Choosing the Ideal Broadband Provider

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

Last Updated 4th of October 2024

2 minute read

In today’s digital world, selecting the right broadband provider is key. Here’s a quick guide to help you make an educated choice. 

Broadband Provider Considerations:  

Pricing and Bundles: 

Consider not just the monthly bill but also any initial installation fees. If you’re interested in broadband, landline and TV services, look for providers that offer bundle packages, which can be more cost-effective.   

Speed Expectations:  

Understand that the actual internet speeds can vary. Providers should give you an estimate of the speeds you can expect. Utilise price comparison sites to see the available speed tiers in your area and cross-check with Ofcom’s broadband coverage checker for maximum speed possibilities.  

Today, customers can discover which broadband providers have the longest wait times for answering calls, as Ofcom releases its newest report on customer service standards in the telecoms sector.*   

Additional Tips:   

Providers must inform you of their best deals when your initial contract ends and annually if you’re out of contract.   

Accurate, comprehensive price comparisons can guide you to the most economical choice across the full term of the contract.  

By considering these factors, you can select a broadband provider that offers reliable service at a fair price, tailored to your specific needs.   

*(Source: Ofcom) Vodafone was included as a broadband provider in our research trackers for the first time in this wave, therefore year-on-year comparisons are not available for this provider.

Note: Where a provider has a lower base size (noting that a provider’s base size reflects its share of the relevant market), it is possible that despite a result the same as, or close to that of the sector average and/or other providers, it is not statistically the same. This is due to a wider margin of error. For example, in the broadband sector this applies to EE and Plusnet’s satisfaction with complaint handling. These providers’ scores have a wider margin of error when compared to TalkTalk. Hence the results for EE and Plusnet, while the same as TalkTalk, are not marked as significantly different to the average. Results are marked ‘N/A’ where market share is below 4%, or where the sample size is too low for a finding to be included i.e. less than 50.