, and BT offer this service for an additional monthly cost.

(Be sure to check the terms and conditions for data usage on backup 4G/5G services if you choose this option. Your minimum guaranteed speeds do not apply to 4G / 5G backup connections)

Understanding Your Broadband Speed

Keep in mind that the internet speeds advertised by providers are an average based on 50% of their customers. For example, an 80Mb broadband package might actually deliver 55Mb at your property. Before signing up, you’ll be given the estimated speed and a minimum guaranteed connection speed. Make sure the minimum speed is still adequate for your needs. To check the speed your property is likely to receive, try our dedicated tool to check broadband speeds available at your address. It provides realistic, address-specific estimates rather than general averages for the area.

According to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index, the UK’s average fixed-line broadband speed reached 135.66Mb in February 2025. While this is generally sufficient for most households, availability varies, and many rural areas continue to experience considerably lower speeds.

Not All Broadband Providers Are Created Equal

When selecting a broadband package, especially for tasks like video content creation, gaming, or uploading large files, the type of connection makes a big difference. Full Fibre (FTTP) broadband can offer symmetrical speeds, meaning upload speeds match download speeds ideal for top-tier performance. This feature is not available with fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) packages, which typically have slower upload speeds.

For example, BT Full Fibre Gigafast delivers 900 Mb download and 90 Mb upload speeds via the Openreach network. While 90 Mb is fast enough for live broadcasting or streaming 4K content, uploading large files like videos or high-resolution images will take significantly longer.

In contrast, Hyperoptic offers 900Mb for both download and upload speeds. This means your uploads are up to 10x faster than Sky’s option at a similar price (at the time of writing). For users who frequently upload large files, this can significantly speed up transfers and improve productivity.

If speed is critical for your needs, we recommend choosing an ISP that offers symmetrical speeds. It’s likely to cost the same as a standard fibre package. Some of the main UK broadband providers offering symmetrical speeds include:

Please note that price and availability will vary by region.

To compare your options, enter your postcode into our broadband availability checker above. By clicking "more details," you can view the download and upload speeds offered by each provider. Lastly, remember to review the specific terms and conditions of any provider before signing up.

Your broadband needs at a glance

  • Fast speeds: Virgin Media, Hyperoptic, Gigafast
  • Budget-friendly: TalkTalk, Plusnet, Gigafast, B4RN, Community fibre
  • Reliability: EE, Sky, BT, Zen
  • Customer satisfaction: (Data provided by Ofcom: Plusnet, EE, Vodafone, BT) Zen
  • Portability: Consider 4G/5G home broadband
  • Gaming: EE, BT, Zen Broadband (Latency guide)

There are many broadband providers to choose from, and the best deal depends on your individual needs, such as cost, speed, reliability, and location. While large providers like Virgin Media, Vodafone, and BT cover most of the UK, smaller alternative networks (alt-nets) like Hyperoptic and Gigafast can offer highly competitive pricing and full fibre broadband. However, their availability may be limited to certain regions.

For those seeking ultra-fast speeds, Virgin Media is a strong option with its broad network. Hyperoptic and Gigafast also deliver excellent full fibre services where available. If you’re an online gamer focused on low latency and high upload speeds, BT broadband, EE and Zen Broadband are worth considering.

For budget-conscious users, TalkTalk regularly provides low cost packages with incentive deals. Plusnet is also competitive on price and scores well for its customer service. If portability is important or if fixed-line broadband isn't suitable for your home, 4G and 5G home broadband can be flexible alternatives. If you're receiving government benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support and struggling with the cost of broadband, discounted social tariffs may be available to you. Take a look at our broadband social tariffs comparison to find the best deal for your circumstances.

We also provide a range of ISP reviews offering balanced, valuable insight into each provider’s performance. However, it’s worth noting that external reviews often lean towards the negative, as customers are more likely to share frustrations than positive experiences. Keep this in mind when assessing feedback, and focus on what matters most to your household. Ultimately, the best broadband deal is one that meets your specific needs. Use our broadband comparison tool to find the best package based on your requirements.

The fastest broadband in the UK is currently delivered via full fibre (FTTP) and DOCSIS 3.1 cable networks. FTTP packages now reach up to 5Gbps in selected areas, but availability varies depending on your address.

Full Fibre (FTTP): FTTP provides a fibre connection directly to the home, offering the most reliable and consistent speeds. Sky's new Gigafast+ package delivers average speeds of 5Gbps in CityFibre connected areas, making it the fastest service currently offered by any major UK provider (source City Fibre). Vodafone, who also use the CityFibre infrastructure, provides packages up to 2.2Gbps. BT offers speeds up to 900Mb, while EE offers up to 1.6Gbps in some locations. Community Fibre continues to offer up to 3Gbps in parts of London.

Several alternative networks also push the limits of residential broadband. YouFibre offers packages up to 7000Mbps (7Gbps) in select areas. As of July 2024, full fibre coverage has reached 69% of UK premises according to Ofcom, with gigabit-capable broadband available to 83%.

DOCSIS 3.1 (Virgin Media): Virgin Media’s Gig1 package uses coaxial cable (DOCSIS 3.1) to deliver average speeds of up to 1.13Gbps. It remains a strong option where FTTP is not yet available. However, it no longer holds the top spot for UK broadband speed among major providers.

To find out which high-speed broadband packages are available where you live, use our broadband availability checker. You can also check broadband speeds and connection types at your address by entering your postcode and street-level details.

Not all UK broadband providers, but a large number of them. We compare most major national providers, alongside many smaller regional and independent networks. Our postcode checker shows only the broadband services that are actually available in your area, and you can apply filters to narrow the results by speed, contract, best value.

Our broadband comparison tool is independent, and the results are not influenced by paid rankings or commission. By default, results are ranked by best value, but you can change this to prioritise monthly or annual costs whichever suits your needs. All broadband comparisons are based on accurate availability data.

As of August 2025, the providers included in our postcode based results include:
4th Utility, Airband, BRSK, BT, BeFibre, BeeBu, Community Fibre, Cuckoo, Direct Save Telecom, Fibrely, Fibrus, Hey Broadband, Hyperoptic, KCOM, Lightspeed, NOW Broadband, Onestream, POP Telecom, Plusnet, Quickline, Rebel Internet, Sky, Three, Trooli, TrueSpeed, Virgin Media, Vodafone, YouFibre, Zzoomm.

We also compare social broadband tariffs. Discounted broadband plans for people who receive government benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. These are listed separately and may include smaller providers that don’t appear in the main postcode based results. Our social tariff comparison is a not-for-profit facility and fully impartial. Like all services on FasterBroadband, the information shown is free from sponsored results and not influenced by commission. This is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting digital inclusion and helping to close the digital divide.

Switching your broadband provider has become a more streamlined process, making it less cumbersome than in the past. Before initiating the switch, you must ensure you're no longer bound by a contract with your current broadband provider. Failure to do so may result in financial penalties, requiring payment for the remaining months on your contract. If your contract has ended and you're ready to switch, there's no need to contact your existing supplier directly. The switch is initiated by the new broadband provider you've chosen. An exception to this process arises when switching to Virgin Media. Virgin Media Fibre distinguishes itself by not relying on copper phone line cables for broadband delivery, setting it apart from other providers. If opting for a Virgin Media package, it's advisable to notify your current broadband provider after Virgin Media has provided an installation date. This ensures minimal disruption during the switch. If you're ready to start looking for a better broadband deal, enter your postcode into our broadband availability checker at the top of this page to compare broadband deals in your area.

The simple answer is YES! As long as you're not moving house away from your current telephone exchange. If you're switching to Virgin Media, they will allow you to keep your old telephone number. You will be asked which telephone number you would like to transfer during the sign-up process.

If you're only switching your broadband and not the telephone provider, your switchover should be almost seamless. If you are switching both your phone and broadband provider, this will require an engineer to visit your local telephone exchange. The switchover is usually complete within 3 hours of disconnection. If you are switching to Virgin Media, it is possible to keep your old broadband connection until your Virgin Media broadband has been installed and is active.

Understanding broadband terminology

Why does my 'Fibre Broadband' feel slow?

There's a bewildering amount of terminology that internet service providers (ISPs) use, and it can be confusing. While fibre optic broadband is generally faster, standard fibre connections still rely on your existing copper phone line for the final stretch from the exchange to your home. This is why some customers are surprised when offered a 'Full Fibre' upgrade for their 'fibre' connection. Below, we explain the different broadband options available, helping you make sense of the terminology.

ADSL Broadband (also referred to as ‘Standard Broadband’) is when the broadband connection is delivered using the original, old copper phone wire infrastructure. This method is being phased out as ISPs push to sell faster broadband. With a standard ADSL broadband connection, you can expect an average download speed of 10Mb. The connection speed will drop significantly the further you are from the telephone exchange. Whilst ADSL broadband might be the slowest option, it’s not necessarily cheaper than ‘fibre broadband’. If you’re out of contract and have an ADSL broadband connection, you’re likely to be paying more than you would with a new provider. The broadband market is very competitive, so it’s worth asking your current provider to see if you can get a better deal, then compare that offer with alternative broadband deals in your area.

Most home broadband connections in the UK are fibre to the cabinet (FTTC). FTTC Broadband is when the local (street cabinet) has upgraded its incoming connection to fibre broadband. This means that the local telephone exchange can deliver a faster broadband connection to your home. The broadband connection from your home to the local (street cabinet) will still be sent down the old copper phone line, but your broadband speed will be significantly faster than a standard ADSL broadband connection. A typical FTTC broadband connection in the UK would have an average download speed of 66Mb. Your broadband connection speed will vary depending on how congested the network is and your distance to the street cabinet.

According to Ofcom, as of July 2024, 69% of UK homes have access to install ‘Full Fibre Broadband’, also known as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). As the name suggests, the fibre broadband connection doesn’t stop at the local street cabinet but continues directly to your premises. This means you no longer need to rely on your old copper telephone cable to get broadband. FTTP broadband doesn’t cost much more than a typical fibre broadband package. With FTTP, you can expect download speeds between 300Mb and 1Gb, and it is seen as the future of broadband in the UK. Slower FTTP speeds are also available for those who need a more affordable option. The upgrade also reduces line interference and dropouts, which are often caused by ageing copper phone wires.

G.Fast is a broadband technology that can supercharge your FTTC speeds up to 300Mb without fibre running directly to your premises. Since G.Fast uses most of the existing infrastructure, it's quicker and cheaper to roll out. However, there are limitations. Your property must be within 500 metres of your local street cabinet, and we’re not entirely convinced of G.Fast's long-term viability. It’s a clever interim solution until fibre coverage becomes as widespread as copper cables are today — think of it like the mini disc player before Apple launched the iPod. G.Fast is only available if your local exchange has been upgraded to support the technology. To check if G.Fast is available in your area, enter your postcode into the broadband availability checker above.

Cable broadband is uniquely different from fibre broadband. Instead of using a fibre cable, it’s delivered via a coaxial cable. Currently, Virgin Media dominates this market with its independent cable network, which uses DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) technology. DOCSIS allows for faster speeds and improved performance. Cable broadband can achieve download speeds of up to 1130Mb with Virgin Media's Gig1 broadband package.

There are alternative ways to get a faster broadband connection, such as satellite broadband, microwave radio transmission, or the more familiar 4G broadband. However, as fibre broadband now covers 95% of the UK, you're likely to be able to get a fast connection from one of the many UK ISPs. Enter your postcode into our broadband availability checker to explore the best broadband options in your area. Alternatively, you can compare 4G and 5G home broadband packages on our mobile broadband comparison page.

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