Setting up broadband

Looking for a better broadband plan deal? Here’s everything you need to know about comparing packages, suppliers in the UK, and how to set up broadband for your home.

How to set up broadband when moving

In the UK, providers use multiple broadband networks to offer hundreds of different packages. As a customer, you’re faced with lots of options, but finding the perfect package can take time.

We’ve broken down how broadband internet works, what your options are, our top tips for finding a plan to make the whole process simple.

To make things even easier, sign up and speak with one of our Connections Experts today. We’ll talk you through all your options, and help you set up broadband plan and other services for your home.

This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The UK’s major broadband networks

Openreach

The UK’s biggest network, used by major suppliers like Sky, BT and EE.

Virgin Media

The UK’s biggest independent network, Virgin Media broadband is available in more than 16 million homes.

Independent networks

There are multiple other independent networks across the UK, including Hyperoptic, KCOM and Ggaclear.

Mobile Broadband

Instead of relying on physical cabling mobile broadband uses the UK’s mobile network to provide high-speed internet.

Different types of broadband in the UK

Each network offers broadband through one or more of these technologies. For example, Virgin Media’s network is either Cable or FTTP and Openreach offers ADSL, FTTC and FTTP connections.

DSL/ADSL

Built on the landline phone network, these use copper cables and offer limited speed

FTTC

Fibre optic cable runs to the street cabinet and copper cabling connects to the home

Cable/Coaxial

Virgin Media’s private network, unique coaxial cables connect homes to the fibre network

FTTP

Also known as full fibre, high speed fibre optic cable is run right into the home

Mobile

No physical cabling is required to connect to the network, just a strong 4G or 5G signal

Major broadband suppliers in the UK

BT

Previously the UK’s most popular provider, BT is now becoming EE broadband.

Connectivity

Connectivity offers unlimited 5G with flexible contracts and no credit checks required.

Sky

More than 5.7 million customers use Sky for high-speed broadband, TV and mobile.

Community Fibre

Offers fibre to inner London addresses where major providers aren’t available.

Virgin Media

The UK’s biggest private network, Virgin offer ultrafast broadband, TV and mobile.

Hyperoptic

Ultrafast, full fibre, affordable broadband delivered with excellent reviews.

TalkTalk

Part of the BT network, TalkTalk is one of the biggest network with over 4.2 M customers.

Gigaclear

Gigaclear is an independent fibre network, with a focus on rural areas in the UK.

Vodafone

Vodafone is the largest Full Fibre provider in the UK, with approx. 47% UK coverage.

Trooli

Troolli is a full-fibre provider offering ultrafast speeds to underserved areas in SE.

EE

Part of the BT group, the UK’s most popular suppliers, EE offer great value plans.

Zen Internet

Zen Internet offers broadband, phone services to both residential and business users.

How to find a good broadband deal

Different broadband contracts offer different speeds, contract lengths and extras at different prices.

Finding the best deal means working out what’s most important for you. Do you want the best speeds available, the lowest possible price or a balance of the two?

Some broadband suppliers require a minimum length of UK address history – so if you’re new to the UK, you won’t be able to get broadband from them. Fortunately, there are suppliers that do not require address history or credit checks, such as independent suppliers like Connectivity.

Better value in longer contracts

Broadband contracts range from 30-day rolling plans to 24-months, and sometimes even longer. As a general rule, the longer the contract, the less you’ll pay each month.

What broadband extras do you need?

Many internet providers offer add-ons like landline phone plans, WiFi range extenders or internet security packages. While some of these are helpful, others might be unnecessary or cheaper elsewhere. Read more about choosing the right broadband extras here.

Struggling to find the best deal for you? Sign up with your new address, and we will find the best options for your home – all set up in minutes.

Compare broadband costs

Broadband packages range from around £23 a month to more than £60 a month based on speed, length of contract and supplier. Read more about the average costs of broadband here.

Compare supplier ratings

Ofcom publishes the details of which suppliers receive the most customer complaints each year, useful if you’re looking for which has the best service and least downtime.

Find the speed you need

FTTC broadband usually averages 60 mbps, and FTTP broadband can be as fast as 900 mbps. Work out the speed you need to avoid overpaying for a top end plan (keep reading below).

What broadband speed do I need?

Superfast

Speeds of 30-60 Mpbs. Suitable for light working from home or studying, web browsing and social media.

Ultrafast 150

Speeds of around 150 Mbps. Suitable for regular video calls, multiple users streaming content in HD and gaming.

Ultrafast 500

Speeds of around 500 Mbps. Ideal for homes with multiple busy users working, studying and streaming online at once.

Gigafast

The current top speeds in the UK, at around 900 Mbps. Perfect for power users who work in virtual environments.

Setting up broadband at your new home

Typically, you’ll need to provide the following to set up your broadband.

Your full name
Your address
Your UK mobile number
Your email address
Payment details (credit/debit card or a UK bank account)
The date you’d like the broadband to be active

Do I need a credit check?

Most UK broadband providers don’t run credit checks but may charge a one-off setup fee. Some mobile broadband plans require a credit check (you will be informed), and some providers perform a ‘soft’ check or request your UK address history.

Do I need a proof of address?

You won’t be asked to provide proof of address when you order broadband in the UK. Your equipment will be delivered to and activated at the address you provide, so make sure it’s correct or you won’t be able to get online.

Broadband installation

If you’re the first person to use a particular provider at your address they may need to send an engineer to install an access point in your property.

Equipment delivery

UK broadband providers supply their own routers, and this will be posted to you at the address you provide.

Plan activation

Even if there’s no installation required, you’ll need your broadband connection activated, either remotely or by an engineer outside your property.

Get the best speeds from your broadband

Even among packages on the same network, the speed you actually get at home can vary. Here are a few things you can do to maximise the speed and coverage in your home:

Check router placement is optimal
Use wifi boosters
Use an ethernet cable
Limit devices in use
Take advantage of speed guarantee

Wired vs wireless connection

While your router will create a WiFi network you can connect to wirelessly, connecting your device to your router directly may get you faster speeds. An ethernet cable directly connecting your PC, laptop, console or smart TV to your router will offer the best possible speeds and a more stable connection.

Limit devices using your network

Your bandwidth is shared across devices, so a 60 Mbps connection split among four users gives about 15 Mbps each. Disconnect unused devices and pause background downloads for better speeds.

Check router placement

Placing your router high up and away from thick walls, and large electrical devices will help you get the best range from your device.

Use WiFi boosters

WiFi boosters don’t improve your overall network speed, but they do extend your network, fixing areas with weak signal or WiFi ‘dead zones’.

Speed Guarantee

Most broadband providers offer a speed guarantee. If your internet speeds are too low, you can qualify for refunds or free equipment to improve your network performance,

Broadband FAQs

Get started

What happens if I move during my broadband contract?

If you’re still under contract when you move house, you will usually be able to transfer your plan to your new property and continue with the same service. If it isn’t possible to transfer your service, or if you leave the UK, you may have to p[ay an early termination fee depending on your supplier’s policy.

What’s a good broadband speed?

The speed you’ll need for home broadband depends on what you’re doing online and how many people are using your network at once – your speed is divided between every connected device. Generally, 60 mbps is considered the minimum for working from home, HD streaming and other typical use.

Do broadband deals include landline?

Broadband deals used to include a landline package as standard, because broadband was supplied over the telephone line. Now, with the rise of full fibre broadband, this is less common, and most suppliers offer broadband only plans without a landline included. If you do use a landline phone, bundling a call package with your broadband is a competitively priced option.

Is 50 Mbps fast enough for Netflix?

Yes, Netflix recommends a minimum of 15 mbps for streaming in full UHD. Remember that your broadband speed is divided among multiple users, so if you’re planning to stream Netflix while other users are working, gaming or also streaming you might experience buffering.

What is the average cost of broadband per month UK?

As of 2023, the average cost of broadband in the UK was £26.90 per month. However, the price can vary depending on the speed of the connection, the provider, and the length of the contract. Plans typically range from £23 a month for basic packages to more than £60 a month for top end speeds and service.