Compare broadband deals by postcode

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 price breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £20

Months 24-48 £28

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free

Setup / Installation: Free

Delivery: Free

Discount / Promotion: £50

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 18/09/2025

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

Full Fibre 910

New customers only | £2/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

£24
per month
1st year total £288

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 price breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £24

Months 24-48 £27

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free

Setup / Installation: Free

Delivery: Free

Discount / Promotion: £150

Total cost

Total first year cost: £288

Total contract cost: £576

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

This deal was last updated 07/10/2025

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

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

£25
per month
1st year total £300

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 price breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £25

Months 24-48 £49

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free

Setup / Installation: Free

Delivery: Free

Discount / Promotion: £95

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 10/10/2025

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

1Gb Full Fibre

New customers only | £7 off for 12 months | Prices may change during contract

1000Mb
average* speed

Package
Full Fibre (FTTP)

Free
setup

24
month contract

Free
router delivery

View Deal

£20
£27 per month from month 13
1st year total £240

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 price breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £20

Months 24-48 £27

Months 48-72 £38

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free

Setup / Installation: Free

Delivery: Free

Discount / Promotion: None

Total cost

Total first year cost: £240

Total contract cost: £564

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

This deal was last updated 08/10/2025

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

Gigafast 900

New customers only

900Mb
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

Hey Broadband broadband

This Hey Broadband 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 Hey! Broadband full fibre 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 Hey Broadband customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Broadband speed may vary depending on location, this can be checked on the Hey Broadband website before you switch.

Upload: 900Mb

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

Hey Broadband price breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-24 £25

Months 24-48 £43

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 13/10/2025

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

Full Fibre 500 - Total Home Wi-Fi

New customers only | Free Echo Pop

518Mb
average* speed

Package
Full Fibre (FTTP)

Free
setup

18
month contract

Free
router delivery

View Deal

£34.99
per month
1st year total £419.88

View Deal Expand details

Fibrus broadband

This Fibrus 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 Fibrus full fibre network.

Broadband speed

Download: 518Mb

This broadband package has a maximum download speed of 518Mb. The 'average download' speed is 505Mb. This is based on the speeds of at least 50% of Fibrus customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm). Broadband speed may vary depending on location, this can be checked on the Fibrus website before you switch.

Upload: 104Mb

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

Fibrus price breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-18 £34.99

Months 18-36 £49.99

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free

Setup / Installation: Free

Delivery: Free

Discount / Promotion: None

Total cost

Total first year cost: £419.88

Total contract cost: £629.82

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

This deal was last updated 13/10/2025

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 price 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.

Be500 12 months

New customers only | Get reimbursed up to £100 when leaving existing contract | No mid-contract price rises

500Mb
average* speed

Package
Full Fibre (FTTP)

Free
setup

12
month contract

Free
router delivery

View Deal

£27
per month
1st year total £324

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 price breakdown

Monthly package cost

Months 1-12 £27

Months 12-24 £32

Up-front cost

Hardware: Free

Setup / Installation: Free

Delivery: Free

Discount / Promotion: None

Total cost

Total first year cost: £324

Total contract cost: £324

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

This deal was last updated 03/10/2025

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

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

There’s an overwhelming amount of choice when it comes to broadband providers in the UK. Whilst the big four BT, Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk continue to dominate, they don’t always offer the best option for every location. Smaller independent network providers regularly compete heavily on price and stand out for customer service. Our broadband availability checker can help narrow down which broadband deals are available in your area. The search will also highlight if alt-net (“alternative network”) providers such as Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, Hey Broadband, Truespeed, YouFibre and many more are available in your area.

If you’re out of contract, you’ll likely find the introductory rate you signed up to has significantly increased. Often referred to as the “loyalty tax,” you can re-contract with your existing provider, but you’re more likely to get a better broadband deal if you switch. The best broadband deals are usually offered to new customers, so take advantage of being out of contract and move to a new provider. Alt-net providers are also widening their coverage, and our broadband postcode checker keeps on top of this, so 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.

Choosing the right broadband deal

The right broadband speed for your household depends on how everyone at home uses the internet. The information below will help you compare the best broadband deals and choose a package that matches the number of users and their online activities.

1–2

Light users

10 - 25 Mb

Ideal for: Casual users who primarily browse the web, email, use social media and shop online.

Typical activities: light browsing, online news, streaming TV and make video calls. You may experience occasional buffering of TV content at the lower end of this speed (not suitable for ultra high definition 4K). This type of connection speed is typical of standard ADSL broadband, delivered over existing copper telephone lines. Some social tariff packages may also restrict your speeds to this level.

Single user Browsing Email

2–3

Basic everyday

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 45 Mb. Large video game updates can also disrupt internet activity for others online at the same time.

1+ users HD streaming Online gaming Email

3–4

Busy home

50 -100 Mb

Ideal for: families with multiple users who frequently stream, game, or work from home. Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is worth considering if you need faster and more reliable 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 when others are heavily using the connection.

4K streaming Working from home Multiple users Multiple devices

High demand

100 Mb+

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

Typical activities: streaming in (4K), online gaming, and video calls. As a guide, allowing 50 Mb for each additional user gives a more comfortable connection. Beyond this, higher speeds are mainly about convenience, paying more to reduce waiting time when uploading YouTube content, transferring large files, or gaming updates.

Multiple 4K streams Pro gaming Fast uploads YouTube uploads

4G/5G Broadband backup options ideal for working from home

If working from home is a priority, look for a broadband provider that includes a built-in 4G/5G backup. This automatically takes over for all your connected devices if your main broadband goes down, and switches back once the fault is fixed. Providers such as Vodafone, EE and BT offer this service for an extra monthly fee.

(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 143.83 in August 2025. While this is generally sufficient for most households, availability varies, and many rural areas continue to experience considerably lower speeds.

Broadband upload speeds explained

When choosing a broadband package, download speed isn’t the only thing that matters. Upload speed is also important if you create and share videos, live stream game content, or regularly transfer large files.

Fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) broadband always has slower uploads because part of the connection still runs over copper. Full Fibre (FTTP) removes that bottleneck and can deliver much higher upload speeds. Some networks can provide symmetrical speeds, meaning the upload speed matches the download speed.

For example, BT Full Fibre Gigafast runs on the Openreach network and delivers 900Mb download and 90Mb upload. While 90Mb is fast enough for streaming or live broadcasting, uploading large video files or high resolution images will still take longer.

In contrast, Hyperoptic provides 900Mb for both download and upload. That’s up to ten times faster than BT’s Openreach based option (at the time of writing). For heavy uploaders, symmetrical speeds can save a lot of time and improve productivity, although not essential for most households.

If upload performance is a priority, it’s worth choosing an ISP that offers symmetrical broadband speeds. These often cost no more than a standard full fibre package. Symmetrical connections are commonly available from providers such as Vodafone, Hyperoptic, Gigaclear and Community Fibre. Availability and pricing will vary depending on your location. Some providers, like Sky, use both the Openreach network and the CityFibre network so you’ll only get symmetrical speeds with Sky if your home is served by the CityFibre network.

Our broadband availability checker makes this clear. After you’ve entered your postcode, expanding the broadband deals information will show which network each package uses, along with the download and upload speeds you can expect at your address.

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 internet providers, and the best broadband deal for you will depend on factors such as budget, speed, reliability, and availability in your area. 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 reliable 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 7Gbps 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 January 2025, full fibre coverage had reached 74% of premises across the UK. According to Ofcom, this could rise to around 96% by 2027, depending on rollout and regulatory support.

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 September 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, Go Fibre, Hey Broadband, Hyperoptic, KCOM, Lightspeed, NOW Broadband, Onestream, POP Telecom, Plusnet, Quickline, Rebel Internet, Sky, Three, Trooli, TrueSpeed, toob, 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.

Broadband connection types explained

ADSL, part fibre, full fibre and cable broadband explained

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) broadband, also referred to as ‘standard broadband’, uses the existing copper telephone line network to deliver an internet connection. It is the slowest type of fixed line broadband in the UK and is now mainly found in very rural areas where neither full fibre nor part fibre (FTTC) services are available.

Key ADSL broadband details

Speed: Average download speeds are around 10Mb.
Distance: The further you are from the local telephone exchange, the slower your connection becomes.
Cost: Older ADSL contracts can be more expensive than newer part fibre (FTTC) packages. Contact your current internet service provider to check which broadband options they offer, then compare this with other deals in your area by entering your postcode into the broadband availability checker above.

If you are unsure which package suits your household, see what broadband speed do I need.

Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) is still the most common type of fixed broadband connection in the UK. With FTTC, fibre optic cables run from the telephone exchange to the local street cabinet. The final stretch from the cabinet to your home still uses the old copper telephone line, which limits the maximum speed.

FTTC is much faster than standard ADSL, with average download speeds of around 66Mb. However, your actual speed depends on how far your home is from the street cabinet and how busy the network is at peak times. While FTTC remains the most widely available broadband technology, it is no longer being expanded, as providers focus on upgrading the UK to full fibre (FTTP).

You can check which broadband types are available at your property and the speeds you’re likely to get with our broadband speed and availability checker.

According to Ofcom’s fixed broadband availability report, as of January 2025, 74% 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.

If you are unsure whether your household needs ultrafast FTTP broadband, see does my household need ultrafast FTTP broadband.

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.