How to compare broadband offers

How to compare broadband offers

Since many UK providers offer multiple options, it is difficult to choose a broadband package that suits your requirements. The following are the main factors to consider when purchasing a home broadband solution.

Average broadband download speed


Until recently, broadband service providers were able to advertise their "even" speed. However, recent regulations now mean that they must show "average speed."

The average speed is defined as the speed obtained by at least 50% of customers during prime time. Ofcom, the British government communications organization, sets prime time between 8pm and 10pm.

Despite the changes, the actual speed you will obtain will of course depend on many factors, including:

  • Connection type, such as cable or fiber
  • How far is your home from the PBX box
  • Where you live
  • The time of day you use the connection

Generally, the higher the average speed, the higher the packaging cost. The speed you need depends on the speed you use.
If you only want to browse the Internet and receive strange emails, a standard broadband connection is sufficient. On the other hand, if you want to play music and movies, play online games or have a family using multiple devices at the same time, you need a faster fiber connection.

If you find that the broadband connection is slow, you can always upgrade the broadband connection, but if you are in the middle of the contract period, you may incur additional costs.

Broadband packaging type


Broadband providers usually provide three types of software packages:

  1. Broadband only
  2. Broadband and telephone
  3. Broadband and telephone with TV

Because it usually takes a phone call to get broadband, only a few will provide broadband services. When comparing broadband, you will find that most packages will automatically include a Wi-Fi router, line rental, and a call rate package.
Many vendors will also offer higher TV packages for broadband connections and telephones. TV packages may vary greatly between service providers, but usually include some or all of the following:

  • Provide a box that can record TV for hours
  • Box return and pause live TV function
  • Ability to watch Freeview channel
  • Can choose to subscribe to premium channels such as Sky Sports, BT Sports or Movies
  • Ability to watch TV and on-demand programs

Broadband node length

After subscribing to the broadband plan, you will have a cooling-off period to cancel. However, if you decide that you no longer want the package or want to switch to a new provider, you may be charged an early cancellation penalty.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that you are satisfied with the duration of the signed contract and the terms of the contract.

Generally, broadband providers offer the following contract options:

  • 12 month contract
  • 18 month contract
  • 24 month contract
  • No contract

This is the option of not signing. You need to pay monthly fees until you decide that you do n’t want to use them. However, non-contractual options usually increase monthly costs compared to longer contract periods.

The cost of broadband setup


This is the initial fee charged by the service provider to establish a broadband connection, and / or the packaging and deployment fee for sending the device to your home.

Some service providers do not charge any installation fees, or occasionally offer free installation services.

Monthly fee


This is the current monthly fee you will pay for the broadband connection.

After determining all the above factors, the selection should be narrowed down to a few software packages that meet the requirements. You can then compare other features and advantages beyond the main selection criteria.

Other factors to consider are the phone cost, whether the package includes weekend calls or free evening calls, the channels available when selecting the TV package, TV features, and parental controls included with the broadband connection.

Next step


At PocketRate, we can easily compare broadband packages from major UK suppliers. The easy-to-use comparison table allows you to quickly browse all the above key factors to help you make a quick decision.

PocketRate is a free UK website that can be used to compare credit cards, loans, savings, broadband, etc.