What broadband speed can I get in my area?

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Virgin Media should be your go-to choice if you are looking for a fast and reliable broadband provider. Virgin is the only service provider in the UK that runs its own network. Other providers such as BT and Sky Broadband rely on infrastructure owned by other companies (Openreach network), offering speeds that are generally slower than Virgin Media's.

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP):

However, there is good news if you don't live in an area where Virgin Media is available! Openreach is working on implementing pure fibre or Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) broadband services across the UK. They aim to deliver high-speed internet (up to 100 Mbps) to your home by eliminating the need to connect through a cabinet. The cables will run directly from the street to your property, providing faster speeds than current broadband services. But there is no set timeline for when FTTH will be available in every area. It's important to check with your ISP if you are interested in getting onto their service.

Fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC):

FTTC is a type of broadband connection that combines fibre-optic and copper phone cables. Data is first sent to cabinets through the fibre optic cables and then transported to your home using a phone line. Most carriers now provide FTTC services to their customers over the Openreach network, allowing them to enjoy speeds of up to 70Mbps.

ADSL broadband:

ADSL broadband is perfect for those looking for a low-cost, high-speed internet connection. You will need to have your own telephone line in order to take advantage of ADSL broadband. ADSL can usually offer download speeds of around 10Mbps, and upload speeds of 2-5Mbps. This connection may be ideal if you are a light internet user with only a few devices connected to your broadband. EE, BT, NOW Broadband and TalkTalk all offer ADSL broadband in the UK.

Cable Networks:

Cable networks are by far the most popular choice among consumers. They're usually considered to be slower than other types of networks but often have better customer service and greater flexibility when it comes to pricing. However, broadband speeds will be impacted more if your home is located far from the nearest cabinet.

How to check the broadband speed of your area?

The actual speed you receive from your ISP is often much slower than the advertised speed. Before upgrading or installing a broadband connection, regardless of where you reside, it is a good idea to assess the broadband speed of the area. This will give you a clear image and the assurance that you are receiving what you pay for. There are 2 ways you can do this:

1) Consult a local ISP or telco representative to measure the broadband speed available in your locality. Or check the monthly bill of your service provider to get a ballpark idea of the speed you are getting.

2) The easiest way is to use one of the many internet speed tests available online. These services will connect you to different servers around the globe and then report back on how fast your connection is. Several broadband speed measurement services are available, but we recommend using our speed test for fast and accurate results.