Is Gigaclear Any Good?

Gigaclear - Connecting Rural Communities since 2012

Who is Gigaclear?

Gigaclear is rapidly becoming a prominent name in the UK broadband market, particularly for those residing in rural areas. With numerous internet service providers (ISPs) available, it’s essential to determine if Gigaclear is a suitable option. This comprehensive review delves into Gigaclear’s services, pricing, customer satisfaction, network technology, and environmental impact to help determine if it’s the right fit for a home. For more background on broadband options, check out our broadband guide.

Contents

  1. Gigaclear’s Focus: Connecting Rural Communities
  2. Gigaclear Broadband Plans and Pricing
  3. Gigaclear Broadband Speed and Reliability
  4. Gigaclear Customer Service
  5. Gigaclear Network Technology and Infrastructure
  6. Smart WiFi
  7. Gigaclear’s Environmental Impact and Sustainability Practices
  8. Checking Gigaclear Availability
  9. Gigaclear Coverage
  10. Conclusion: Is Gigaclear Right for You?

Gigaclear’s Focus: Connecting Rural Communities

Gigaclear is an independent UK ISP specialising in full-fibre broadband for rural communities. Unlike many providers that rely on Openreach’s network, Gigaclear has built its own dedicated fibre optic network. This strategic decision allows them to bypass the outdated copper wires that often hinder broadband speeds in remote locations. By bringing fibre directly to the premises, Gigaclear empowers residents of rural areas to enjoy the same high-speed internet access readily available in major towns and cities.

Their recognition further strengthens Gigaclear’s focus on rural connectivity as a finalist for the Employer of the Year award. This accolade highlights their dedication to employee satisfaction and development, contributing to a positive customer experience. Moreover, Gigaclear has secured substantial financial backing, exceeding £1.5 billion, providing a solid foundation for future expansion and network improvements. Their partnership with Infracapital, a leading infrastructure investment firm, further reinforces their commitment to growth and innovation in the broadband sector.

It’s also worth noting that Gigaclear was honored with the Choose Broadband Award for Rural Coverage in 2023. This award underscores their dedication to bridging the digital divide and providing high-quality broadband services to underserved communities.

Gigaclear Broadband Plans and Pricing

Gigaclear offers a variety of broadband plans tailored to different needs and budgets. All plans come with a minimum contract term of 18 months. Here’s a breakdown of their current offerings:

PlanAverage Download/Upload Speed (Mbps)Monthly Price During Contract
Superfast 200200£17 – £19
Ultrafast 300300£19 – £20
Ultrafast 400400£20 – £25
Hyperfast 900900£34 – £49

Key Features:

  • Symmetrical speeds: Gigaclear offers the same upload and download speeds across all plans. This is a major advantage for activities that require high upload bandwidth, such as video calls, online gaming, and transferring large files.
  • Unlimited data: All Gigaclear broadband plans offer unlimited data.
  • No setup fees: Gigaclear frequently waives setup fees, making their plans even more budget-friendly.
  • Linksys WiFi 6 routers: Gigaclear provides Linksys routers equipped with WiFi 6 technology. However, the specific router model may vary depending on the plan chosen. Ultrafast packages come with one router type, while the Hyperfast 900 includes a different, potentially more powerful, router.
  • Home Phone Packages: In addition to broadband, Gigaclear offers home phone calling packages. These packages provide various options for inclusive calls to landlines and mobiles. For similar bundled deals, you might explore our Virgin broadband deals page.

What Gigaclear Doesn’t Offer:

It’s important to be aware that Gigaclear’s primary focus is on providing high-speed internet access. They do not offer TV options or bundle their broadband plans with gift rewards.

Price Increases: While Gigaclear’s pricing is competitive, it’s essential to factor in potential price increases. Gigaclear’s prices may rise by £1.50-£3 per month each April.

Gigaclear Broadband Speed and Reliability

Gigaclear’s full fibre network is designed to deliver exceptional speeds and reliability, surpassing the performance of traditional part-fibre or copper connections. Their commitment to connecting homes directly to fibre optic cables ensures that distance from the exchange doesn’t negatively impact speed or reliability. This is particularly beneficial for users in rural areas who often experience slower speeds with other providers due to the limitations of older network infrastructure.

Speed Test Results

Independent research has consistently shown that Gigaclear excels in delivering high speeds and low latency. In a recent study comparing various broadband providers, Gigaclear achieved the following:

  • Fastest latency: Gigaclear outperformed major providers like BT, Sky, and Virgin Media in latency tests. Lower latency translates to a more responsive connection, which is crucial for online gaming, video calls, and other real-time applications.
  • Fastest upload speeds: Gigaclear’s Ultrafast 300 plan demonstrated the fastest average upload speeds compared to other providers. This is a significant advantage for users who frequently upload large files or engage in activities that require high upload bandwidth.

Furthermore, Gigaclear’s average broadband speeds have consistently exceeded the UK average over the past few years. For more detailed comparisons, you can view our BT vs Virgin Media comparison.

Reliability

While Gigaclear generally provides a reliable service, some customers have reported occasional outages and inconsistencies. These reports often mention issues with service drops or fluctuations in speed. However, it’s important to consider that these negative experiences are often balanced by positive reviews from customers who praise Gigaclear’s reliability. Many users highlight the consistent speeds and minimal downtime they experience with Gigaclear.

Gigaclear Customer Service

Customer service is a crucial aspect of any broadband provider, and Gigaclear receives a mixed bag of reviews in this area. Some customers commend their helpful and efficient support team, while others express frustration with installation delays and challenges in resolving technical issues.

Customer Service Options:

Gigaclear offers various channels for customer support:

  • Phone: 01865 591 131
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Live Chat: Available on their website
  • Social Media: @gigaclear on Twitter

Customer Satisfaction Ratings:

Gigaclear currently holds an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 based on over 26,700 customer reviews. This suggests a generally high level of customer satisfaction. For more user insights, visit our broadband reviews section.

Gigaclear Network Technology and Infrastructure

Gigaclear’s network is built on a foundation of full fibre technology (Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP)), enabling them to deliver ultrafast broadband speeds directly to a home. They employ a variety of network architectures, including physical infrastructure access (PIA) and micro ducts, to ensure their network reaches diverse areas with varying geographical challenges.

Key Network Features:

  • Full fibre network: Gigaclear’s network is entirely fibre optic, eliminating the limitations of copper cables and providing significantly faster speeds and enhanced reliability.
  • Mesh WiFi technology: Their Smart WiFi system utilizes mesh technology to create a network of WiFi nodes, ensuring seamless and comprehensive coverage throughout a home.
  • Linksys Velop routers: Gigaclear provides Linksys Velop routers with WiFi 6 technology. WiFi 6 offers several advantages, including improved speed, extended range, and greater resistance to interference.

Network Infrastructure:

Gigaclear’s network infrastructure comprises various components, including street access cabinets, fibre drop cabinets, and fibre pots strategically placed at property boundaries. They utilize a combination of directly buried fibre and micro ducts to connect homes to their network.

  • Directly buried fibre: This method involves burying fibre optic cables directly in the ground. It was commonly used in Gigaclear’s early network deployments.
  • Micro ducts: This newer method involves installing small ducts that house the fibre optic cables. Micro ducts offer greater flexibility for future upgrades and expansion. For similar innovative approaches, see our Lit Fibre overview.

Open Access Network:

Gigaclear’s network is designed for open access, meaning that other broadband providers can utilize their infrastructure to offer services to customers. This open access approach has the potential to foster competition and provide consumers with a wider range of choices in Gigaclear’s coverage area.

WiFi Frequencies:

Gigaclear’s routers operate on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi frequencies. Each frequency has its own characteristics:

  • 2.4GHz: This frequency offers greater coverage and can penetrate walls more effectively, but it may be susceptible to interference from other devices.
  • 5GHz: This frequency provides faster speeds and less interference, but its range is generally shorter.

By utilizing both frequencies, Gigaclear’s routers aim to provide a balance of speed and coverage for an optimal WiFi experience.

Smart WiFi

Gigaclear offers a “Smart WiFi” service that utilizes mesh technology to enhance WiFi coverage and performance. This service is designed to address common WiFi issues, such as dead zones and weak signals.

How Smart WiFi Works:

Smart WiFi involves using multiple WiFi nodes strategically placed around a home. These nodes work together to create a mesh network, ensuring a strong and consistent WiFi signal in every room. The system intelligently directs devices to the optimal node, providing the best possible connection.

Smart WiFi Guarantee:

Gigaclear offers a Smart WiFi guarantee, ensuring a minimum WiFi speed of 10Mbps in every room. This guarantee provides peace of mind, especially for users with large homes or those who experience WiFi dead zones with traditional routers.

Gigaclear’s Environmental Impact and Sustainability Practices

Gigaclear demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. They have implemented various practices to minimize their environmental impact and contribute to a greener future.

  • Using green energy: Gigaclear powers its network with green electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind and solar power. This choice significantly reduces their reliance on fossil fuels and helps to lower carbon emissions.
  • Streamlining operations: Gigaclear has adopted a system to streamline their operations, leading to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint. This system helps to minimize waste, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall efficiency.
  • Reducing carbon emissions: By enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing unnecessary travel, Gigaclear actively works towards lowering carbon emissions. This includes optimizing routes for engineers and reducing the need for multiple site visits.
  • Ethical sourcing: Gigaclear is committed to ethical trading and responsible sourcing practices. This involves ensuring that their supply chains adhere to ethical standards and that workers are treated fairly.

Ethics Policy Statement:

Gigaclear’s Ethics Policy Statement outlines their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. This statement guides their efforts to create social value, promote a healthy working environment, and conduct business in a responsible and ethical manner.

Environmental Ratings:

Gigaclear has received recognition for its environmental efforts. The Good Shopping Guide has awarded them an “acceptable” ethical score in their Ethical Broadband Providers Ratings Table. They are also recognized as a top-rated ethical brand by The Good Shopping Guide.

Checking Gigaclear Availability

Gigaclear’s network is constantly expanding, but it’s essential to check if their services are available in a specific location. Here are a few ways to determine Gigaclear’s availability:

  • Gigaclear Website: The most reliable method is to visit the Gigaclear website and use their online availability checker. This tool allows users to enter a postcode or address to instantly see if Gigaclear’s network covers the area.
  • Broadband Comparison Websites: Many broadband comparison websites provide availability checkers that include Gigaclear. These websites can be a convenient way to compare Gigaclear’s availability alongside other providers.
  • Contact Gigaclear: For those with difficulty determining availability online, contact Gigaclear directly by phone or email. Their sales team can provide the most up-to-date information about their network coverage.

Gigaclear Coverage

Gigaclear’s primary focus is on providing broadband to rural communities in the UK. Their network currently covers a significant portion of southern and central England, with a strong presence in counties such as Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Essex, and Berkshire. They are actively expanding their network to reach more rural areas, including parts of Somerset, Devon, and Kent.

Expansion into Yorkshire:

In recent news, Gigaclear has announced its expansion into Yorkshire, bringing their full fibre network to underserved communities in this region. For updates on regional expansions, see our York broadband deals page.

Conclusion: Is Gigaclear Right for You?

Gigaclear presents a compelling case for those seeking a reliable and high-speed broadband provider, especially for those in a rural area with limited full fibre options. Their competitive pricing, symmetrical speeds, and focus on customer satisfaction make them a strong contender in the UK broadband market. However, it’s crucial to weigh the potential drawbacks, such as possible installation delays and mixed customer service experiences.

Pros:

  • Fast, symmetrical speeds with unlimited data: Gigaclear’s full fibre network delivers impressive speeds, with equal upload and download rates, and no data caps.
  • Competitive pricing with no setup fees: Gigaclear offers attractive pricing, often with no setup fees.
  • WiFi 6 routers and Smart WiFi technology for improved coverage: Gigaclear provides modern routers with WiFi 6 technology and offers a Smart WiFi service with mesh networking to ensure strong WiFi coverage.
  • Strong focus on rural communities: Gigaclear’s dedication to serving rural areas makes them a valuable option for those who have limited access to full fibre broadband.
  • Commitment to environmental responsibility: Gigaclear actively pursues sustainability practices, including using green energy and streamlining operations to minimize their environmental impact.

Cons:

  • Limited coverage area: While Gigaclear’s network is expanding, coverage is still primarily concentrated in southern and central England.
  • Potential installation delays: Some customers have reported delays in the installation process.
  • Mixed customer service experiences: While many customers praise Gigaclear’s customer service, some have encountered challenges.
  • Price increases after the initial contract period: Be aware of potential price increases after the initial 18-month contract.

Key Factors to Consider:

When evaluating whether Gigaclear is the right choice, consider the following factors:

  • Availability: First, ensure that Gigaclear’s network covers the address.
  • Speed and reliability: Assess internet speed requirements and whether Gigaclear’s offerings meet these needs.
  • Budget: Compare Gigaclear’s pricing with other providers in the area—explore our BT Sky Broadband comparison for context.
  • Customer service: Consider the importance of reliable customer support and weigh the mixed reviews in this area.
  • Environmental impact: If sustainability is a priority, Gigaclear’s commitment to environmental responsibility may be a deciding factor.

Future Developments:

Gigaclear’s ongoing network expansion and commitment to innovation suggest a promising future for the company. As they continue to grow and invest in their infrastructure, expect to see wider coverage, improved services, and potentially even faster speeds in the years to come.

In conclusion, Gigaclear offers a compelling proposition for those seeking high-quality broadband in rural areas. By carefully weighing the pros and cons and considering individual needs, an informed decision can be made about whether Gigaclear is the right broadband provider.

Futher Reading

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