ADSL, FTTC, FTTP, 5G Home Broadband, satellite — every UK broadband technology explained clearly. Check postcode availability with providers.
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The broadband technology available at your address depends entirely on your location. Use Ofcom's checker and each provider's postcode tool before comparing any deals.
Delivered over copper telephone lines. Speed degrades significantly with distance from the local exchange. Slowest residential option — being phased out as fibre expands.
~10–20 Mbps TypicalFibre to the Cabinet. Fibre runs to a street cabinet near your home, then copper wire from cabinet to your premises. Most common "fibre" product today. Speed depends on distance from cabinet.
~35–80 Mbps TypicalPure fibre optic cable all the way from exchange directly to your home. Fastest and most reliable residential broadband. Also called Ultrafast or Gigabit broadband. Government expansion target.
100 Mbps – 1+ GbpsInternet delivered via 5G mobile network through a home router — no fixed line required. Available from Three, EE, and Vodafone in areas with strong 5G coverage. Competitive where signal is strong.
~100–400 Mbps TypicalSimilar to 5G Home but using 4G network. Good option in rural areas with 4G coverage but limited fixed infrastructure. Slower than 5G home broadband but an excellent rural solution.
~20–60 Mbps TypicalCovers entire UK including most remote locations. Starlink has dramatically improved satellite performance. Higher latency than fixed connections. Useful where all other options are unavailable.
50–250 Mbps, higher latencyTechnology availability varies enormously by street. Use Ofcom's broadband checker and each provider's postcode tool before comparing any deals or prices at all.
"Up to" speeds are maximums. Ofcom now requires providers to state average speed during peak hours (8-10pm). Always ask for the minimum guaranteed speed before signing any contract.
Most broadband contracts are 18-24 months. Early exit typically incurs termination fees. Check whether mid-contract price rises are built in — and what your rights are if they apply.