Small UK broadband companies: Inside indie broadband

by Janis Au | 10 Oct 2025 | Broadband & Phone

Should you choose indie broadband? Small and independent internet suppliers are connecting more and more homes across the UK.

Many indie suppliers offer lower prices and faster speeds than mainstream competitors. However, some consumers are nervous about opting for a new network over an established company.

Here’s what you need to know about independent broadband suppliers and if they’re right for you.

What is independent broadband?

Independent broadband suppliers – sometimes called the ‘altnet’ – are smaller internet providers that aren’t part of a larger telecoms company.

Generally, they’re any supplier outside of the ‘Big 4’ – Sky (including Now broadband), Virgin Media, BT (including EE) and TalkTalk – or broadband companies that are also part of major mobile networks like Vodafone.

Some indie broadband companies may only cover a small area, while others have hundreds of thousands of subscribers.

While there are independent broadband companies that use established infrastructure like the Openreach network, many install and operate their own fibre optic cabling. This is how indie broadband companies are able to offer faster connections than bigger brands in some areas.

Pros and cons of indie broadband

Reasons to go Indie	Reasons to stick with the major suppliers
Smaller networks often install their own fibre networks, rolling out FTTP connections to areas not covered by major suppliers.	Switching to a new network usually requires a physical installation in your home, often involving drilling through an external wall – it can take time to arrange, and some suppliers charge a significant installation fee.
Many indie suppliers are cheaper than the big brands for broadband.	If you also have multiple mobile plans and a TV service, it can be cheaper to get a combined package from a triple-play supplier like Sky or Virgin Media.
Indie providers are less likely to impose mid-contract price rises, with many guaranteeing they won’t.	Larger suppliers have larger customer support teams, usually with longer opening hours. Plus, customer service from major suppliers is regularly assessed by Ofcom, with the results published so you can check how a supplier performs.

What are the best indie broadband suppliers?

Want to try indie broadband? Here are a few of our favourite suppliers.

Hyperoptic

One of the bigger indie suppliers, Hyperoptic specialises in supplying high-speed internet at low prices to flats and apartments, especially in major cities.

What we love: Award-winning customer service, symmetrical upload and download speeds and fast activation.

Connectivity

An indie mobile broadband provider, Connectivity uses 4G and 5G signals to bring high-speed internet to customers all across the UK – even those with historically poor broadband infrastructure. Connectivity isn’t associated with a single mobile network, so customers can connect to any of the UK’s networks.

What we love: Unlimited data, network flexibility, and no mid-contract price rises.

Gigaclear

Gigaclear is dedicated to installing its high-speed fibre network in rural areas with poor options for internet access. While it’s not available everywhere, Gigaclear’s service is an affordable way for isolated homes to enjoy top internet speeds.