Get connected

How to get fibre broadband

Here's what you need to do:

1. Check what services are available to your address

There are various web pages where you can check what broadband services are available to your address, for example:

Check Postcode Level Broadband Performance and Coverage (thinkbroadband.com)

View broadband availability - Ofcom Checker title

Broadband Coverage Checker - Postcode Based - ISPreview UK

2. If you currently have broadband, check details of your contract

If fibre broadband is available to your address, check your current broadband contract and how long it has left to run as you may need to honour this agreement before being able to switch broadband providers. However, if you are still within your contract, most Internet Service Providers (ISP for short) will allow you to upgrade to a fibre package.

3. Do your research

We cannot advise on the best fibre broadband package for you, or which ISP you should sign up with. But there are many comparison websites that allow you to compare packages. When comparing packages, look out for things like:

Speed - Check this carefully as some broadband packages can restrict your download/upload speeds in return for a cheaper tariff.
Usage - Check if your package is unlimited or whether you can only download/upload a limited amount each month; be aware that streaming services can use a lot of data.
Contract - Check your contract length. Depending on your package this means you will be signing up for between 12 and 24 months.
Calls - Check if you can combine your broadband package with your telephone service − if you use a landline, you could save money this way, but if you don't have a landline you could end up paying for a calling plan you don't need.
Offers - There are lots of incentives on offer from broadband companies to sign up to their products. These could be discounted introductory periods or vouchers for high street stores.

Also look out for offers in local and national media, which could help you get a better deal.

Ofcom-approved price comparison sites

5. Enjoy the benefits of Superfast Broadband!

Superfast broadband is not just about speed, households and businesses are able to use multiple devices at the same time with no slowdowns or buffering.

Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) BDUK Community-led Schemes

If your community is not currently scheduled to be covered by commercial or public rollout plans, you may want to consider developing your own solutions. A number of communities - both urban and rural - have successfully improved broadband access in their local area. The aim of this guidance is to help other community groups to access and benefit from potential models, case studies, guidance and funding options relevant to local broadband projects.

BDUK Community-led Broadband Schemes