B4RN Broadband Reviews
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Broadband for the Rural North Ltd known as ‘B4RN’ Broadband is a registered non-profit community venture run by a team of local landowners and volunteers. As the name suggests it's a rural broadband service covering a limited area in the North of England. It was founded in Lancashire in 2011 and led by Industry expert Barry Forde. Barry's innovative social enterprise demonstrates that a community approach can deliver a world-class broadband network at a sensible price. It's the community-based approach that has led to B4RN being so successful. Their expanding broadband network has an average takeup of 75% of all properties in the area that they cover. B4RN currently supplies gigabit broadband to over 9000 homes and businesses. Any profit B4RN makes can only be distributed to the community, so by getting connected you're helping support your local community!
B4RN broadband offers 1000Mbps (1Gbps) as standard. To be fair you're unlikely to need broadband at that speed, but it's nice to know you're ready for the future! There's an option to upgrade to 10Gbps, but that's just showing off! B4RN are so confident about its product and service that they offer all broadband packages on a one-month rolling contract. So, if you need to terminate your contract, you need to give them 10 days' notice. If you're lucky enough to be in a B4RN catchment area, here's a list of current prices, which includes business, domestic and a social broadband tariff. All prices are inclusive of VAT.
One off connection fee £60
£33 per month for broadband
One off connection fee £60
Terms and conditions apply
£15 per month for broadband
One off connection fee £60
£33 per month for broadband
One off connection fee £60
£66 per month for broadband
One off connection fee £60
£66 per month for broadband
*Holiday cottages, caravan sites, schools, larger businesses, hotels, churches etc all have special pricing plans that take into account their special circumstances.
One-off connection fee £360
£150 per month for broadband
It's a great service and a fantastic price but there are a few things you should be aware of:
If you want B4RN Broadband, you need to be prepared to get your hands dirty. Unlike most other companies providing FTTP Broadband B4RN request that you dig your own cable duct from your property to the boundary wall. This task can be undertaken by you or a contractor but is your responsibility to organise. B4RN will advise you of the best route to use and what they require.
Unlike most other ISPs B4RN don’t offer customers the option of an email service. So, you will need to use a third-party email service provider. There are plenty of free email providers to choose from like Google Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, Proton Mail, Apple iCloud etc. Most ISPs will allow you to retain your email address when you leave, however this may become a subscription service. If you’re currently with BT, when you cancel your broadband service, any email addresses associated with your account will remain active for 60 days. After 60 days, you will no longer have access unless you choose to transfer your BT email account to ‘BT premium email’. BT charge £7.50 per month for this service.
As B4RN broadband doesn’t offer a phoneline service, you will need to arrange a VoIP (voice over IP) phone service like Vonage if you wish to still have a landline number. VOIP service providers will usually allow you to port your existing phone number but this must be done before you cancel your phone contract. It’s worth noting that during a power cut, unlike a phone connected to a traditional copper line, a VoIP phone will not be operational. People for whom this presents a problem may want to consider using a UPS (uninterruptable power supply) i.e. back up battery device.
FasterBroadband is not affiliated with or sponsored by B4RN Broadband. Our promotion is based on community support. We welcome all feedback and customer reviews. If you wish to contribute or spot a community area that we haven't listed, please drop us an email so we can promote it!
For further information visit the B4RN website: www.b4rn.org.uk
If B4RN are not available there are other options like:
Boundless Networks - one of the UK’s leading fixed wireless networks which span across Lancashire and Yorkshire. Boundless Networks
Airband also offer FTTP or ‘Fixed wireless broadband' solutions in rural locations around Devon, Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Somerset, Wales, Warwickshire & Worcestershire. Airband
Compare 4G & 5G broadband options for rural homes and businesses.
The good the bad and the ugly. Read honest B4RN broadband customer reviews
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