If you're not sure what to choose, this page walks you through it in a few simple steps.
Not sure where to start? Here's a quick guide based on your household. Most people can find what they need right here.
Standard (30-70 Mbps)
Fast (70-150 Mbps)
Superfast (150-500 Mbps)
Don't worry about picking the perfect speed - anything in the right range will work. If you're between two options, go for the higher one if it fits your budget.
Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that comes into your home. It lets you browse websites, watch TV shows online, make video calls, and use all your devices at the same time.
Think of it like a pipe that brings the internet to your house. The bigger the pipe (faster the speed), the more you can do at once without things slowing down.
A cable comes into your home (usually through the wall) and connects to a small box called a router. This router sends the internet signal wirelessly around your home so all your devices can connect.
You can use it on your computer, phone, tablet, TV, or games console - all at the same time. The router is that little box with the blinking lights - you might already have one!
They're not the same thing, but they work together:
The internet coming into your home via a cable.
The wireless signal inside your home that connects your devices.
Think of it this way: broadband is the water coming into your house, and Wi-Fi is the pipes that carry it to different rooms. You need broadband to have Wi-Fi, but they're not the same thing.
Quick tip
You don't need to understand all the cables and technology. The important bit is choosing a package with the right speed for your home.
There are three main ways broadband can reach your home.
Also called FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises)
The fastest and most reliable option. Fibre-optic cables run all the way from the exchange directly to your home - no copper cables involved. This gives you the best speeds and most stable connection.
Also called FTTC (Fibre-to-the-Cabinet)
This is the most common type of broadband in the UK. Fibre-optic cables run from the exchange to a street cabinet near your home, then copper cables complete the journey to your house. It's faster than ADSL but not as fast as full fibre.
Older Technology
Uses your existing phone line with copper cables. It was the standard for many years, but it's slower than fibre and becoming less common.
This is now being phased out and is much slower.
Speed is measured in Mbps - the higher the number, the faster things load.
If you only browse the web and check email, 30 Mbps is usually enough. On the other end, ultra-fast packages (500+ Mbps) are mostly for very busy homes or people who work with large files.
| Speed Range | Good for... |
|---|---|
| Standard (30-70 Mbps) | 1-3 people, HD streaming, video calls, web browsing |
| Fast (70-150 Mbps) | Families, multiple HD streams, online gaming, working from home |
| Superfast (150-500 Mbps+) | Large households, lots of 4K streaming, big downloads |
Don't worry about picking the 'perfect' speed - anything in the right row will work. If you're between two options, go for the higher one if it fits your budget. If you're not sure, that's normal - most people aren't. The easiest way is to pick the row in the table that sounds most like your home, or contact us and we'll help.
A broadband connection gives you access to everything you want from the internet. Here's what you can do with it:
Before you choose a package, check these four things:
More people means more devices online at once. If you're not sure what speed you need, check the speed table in Step 3.
Faster speeds usually cost more, but you don't always need the fastest. Typical monthly prices range from £20-£30 for basic speeds, £30-£40 for standard speeds, and £40+ for fast speeds.
Most deals are 12, 18, or 24 months. Longer contracts often have better monthly prices, but you're committed for longer. Some providers offer shorter or no-contract options, but these usually cost more per month.
| What to check | Details |
|---|---|
Availability | Not all deals are available in all areas. Use a postcode checker to find out what's available at your address. |
Monthly price | Watch out - some providers raise their prices annually, even if you're still in contract. Look for deals that promise "no price rises" if that's important to you. |
Setup fee | A one-off charge for installation. Many deals offer free setup, but some charge £20-£50. |
Speed guarantees | Some providers give a 'minimum speed guarantee'. That's the lowest speed they expect you to get. If you often get less than that, you may be able to leave without penalty. |
You choose a package.
An engineer visit may be booked (for fibre).
Your provider will send you a router in the post.
You plug it in, follow the simple instructions, and you're online.
If anything doesn't work first time, you won't be left on your own - our team and your provider can talk you through it.
The questions we hear most often, answered in plain English.
Browse our broadband deals and see what's available at your address.