Broadband Reviews

Detailed reviews of various UK broadband providers, summarising their services based on aspects like speed, price, and customer service, as highlighted in the comprehensive Telegraph broadband study.

What do the broadband reviews say Overall?

Looking at a various studies including comprehensive study conducted by the Telegraph gives a detailed overview of the UK’s broadband landscape. Providers like EE, Vodafone, Plusnet, and Virgin appear from studies to excelling in specific areas such as overall performance, value for money, customer service, and high-speed downloads. The content on this page aims to give you a clear and concise summary of the broadband market, helping you navigate through the various options and choose a provider that best fits your needs and preferences.

Telegraph Broadband Study

Methodology

One of the more recent broadband review studies is from a panel of Telegraph research which was published in their article “Best Broadband Providers in the UK 2024“. The article provides an insightful and thorough overview of the current broadband landscape in the United Kingdom, as recommended by a sample of 1,000 Telegraph readers. The article, published on January 3, 2024, is a comprehensive guide for consumers navigating the crowded and often confusing broadband market.

The research approach is systematic and consumer-focused, emphasising key factors like speed, price, customer service, and reliability. It presents results from a survey where readers rated their broadband providers across these critical dimensions. The study not only gives voice to consumer experiences but also provides a nuanced understanding of what different providers excel at. For instance, EE for its overall performance and customer service, Vodafone for value for money, Plusnet for customer service, and Virgin for high speed downloads. 

1. Reliability of Broadband Service

The Telegraph research indicates Plusnet is the most reliable choice, with 79% of customers rating them as ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’. Vodafone shows potential with 42% rating them ‘Very Good’, but the 11% in the lower ratings might be a concern for some. EE, BT, and Sky also have a majority of positive responses, suggesting a dependable service overall. Virgin, while having a good share of satisfied customers, also has a notable number of dissatisfied ones, indicating mixed experiences. TalkTalk, with the lowest ‘Very Good’ ratings, might be less consistent in their service reliability.
Reliability
Source: Telegraph

2. Ease of Contact

EE seems to be the easiest to contact for support, with the highest ‘Very Good’ ratings, suggesting efficient customer interaction. Plusnet is also commendable in this aspect, indicating good communication with customers. Virgin’s lower ratings in this category could be a deterrent for those valuing easy contact, and TalkTalk and BT’s mixed feedback suggests some potential challenges in reaching customer support.
Ease of Contact
Source: Telegraph

3. Speed

Virgin leads in speed satisfaction, with 86% positive ratings, making them an attractive choice for high-speed full fibre broadband. Vodafone also does well in this regard, although the presence of some very poor ratings could be a slight concern. Plusnet and BT offer decent speeds but may not be the top choice if you’re looking to go beyond the 900 Kbps mark with Virgin’s GIG 1 with clocks in at 1130 Mbps. Sky provides decent speeds, but according to user feedback they are not winners in this area. TalkTalk has lower positive ratings although like BT and Plusnet they have a high top speed of 944 Kbps.

Speed
Source: Telegraph

4. Quality of Support

In terms of customer support, Vodafone wins with 82% positive ratings. Plusnet comes a close 2nd with 79% of customers finding their support good or very good. EE also receives favourable support ratings, though the 8% negative feedback indicates there’s room for improvement. For those where customer service is crucial, TalkTalk and Virgin might be less appealing due to the high degree of disatification in their ratings.

Quality of Support
Source: Telegraph

5. Opinions on Pricing

Vodafone seems to offer good value for money, potentially appealing to budget-conscious customers. Plusnet is also seen as offering competitive pricing. EE’s mixed feedback on pricing suggests a balance between cost and service quality. BT and Virgin’s mixed price ratings might reflect the broader range of services they offer, which might not always align with budget considerations. Sky, while providing additional benefits, might not be the most competitively priced option.
Price
Source: Telegraph

Who are the UK Broadband Providers?

The UK market is flooded with broadband providers, each offering unique packages, speeds, and additional services. This article dives deep into some of the top broadband providers in the UK, helping users make informed decisions when selecting the best broadband deal for their needs.

BT Fibre Broadband

BT is a household name in the UK, playing a significant role in the telecommunications industry. They offer a plethora of packages, with their fibre optic services being some of the most sought-after. These services provide users with lightning-fast speeds of up to 900Mbps. BT TV, another offering from BT, leverages this broadband capability to deliver top-notch TV programmes seamlessly to households.

Virgin Media Broadband

Virgin Media stands tall as a competitor, offering a range of broadband packages that cater to different user needs. With speeds soaring up to 1,130Mbps through their Gigabit broadband, users are spoilt for choice. Virgin Media is also flexible, allowing users to opt for broadband-only packages or combined broadband, TV, and phone deals.

Sky Broadband

Sky Broadband has etched its name as a leading UK provider, with packages tailored for varied requirements. One of their prominent deals includes a package available for £30/month for 18 months, catering to 41% of UK homes. Additionally, they have multiple speed options like Superfast 35, Ultrafast, Ultrafast Plus, and Gigafast, ensuring users can choose according to their needs.

Now Broadband

As the name suggests, NOW offers immediate broadband solutions. Their memberships come with unlimited downloads, ensuring users don’t have to constantly monitor their data usage. With NOW Broadband, users also have the option to enjoy critically acclaimed shows by adding the Entertainment Membership to their Fab Fibre plan.

Vodafone Broadband

Known globally, Vodafone offers Full Fibre broadband packages in the UK, reaching speeds up to 910Mbps. They’ve sweetened the deal with features such as Intelligent WiFi and Vodafone Together discounts. The process of switching to Vodafone has been made hassle-free, and its reputation for award-winning broadband services makes it a viable option for many.

TalkTalk Broadband

TalkTalk is all about speed and affordability. Their full fibre broadband provides speeds up to 944Mb/s. Recognizing the growing need for more than just broadband, they’ve integrated TV and NOW Sports Membership add-ons for selected fibre plans. Their partnership with Amazon Eero showcases their commitment to ensuring improved speed and reliability through Wi-Fi 6 technology.

Gigaclear Fibre Broadband

For those in rural areas, Gigaclear is the go-to option. They offer services up to 15 times faster than standard fibre, ensuring that even the most remote areas can enjoy high-speed internet. Their packages range from Superfast to Hyperfast, giving users varied speed choices.

Community Fibre

Primarily serving London, Community Fibre offers blazing speeds of up to 3 Gbps. Their focus is on delivering reliable connections through a 100% full-fibre network. Being one of the fastest providers in London, they’ve rapidly gained traction among city dwellers.

One stream Broadband

Starting at just £24.95 a month, Onestream offers a wide range of broadband speeds. Their emphasis on high-quality service, UK coverage, and exceptional customer support makes them a provider worth considering.

Shell Energy Broadband

Shell Energy Broadband, an offshoot of the globally recognised Shell Energy company, offers a diverse range of broadband packages tailored for different user needs. Their online portal is user-friendly, guiding customers from the homepage to various service sections including energy, broadband, smart home solutions, and even assistance for those moving homes. Their headline deal showcases a “Full Fibre 100” package that allows customers to save over £280 when they commit to an 18-month contract.

With the introduction of their new Wi-Fi 6 hub, Shell Energy Broadband promises next-gen connectivity. This hub offers more expansive connectivity, making it an optimal choice for households with multiple devices. It’s now included with all their Superfast Fibre and Full Fibre Broadband plans.

Shell Energy Broadband also boasts impressive broadband speeds. Their ‘Full Fibre’ package offers speeds of up to 900 Mbps. For those on a budget, the ‘Standard’ package starts at just £17.99 a month. They also offer the ‘Superfast Fibre’ at £22.99 a month, which provides an average download speed of 38 Mbps, and the ‘Superfast Fibre Plus’ for £24.99 a month, which gives users an average download speed of 67 Mbps.

For customer assistance, Shell Energy Broadband has set up a dedicated helpline, available from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 7 pm, and on Saturdays between 9 am and 4 pm. They also have special discounted ‘Essentials Broadband’ plans for those receiving Universal Credit or specific other benefits.

The company’s dedication to superior service is evident in their accolades. They’ve been recognised by over 80% of Good Housekeeping readers as a ‘great value’ broadband provider. Moreover, customers looking to enhance their online security can enjoy a three-month free trial of F-Secure Internet Security, ensuring a safe digital experience.

In addition to their broadband services, Shell Energy Broadband’s commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction is clear in their detailed terms and conditions, pricing details, and dedicated FAQ section. Whether you’re an existing customer or considering making the switch, their website offers a comprehensive guide to all their services.

ITalk Broadband

With a focus on quality, affordability, and impeccable customer service, iTalk positions itself as a trustworthy choice for those seeking reliable digital communication solutions. The company’s commitment to simplicity and transparency has garnered appreciation, making it a favoured choice among many in the ever-evolving telecommunication landscape.

iTalk presents an array of broadband deals, each tailored to cater to the diverse needs of users:

Exclusive Offers:

  • Full Fibre 50: Priced at a discounted £25.99 per month with an additional £8.95 P&P, this deal has an average speed of 40 Mbps.
  • Full Fibre 250: iTalk’s fastest offering yet is available at £39.99 per month plus £8.95 P&P and delivers a remarkable 220 Mbps average speed.
  • Full Fibre 100: Specifically designed for avid streamers and gamers, this package is priced at £30.99 per month with an added £8.95 P&P, providing an 80 Mbps average speed.
  • Simply Fibre 50: Another excellent fibre deal at £25.99 monthly plus £8.95 P&P, with a consistent average speed of 40 Mbps.
  • Simply Fibre 100: Ideal for heavy streamers and gamers, this deal offers an 80 Mbps average speed at £30.99 per month and an additional £8.95 P&P.

Fibrus Broadband

Fibrus is rapidly growing into a key player in the UK broadband market, particularly in Northern Ireland, and stacking up against some of the stalwarts like Sky, BT and other Openreach networks. It is known for its full-fibre services. Owned by Infracapital, it focuses on delivering high-speed, full-fibre broadband using advanced XGS-PON technology. Fibrus stands out for its dedication to connecting underserved rural and semi-rural areas, with plans to expand its network to one million premises over the next three years. Offering broadband speeds up to 2Gbps, Fibrus is not just improving connectivity but also significantly contributing to the enhancement of broadband infrastructure in the UK.

Note: Deals on Broadband is a comparison website for broadband providers. We don’t own any services. Broadband deals and packages change frequently. While we aim to keep all information on this site up-to-date, we strongly recommend checking the current information for each service provider for accurate and recent pricing, information, and terms and conditions.

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