Broadband connects your home to the internet.
However, not all broadband is the same. The speed, type of connection and service you can get depend on where you live.
So, start by finding out what is available at your address.
What Broadband Can You Get?
Broadband is not the same everywhere.
Some homes can get full fibre and very fast speeds. Others still have fewer choices, especially in some rural areas.
Therefore, check your address before comparing deals.
This tells you what is actually available rather than what providers advertise nationally.
What Is Full Fibre?
Full fibre uses fibre-optic cable all the way to your home.
It is also called FTTP, which means Fibre to the Premises.
Full fibre can provide very fast speeds and is usually more reliable than older part-fibre connections.
It is now available to most UK homes, although not everywhere.
Read: Fibre Broadband Explained →
What Is Part Fibre?
Part-fibre broadband uses fibre for part of the journey, then copper phone lines for the final section to your home.
You may also see this called FTTC, or Fibre to the Cabinet.
It can still provide a good service for many homes. However, speed can fall as the copper line gets longer.
So, two homes on the same type of broadband may get different speeds.
How Much Speed?
Faster is not always better value.
The speed you need depends on what you do online and how many people use the connection at the same time.
For example, you may need more speed if several people regularly:
- stream video
- make video calls
- play online games
- download large files
- work from home
However, a smaller household with lighter use may not need the fastest package.
Read: Broadband Speeds Explained →
What About Wi-Fi?
Your broadband connection and your Wi-Fi are not the same thing.
Broadband brings the internet into your home. Your router then uses Wi-Fi to connect phones, laptops, TVs and other devices.
This matters because you can have fast broadband but poor Wi-Fi in some rooms.
For example, thick walls, distance from the router and other wireless signals can weaken Wi-Fi.
So, before buying faster broadband to fix a slow connection, check whether Wi-Fi is the real problem.
Other Ways to Connect
A cable into your home is not the only way to get broadband.
Depending on where you live, you may also be able to use:
- mobile broadband
- fixed wireless broadband
- satellite broadband
These can be useful where wired broadband choices are limited.
However, speed, price and service can vary. Therefore, compare them with the wired options available at your address.
Before You Choose
First, check what broadband you can get.
Then look at:
- the speed you need
- the type of connection
- the monthly price
- any price rises
- the contract length
- setup costs
- exit charges
- customer service
Also, compare the full cost of the contract rather than only the starting monthly price.
Already Have Broadband?
If you already have broadband, check when your contract ends.
You may be able to get a better price or faster service by changing plan or provider.
However, check any exit charges before leaving early.
Switching is now normally handled by the provider you are joining, which makes changing broadband much simpler.
Read: Broadband Contracts and Switching →
Broadband Not Working?
First, work out whether the problem affects your whole broadband connection or only Wi-Fi.
For example, poor Wi-Fi in one bedroom is different from the whole home losing internet access.
Finding the cause first can save time and may avoid paying for an upgrade you do not need.
Where to Start
I don’t know what speed I need
→ Read Broadband Speeds Explained.
I keep seeing FTTP and fibre
→ Read Fibre Broadband Explained.
My Wi-Fi is poor
→ Read Wi-Fi and Routers.
I want to change provider
→ Read Broadband Contracts and Switching.
My broadband is slow or not working
→ Read Broadband Problems.
Key Points
- Check what broadband is available at your address first.
- Full fibre and part fibre are different.
- Choose speed based on how you use the internet.
- Broadband speed and Wi-Fi performance are not the same.
- Check the full cost before choosing a deal.
First check what you can get. Then choose what you need.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
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