Our postcode checker uses data from leading UK networks to calculate expected speeds at your address.
ISP's advertise broadband speeds based on peak-time averages (8–10pm), but actual performance can vary due to:
Ofcom has introduced a voluntary Right to Exit (RTE) process, which allows broadband customers to leave their contract early if speeds fall below the agreed minimum performance levels. However, not all internet providers have signed up to this scheme.
Not all ISPs have signed up for Ofcom’s voluntary Right to Exit (RTE) process. The following providers currently comply:
Vodafone was previously part of Ofcom’s voluntary Right to Exit (RTE) process but is no longer a signatory. However, Vodafone has its own policy for customers experiencing significantly reduced broadband speeds, which is outlined in their terms and conditions (effective from 11 September 2024).
A full copy of Ofcom's current RTE guidelines can be viewed here: Ofcom Voluntary Code of Practice (Residential) PDF .
Search Full FibreUnderstand your broadband options Standard ADSL, Superfast FTTC, Ultrafast FTTP or Hyperfast 1Gbps +
Superfast broadband is the most popular broadband option in the UK, largely due to its affordability and widespread availability. It is accessible to over 97% of UK households and is defined as a broadband connection speed of over 30Mb. Superfast broadband is often marketed as 'Fibre Broadband'; however, this can be somewhat misleading as the connection is still partially delivered to your property via copper telephone lines. Typically, the maximum achievable download speed with a Superfast broadband connection is 80Mb. However, if your property is more than 850 metres from the street cabinet, you may experience at least a 50% reduction in speed.
Ultrafast broadband, defined as delivering speeds between 300Mb and 1000Mb, is currently available to over 57% of UK households. GFast, a technology designed to boost FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) speeds up to 300Mb, offers a cost-effective way to enhance broadband performance without requiring full Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). However, GFast is not universally available, as your local exchange must be upgraded to support the technology. Even where available, GFast is limited to properties within 500 metres of the street cabinet due to signal degradation over copper lines. Its reliance on ageing copper infrastructure makes it a transitional solution, rather than a long-term answer to improving the UK's broadband speed.
Hyperfast broadband represents the future of connectivity in the UK. Unlike its predecessors, it does not rely on outdated copper cables. Instead, Hyperfast broadband uses fibre-optic cables to deliver a direct connection to your property, a technology known as ‘fibre to the premises’ (FTTP). This advanced solution offers symmetrical speeds, where upload and download rates are identical. However, not all Hyperfast broadband providers deliver symmetrical services. For example, BT currently offers FTTP with asymmetric speeds of 900Mb download and 115Mb upload for residential customers. Alongside FTTP, technologies such as DOCSIS 3.1 used by Virgin Media enable gigabit broadband over cable networks, offering ultrafast speeds to millions of UK homes. Established providers, such as TalkTalk, also offer FTTP broadband packages to UK households.