What broadband speed can I get in my area?
On this page
Types of broadband networks in your area and their benefits
How to check the broadband speed of your area?
Why is the internet in my area so slow?
Which ISPs provide the fastest broadband speeds in your area?
Fixed-line broadband is not the only option out there
Key Points
- The best broadband speed for your area depends on your specific needs and situation. A network such as FTTP is the best option when downloading or uploading large files. However, an ADSL connection will suffice for general web browsing and casual video streaming.
- Before upgrading or switching to broadband, check the broadband speed of your area with a speed test or consult an ISP for a speed estimate.
- The broadband speed in your area may be affected by several factors, including the type of broadband service available, the number of users on the internet, your location and proximity to ISP's servers.
When it comes to broadband speed, the news isn't good for everyone. There is a vast discrepancy in the internet access different locations receive. Urban areas in the UK can get connections that provide download speeds of at least 100 Mbps, while just a small percentage of rural areas can do the same. This is not due to a lack of infrastructure investment by ISPs, but because the demand for broadband services in rural areas is lower.
However, you can sometimes experience slower internet speed in major cities like London because of congestion. Therefore it is vital to check what broadband speed is available in your area before signing up for a service. You must also be aware that not all internet providers offer the same speed in every area. Hence, comparing offers and finding the one that best suits your needs is essential.
This post will provide you with the most up-to-date information on the broadband speed available in your area and teach you how to determine your internet speed. Read on to find out more!
Types of broadband networks in your area and their benefits
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.
Why is the internet in my area so slow?
If you're feeling frustrated and annoyed with the slow internet speed in your area, you are not alone. Millions of people around the UK are affected by poor or inconsistent internet service every day. And unfortunately, there is no single solution to fixing this problem. Here's a list of the most common ones:
Distance between the cabinet and home
If you're looking to take your home entertainment experience up a notch, and get rid of blurry and laggy content, then it's time to look into green cabinets. Green cabinets are boxes that connect either copper phone lines (for standard / ADSL broadband provision) or fibre optic cables (for fibre broadband provision) to your home. They're usually found on street corners in built-up areas and offer fast and reliable internet access for your devices. The further away you are from the local street cabinet, your broadband connection will be slower.
Router set up incorrectly
One of the simplest things you can do to speed up your connection is to ensure your router is configured correctly. Routers are devices that help computers communicate with each other, and they're responsible for directing internet traffic to your device. If you've never set up a router before, or if it's been a while since you did, it would be better to consult your broadband provider. They may also be able to provide wifi extenders to help amplify your signal in weaker spots at your home.
Infrastructure is not there yet
ISPs may have difficulty laying new cables in certain terrain conditions. This is an issue that crops up in both rural areas with hills and urban areas with pavements. Another possible explanation for why the infrastructure may not be strengthened is that there might not be enough people using broadband in your area.
Bad internet plan
Are you constantly waiting for pages to load, videos to buffer and games to start up? Upgrading your internet plan can significantly affect how quickly you can get things done. There are several different types of plans available today, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. You must find an option that meets your specific needs and fits within your budget. The first step to knowing which plan is right for you is to take a free online speed test to get an idea of how well your current connection works.
Which ISPs provide the fastest broadband speeds in your area?
Today, broadband speed is one of the most important factors when choosing a provider. And with so many providers available on the market, it can be tough to know which one offers the best speeds.
To help make your decision easier, we've compiled a list of providers with the fastest broadband speeds in the United Kingdom. Scroll down for our full table of contents:
| Internet Service Provider | Package | Avg. Download Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Media | M100 Fibre Broadband | 108 Mbps |
| Virgin Media | M200 Fibre Broadband | 213 Mbps |
| BT | Full Fibre 100 | 150 Mbps |
| TalkTalk | Future Fibre 150 | 147 Mbps |
| Truespeed | Truespeed 150 | 150 Mbps |
| Shell Energy | Full Fibre 100 | 115 Mbps |
The broadband speeds listed above are more than sufficient for heavy internet usage on several devices. But if you need a faster internet connection, you should go with either Sky or Vodafone.
Fixed-line broadband is not the only option out there
If your current broadband connection is not fast enough, you may want to switch to a different technology.
Mobile phone hotspot: You may use your phone as a mobile phone hotspot if it is 4G or 5G enabled and has a current internet plan. This will result in higher internet speeds on your laptop or other connected devices.
Wireless broadband: Consider using wireless broadband if you want to receive high-speed internet without installing anything. This service is accessible to houses and sends data signals through small radio waves rather than wires. BT, Sky, and Virgin Media Wireless Broadband are examples of popular providers.
Satellite broadband: If you're willing to shell out a bit more money, satellite broadband can offer some of the fastest speeds in the UK. These services use satellites to send data signals. They are usually faster than fixed-line broadband because they don't have any cables running through them.
So what is the ideal broadband speed for your area?
When it comes to broadband speed, the truth is that most people don't really know what they need. That's because broadband speeds come in many different varieties these days, and most people assume that the faster, the better. However, this isn't always true. In fact, depending on your usage patterns, you might actually be better off with a slower-than-average broadband speed.
Here are some things to consider when determining your ideal broadband speed:
- How much data will you be using each month? Most people overestimate how much data they'll use each month, buy excessive bandwidth, and then regret it. When calculating your monthly average data usage, be sure to take into account the number of video streams and online content that you consume.
- Do you have any heavy multimedia applications or services running in the background? Certain media files can consume large amounts of bandwidth even if they're not actively used. If any applications or services running in the background require high bandwidth (such as video conferencing software), check their respective requirements before committing to a particular broadband plan.
- Are you situated in an area with limited internet options? Many rural areas suffer from low connectivity rates! So make sure you do your research before buying an Internet plan.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the different internet plans? Our comparison tool can show you available broadband packages in your postcode and find the fastest. Simply sort or filter results by speed to match your preferences.
FAQs
What's the fastest broadband speed in my area?
The fastest internet access in the UK is 1Gigabit per second (1Gbps), which is equivalent to 1000 Megabits per second (1000Mbps). This is also known as gigabit internet. Virgin Media now provides fibre internet bundles with speeds of up to 900Mbps.
How to check the broadband speed in my area?
Broadband speed can be checked by visiting the website of your service provider or using a broadband speed test tool. Both of these options will display the download and upload speeds that you are currently experiencing.
What is the speed of BT broadband in my area?
BT provides fibre optic broadband, which delivers a superfast connection with an average speed of 67Mbps.
How can I boost up my internet speed?
There are lots of ways to increase your internet speed. The effectiveness of each of these methods will depend on what's causing your internet speed to become slow. For instance, you can try upgrading to a faster plan with your broadband provider, getting a better router, moving the router closer to your computer, deleting some programs from your computers hard drive to speed it up, etc.
Can a router increase internet speed?
Yes, a good router can increase your speed, while a bad one can slow it down. However, even the best router can't increase your speed beyond what's provided in your internet plan. So if you want to get speeds that are higher than what is specified in your plan, you need to upgrade it.