Communications

How to Compare Broadband Offers

With so many UK providers offering multiple options, it can be really difficult to choose a broadband package that suits your requirements. Here are the main factors to consider when buying a home broadband solution.

Average Broadband Download Speed

Up until recently, broadband providers were able to just advertise their 'Up to' speed. However, recent regulation now means that they have to show the 'Average speed'.

The average speed is defined as being the speed that at least 50% of customers get during peak time. The UK government communications regulator, Ofcom, defines peak time as being between the hour of 8pm - 10pm.

Despite the change, the actual speed that you will get will of course depend on a number of factors including:

• The type of connection e.g. cable or fibre

• How far your home is from the telephone exchange box

• The area you live in

• The time of day you are using the connection

Generally speaking, the faster the average speed, the more expensive the package will cost. Deciding on what speed you need is determined by what you are using it for.

If you just want to surf the internet and get the odd email then a standard broadband connection may suffice. On the other hand, if you are going to stream music and movies, play online gaming or have a family that uses multiple devices at the same time, then a much faster fibre connection is required.

You can always upgrade your broadband connection if you find it's too slow but you may incur addition costs if you do this whilst in the middle of your contract period.

• Type of Broadband Package

• Broadband providers generally offer three types of package:

• Broadband only

• Broadband and phone

• Broadband and phone with TV

As you generally require a phone connection to have broadband, there are only a few that will offer broadband only. When you compare broadband, you'll find that most packages will automatically include a Wi-Fi router, line rental and some kind of call rate package.

A number of suppliers will also offer a TV bundle on top of the broadband and phone connection. This TV package can vary greatly among providers but usually involves some or all of the following:

• The supply of a box that can record multiple hours of TV

• The ability for the box to rewind and pause live TV

• The ability to watch Freeview channels

The option to subscribe to premium channels such as Sky Sports, BT Sport or movies

The ability to watch catch-up TV and On-Demand programmes

Broadband contract length

Once you sign up to a broadband package, you will have a cooling off period during which time you can cancel. However, if you decide you no longer want the package or wish to switch to a new provider, then you may incur penalty fee charges for cancelling early,

Therefore, it's important to ensure you are satisfied with the length of the contract you are signing up to and the terms within that contract.

Generally speaking broadband providers offer the following contract options:

• 12 Month Contract

• 18 Month Contract

• 24 Month Contract

• No Contract

A no contract option is just that. You pay your fees month to month until you decide you don't want it. However, a no contract option usually has increased per month cost compared to a longer contract period.

Broadband Set Up Cost

This is the up front cost that the provider charges you to set up the broadband connection and/or the cost of package and posting to get the equipment sent to your home.

Some providers do not charge any set up fee or will sometimes have offers to include the set up free of charge.

Monthly Cost

This is the ongoing monthly fee that you will be paying for your broadband connection.

After deciding all the factors above, you should narrow down your selection to a few packages that meet your requirements. You can then compare the additional features and benefits beyond the main selection criteria.

Extra things to consider are the cost of telephone calls, whether the package includes free weekend or evening calling, the channels available if you opt for a TV package, the functionality of the TV box and the parental controls offered with your broadband connection.

Next Steps

At PocketRate we make it easy to compare broadband packages from the top UK providers. Our easy to use comparison tables enable you to see at a glance all the main factors above in order to help you make a quick decision.

PocketRate is a free to use UK comparison website for credit cards, loans, savings, broadband and more.