How to compare broadband offers

With so many UK suppliers offering a variety of options, it's really difficult to choose the broadband package that suits your needs. The following are the main factors to consider when purchasing a home broadband solution.

Average broadband download speed

Until recently, broadband providers were able to advertise their "until recently." speed. However, recent regulation now means they must show average speed '.

The average speed is defined as the speed at which at least 50% of the customers get during peak hours. The UK government communications regulator Ofcom defines peak hours as between 8pm and 10pm.

The actual speed you will get after the change will of course depend on many factors, including:

• Connection type, such as cable or fiber
• The distance from your home to the telephone exchange
• where you live
• When you use the connection

In general, the faster the average speed, the higher the cost of packaging. Deciding what speed you need depends on how fast you use it.

If you just want to go online and get strange emails, a standard broadband connection might be enough. On the other hand, if you want to play music and movies, play online games or have a home with multiple devices at the same time, you need a faster fiber connection.

If you find that the broadband connection is too slow, you can upgrade your broadband connection at any time, but if you do this during the contract, you may incur additional charges.

Broadband package type

Broadband providers typically offer three types of packages:

1. Broadband only
2. Broadband and phone
3. Broadband and telephone with TV

Since you usually need a phone connection to have broadband, only a few can only provide broadband services. When you compare broadband, you'll find that most packages automatically include Wi-Fi routers, line leases, and some kind of call rate package.

Many vendors will also offer TV bundles on top of broadband and telephone connections. This TV package may change frequently, but usually involves some or all of the following:

• Provide a box that can record multiple hours of TV
• Box rewind and ability to pause live TV
• Ability to watch the Freeview channel
• Subscribe to Sky Sports, BT Sports or Movies and other paid channel options
• Ability to watch catch-up TV and on-demand programs

Broadband contract term

Once you have registered for the Broadband Package, you will have a cooling period during which you can cancel. However, if you decide that you no longer need the package or wish to convert to a new provider, you may be charged a fine for early cancellation.

Therefore, it is important to ensure that you are satisfied with the terms of the signed contract and the terms of the contract.

In general, broadband providers offer the following contract options:

• 12 month contract
• 18 month contract
• 24-month contract
• No contract

This is the case without a contract. You pay the fee each month until you decide you don't need it. However, non-contract options typically increase in monthly costs compared to longer contract periods.

Broadband setup cost

This is the upfront fee that the supplier charges you for setting up a broadband connection and/or package and publishing fee to send the device to your home.

Some providers do not charge any setup fees, or sometimes offer services that are free to set up.

Monthly fee

This is the ongoing monthly fee you pay for your broadband connection.

Once you have identified all of the above factors, you should narrow your selection to a few packages that meet your requirements. You can then compare other features and benefits beyond the main selection criteria.

Additional considerations include phone bills, including free weekend or evening calls, if you choose a channel available for the TV package, the features of the TV box, and parental controls provided via a broadband connection.

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