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A

Average download speed UK

According to Ofcom’s latest report, as of March 2023, the average download speed in the UK is 69.4 Mbps. The download speed is the speed at which information comes from the internet to your computer or other devices. It’s measured in bits per second and tells you how fast your internet connection is for bringing in things like web pages, videos, or files. If you have a higher average download speed, it means these things load quickly on your device. So, in simple terms, a higher average download speed in the UK means you can enjoy a faster and smoother internet experience, making online activities like watching videos or browsing websites more efficient.

B

Bandwidth

Bandwidth measures how much information can flow through a connection in a given amount of time. The more bandwidth you have, the more data (like web pages, videos, or music) can flow through your internet connection at once. It’s like having a wider pipe that allows more water to pass through, making everything faster and smoother. Higher bandwidth is great for activities like streaming videos or playing online games because it means you can get more information quickly without waiting. The more bandwidth you have, the more data (like web pages, videos, or music) can flow through your internet connection at once. It’s like having a wider pipe that allows more water to pass through, making everything faster and smoother. Higher bandwidth is great for activities like streaming videos or playing online games because it means you can get more information quickly without waiting.

Broadband

Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that lets you quickly send and receive information, like browsing websites, streaming videos, or playing online games. It’s like having a wide pipe for data to flow through so you can do things on the internet faster and more smoothly. So, when people talk about broadband, they usually refer to a fast and reliable internet connection that enables a smooth online experience, like watching videos without buffering or downloading files quickly.  It’s like having a wide pipe for data to flow through so you can do things on the internet faster and more smoothly. So, when people talk about broadband, they usually refer to a fast and reliable internet connection that enables a smooth online experience, like watching videos without buffering or downloading files quickly.

Broadband bundles

Broadband bundles typically refer to packages offered by service providers that combine various communication services, such as high-speed internet, television, and phone services, into a single subscription. These bundles often provide cost savings compared to purchasing each service separately, making them a convenient and economical choice for consumers.

Broadband checker

A broadband checker is a tool or website designed to assess the speed and reliability of your internet connection. Also known as a broadband speed test, it measures how quickly your internet can send and receive information. By clicking a button, the broadband checker conducts a quick test and provides a straightforward result, typically expressed in megabits per second (Mbps). This helps users gauge the performance of their internet connection, offering insights into whether it operates like a fast highway or a slower country road. If experiencing slow internet, a broadband checker aids in identifying potential issues affecting the connection speed.

Broadband finder

A broadband finder is a tool or service that helps users locate and compare broadband internet deals available in their area. It typically allows individuals to input their address or postcode, and then the finder tool provides a list of broadband providers, plans, and available speeds at that specific location.

These tools are useful for consumers who want to explore and compare various broadband options, including different service providers, speeds, and pricing. Broadband finders can assist in making informed decisions about the best internet plan based on individual preferences and requirements. They help users discover the available broadband options in their vicinity, facilitating a more tailored selection process for their internet service.

Broadband packages

Broadband packages are value-for-money plans combining high-speed internet access with various features. These packages typically include internet with speed tiers to choose from, Wi-Fi service, necessary equipment like routers or modems, optional phone services (landline or VoIP), and sometimes television services. These packages include contract terms, such as duration and conditions, and diverse pricing plans based on speed tiers and additional services. Designed to be convenient and all-encompassing, broadband packages offer users bundled solutions allowing them to select the package that best aligns with their preferences and requirements.

Broadband speed

Broadband speed is the rate at which data is transmitted over an internet connection, typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps). It determines how quickly information can be downloaded or uploaded from and to devices connected to the internet. The higher the broadband speed, the faster and more seamless online activities become, such as streaming, downloading files, or video conferencing. Internet users prioritise higher broadband speeds to ensure a smooth and efficient online experience. Broadband speed is crucial for handling data-intensive tasks and activities, allowing users to navigate the digital landscape with minimal delays. Assessing broadband speed is commonly done through online speed tests, providing users with insights into the performance of their internet connection.

Broadband speed test

A broadband speed test is a simple check-up for your internet connection. When you run a broadband speed test, you’re basically asking, “How quickly can data travel to and from my device on the internet?” The test gives you a straightforward answer, often in terms of “megabits per second” or Mbps. A higher speed means you can do things like watch videos, browse websites, and download files more quickly. So, a broadband speed test is like a speedometer for your internet, helping you understand if it’s zooming along smoothly or if it might need a little tune-up for better performance.

Broadband and phone deals

Broadband and phone deals refer to packages offered by service providers that include internet and phone services in one bundle. It’s a convenient combo that covers your internet needs and keeps you connected with friends and family through phone calls. These deals often simplify billing with a single monthly payment, making it both convenient and potentially more cost-effective than obtaining the services separately.

Broadband and TV deals

With broadband and TV deals, you get a speedy internet connection and access to television channels from the same provider in one package. It’s like having a combination of a fast internet highway and a TV entertainment package all in one subscription. These deals often come with a single monthly bill for both services, making it convenient and sometimes more cost-effective than getting them separately. It’s a way to cover both your internet needs and your television entertainment in a bundled offering.

Broadband, TV, and phone deals

Broadband, TV, and phone deals offered by service providers are all-inclusive packages that encompass high-speed internet, television services (TV), and phone services. Opting for “broadband, TV, and phone deals” means getting a bundled package with all three services from one provider, offering a comprehensive solution for your home communication and entertainment needs. These deals often simplify billing with a single monthly payment, providing convenience and potential cost savings compared to obtaining each service separately. It’s an all-in-one solution for internet, television, and phone services.

Broadband without landline

Broadband without a landline means you can access the internet without a traditional telephone line. Usually, broadband services are provided through the same line used for landline phones, but with broadband without a landline, you don’t have to pay for or use a phone service. It’s like having internet alone, without the extra cost or need for a home phone. This type of broadband is suitable for people who primarily use mobile phones or don’t want to pay for a landline service they don’t use.

D

Data cap

A data cap in broadband refers to a set limit on the amount of data a user can upload or download within a specific period, typically on a monthly basis. Internet service providers may impose data caps to manage network traffic, prevent network congestion, and ensure fair usage among subscribers.

When a user reaches or exceeds the data cap, some ISPs may take various actions, such as slowing down the internet speed (throttling), charging additional fees for extra usage, or temporarily suspending service. Data caps are more common in mobile broadband plans but can also be found in some fixed-line broadband packages.

It’s important for users to be aware of their data cap and monitor their usage, especially if they engage in activities that consume large amounts of data, such as streaming high-definition videos or downloading large files. Some broadband plans, particularly those marketed as “unlimited,” may have fair usage policies or traffic management practices outlined in their terms and conditions.

Download speed

The download speed measures how fast data travels from the internet to your device. This speed is usually in megabits per second (Mbps) and affects how speedy your online activities are, like loading web pages or grabbing files. If you’re curious about how your internet is performing, you can do a broadband speed test using our free online tool. It’s like giving your internet a little check-up to see how well it’s doing.

F

Fair usage policy

Fair Usage Policy (FUP) is like the rules our internet provider has to make sure everyone gets a fair shot at using the network. It’s mainly for broadband and mobile services. They might have things like data caps or traffic management to stop a few people from hogging all the bandwidth. The idea is to keep things fair and make sure everyone gets a decent internet experience without one person slowing it down for everyone else. It’s worth knowing the details of our FUP so we’re aware of any limits or consequences if we go a bit overboard on our internet use.

Fibre broadband

Fibre broadband, or fibre-optic broadband, is a high-speed internet service using advanced fibre-optic cables that transmit data through pulses of light. Unlike traditional copper lines, these cables provide faster and more reliable internet, catering to bandwidth-intensive activities like HD streaming and online gaming. In the UK, fibre broadband is widely available, with variations like Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), offering different speeds and connectivity options. Its popularity stems from its enhanced performance, reduced latency, and support for the increasing demand for high-speed internet in homes and businesses.

Fibre optic cables

Fibre optic cables are advanced strands of glass or plastic threads that transmit data using light signals. Unlike traditional copper cables, which transmit electrical signals, fibre optic cables use the principle of total internal reflection to carry light signals over long distances. These cables consist of a core, where the light travels, surrounded by a cladding layer that reflects the light back into the core, ensuring it stays within the cable.

The key advantage of fibre optic cables lies in their ability to transmit data at incredibly high speeds and over long distances with minimal signal loss. They are known for their high bandwidth, meaning they can handle large amounts of data simultaneously. Fibre optic cables are widely used in telecommunications networks, internet infrastructure, and other applications where fast and reliable data transmission is crucial. Their immunity to electromagnetic interference and capacity for high-speed data transfer make them a fundamental component of modern communication systems.

FTTC (Fibre to premises)

Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) is a type of broadband technology that brings fibre-optic cables close to a user’s location but doesn’t extend the fibre directly into the premises. In an FTTC setup, fibre-optic cables run from the internet service provider’s facilities to a street cabinet (usually located on the street or nearby), and from there, the connection to individual homes or businesses is made using traditional copper or coaxial cables.

The advantage of FTTC is that it still brings faster and more reliable broadband compared to traditional copper-based connections. While the final connection to the premises relies on existing copper or coaxial cables, the shorter distance helps maintain higher speeds. However, because the fibre-optic connection doesn’t go all the way to the individual premises, there can be some signal degradation over longer distances, impacting the overall performance compared to Fibre to Premises (FTTP) solutions. FTTC is a common and cost-effective fibre broadband option that provides improved speeds and performance compared to traditional broadband technologies.

FTTP checker

An FTTP checker, also known as a postcode checker is a tool or service that allows users to check the availability of Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) broadband in a specific location. FTTP is a type of broadband technology that uses fibre-optic cables to provide high-speed internet directly to individual premises, such as homes or businesses.

An FTTP checker typically requires users to input their address or postcode and then assesses whether FTTP broadband infrastructure is available in that area. The checker may provide information about the availability of FTTP services from various internet service providers, details about the broadband speeds offered, and whether there are any ongoing or planned installations.

Full fibre broadband (FTTP)

Full fibre broadband uses advanced technology called fibre optic cables, which are thin and flexible glass wires. With full-fibre broadband, these cables go directly to your home, providing a direct and speedy route for information to travel between your devices and the internet. It’s like having a broader and smoother highway for data to zoom back and forth. This type of broadband is great because it can offer faster and more stable internet, making things like streaming videos, playing games, and browsing websites super quick and smooth.

H

High speed internet

High-speed internet allows for a quicker and more efficient exchange of digital information between devices and the internet. High-speed internet enables faster loading of websites, smooth streaming of videos, quick downloads of files, and seamless online activities. This type of internet connection is typically characterised by higher data transfer speeds, making it well-suited for various bandwidth-intensive tasks such as gaming, video conferencing, and streaming high-definition content. The technology behind high-speed internet can vary and includes options such as fibre-optic, cable, DSL, and satellite connections.

I

ISP

ISP stands for Internet Service Provider. It’s the company that hooks us up with internet access. They’re the folks who make sure we can watch our favourite shows, scroll through endless cat videos, and pretend to be productive during those work-from-home days.

There are over 100 ISPs in the UK, each with different technologies and broadband packages for all kinds of users. You’ve got DSL (digital subscriber line), which uses your regular telephone lines, cable broadband that rides on those cable TV lines, and then there’s fancy fibre optic broadband with those futuristic light cables. We also get wireless or Wi-Fi broadband for cord-cutting freedom and even satellite and mobile broadband for some out-of-this-world connectivity.

L

Latency

Latency is the delay between sending and receiving data and is measured in milliseconds. Unlike download speed, which is about how fast you can pull in content, and upload speed, which is how quickly you can send stuff out, latency is more about the communication gap. Lower latency means less delay, resulting in a smoother online experience. To get a sense of your internet’s latency, you can run a broadband speed test, which gives you a peek into how quickly your data makes the round trip between your device and the internet.

M

Mbps (Megabites per second)

Mbps stands for Megabits per second. It is a unit of measurement used to express the speed or bandwidth of an internet connection. A bit is the smallest unit of digital information, with 8 bits in a byte. When we refer to internet speed in megabits per second (Mbps), we’re indicating the number of millions of bits transmitted or received in one second.

For example, if your internet service provider advertises a download speed of 50 Mbps, it means your connection can theoretically transmit 50 million bits of data per second. This measurement is commonly used to describe the capacity of internet connections and is crucial for activities such as streaming, online gaming, and downloading files. It’s important to note that download and upload speeds are usually expressed in Mbps.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband is a type of internet service that allows you to access the internet wirelessly using mobile networks. Instead of relying on fixed connections like cables or Wi-Fi, mobile broadband uses cellular networks, the same ones that connect your smartphone to the internet. You can use a mobile broadband connection with devices like USB dongles, portable hotspots, or even by tethering your smartphone to share its internet connection. It’s a flexible and on-the-go solution, enabling internet access in various locations and scenarios, making it perfect for people who are frequently on the move or in areas with limited wired internet infrastructure.

N

No contract broadband

No contract broadband is an internet service option enabling users to subscribe monthly without being tied to a long-term contract. This flexibility is advantageous for individuals with short-term living arrangements or those who prefer not to commit to a fixed contract duration. Users can enjoy the convenience of having broadband service without the constraints of a lengthy commitment.

While the absence of a contract provides freedom, it’s important to note that no-contract broadband plans may have slightly higher monthly costs than their contract-based counterparts. However, this trade-off allows users to have the convenience of cancelling or changing their internet service without incurring early termination fees. The option caters to those who prioritise flexibility in their internet subscriptions.

No upfront cost broadband

No upfront cost broadband refers to a type of internet service plan where the user does not have to pay any initial fees or upfront charges when signing up for the broadband service. In traditional broadband plans, upfront costs might be associated with equipment, installation, or activation fees.

However, a “no upfront cost” broadband plan typically eliminates these initial expenses, allowing users to start their internet service without making any upfront payments. It’s a customer-friendly option that makes broadband access more accessible and budget-friendly, especially for those who prefer to avoid upfront expenses when subscribing to an internet service.

O

Ofcom

Ofcom, short for the Office of Communications, is the regulatory body for the communications industry in the United Kingdom. It is an independent authority that oversees various sectors, including telecommunications, broadcasting, radio, and postal services. Ofcom’s primary role is to ensure that these industries operate in the best interests of consumers, promoting fair competition, protecting consumers from unfair practices, and managing the allocation of resources such as radio spectrum.

Established by the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom has broad responsibilities, including setting and enforcing regulations, managing the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, promoting media literacy, and ensuring the availability of high-quality communication services. The organisation plays a crucial role in maintaining a competitive and innovative communications landscape in the UK while safeguarding the interests of consumers and fostering the growth of the industry.

P

Pay as you go

Pay-as-you-go broadband is like a flexible internet plan where you only pay for the internet you use. It’s a bit like how you top up your mobile phone with credits – you add money to your broadband account and then use the internet as much as you need. This is handy if your internet use varies and you don’t want a fixed monthly plan.

It’s similar to short-term broadband because you can use it for specific periods without committing to a long contract. Also, it’s a bit like no-contract broadband because you can choose and change without being tied to a long-term deal. It’s a way to have internet when you want it, without a fixed commitment.

Postcode checker

A postcode checker is a tool or service that allows users to verify information or perform specific checks based on a postal code (postcode). In the context of broadband or internet services, a postcode checker is commonly used to assess the availability of specific services, such as high-speed broadband or fibre-optic connectivity, in a particular geographic area.

Users typically enter a postcode into the checker, and the tool retrieves relevant information associated with that location. This may include details about internet service providers available in the area, the types of broadband technology offered, estimated speeds, and any planned installations or upgrades. Postcode checkers are helpful for individuals or businesses looking to gather information about the services and options available at a specific address

R

Rolling contract

Rolling contract broadband refers to an internet service arrangement that automatically renews on a monthly basis without the need for a fixed-term commitment. This flexible option benefits users from ongoing broadband service without being tied to a specific contract end date. It offers a middle ground between short-term broadband plans, which may have fixed durations, and no contract broadband, providing users with the convenience of continuity without the pressure of a long-term commitment.

This type of broadband plan is well-suited for those who desire flexibility in their subscriptions. It shares similarities with pay-as-you-go and no-contract broadband, offering users the freedom to continue their broadband service on a rolling basis while allowing the flexibility to cancel or make changes as needed. The rolling contract broadband option is particularly appealing for individuals seeking a hassle-free and adaptable internet service solution in a pay-as-you-go style but with the ongoing continuity of a rolling agreement.

Router

A router is a networking device that connects different computer networks together and directs data traffic between them. In the context of home or office internet setups, a router serves as a central hub for connecting various devices, such as computers, smartphones, and smart home gadgets, to the internet. It acts as an intermediary between the local network (LAN) and the wider internet (WAN).

U

Unlimited broadband

Unlimited broadband means you can use the internet as much as you want without worrying about limits. You won’t get charged extra, and there’s no set amount of data you’re allowed to download or upload in a month. This is great if you do a lot on the internet, like watching HD videos or downloading big files. However, even with unlimited data, how fast your internet is can still depend on things like how many people are using the network and where you live.

Upload speed

Upload speed measures how quickly data can be sent from your device to the internet. While download speed influences how fast you can pull in content like web pages or files, upload speed is all about how rapidly you can send stuff out, like sharing photos or videos. If you want to see how your internet is handling uploads, you can check it out with a broadband speed test. It’s a nifty way to gauge the efficiency of your internet connection for both sending and receiving data.

W

WiFi

Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, is a technology that allows devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets to connect to the internet without using physical cables. It works by using radio waves to transmit data between a device and a router, which is connected to the internet. So, instead of being tethered to a specific spot with a cable, you can move around within the Wi-Fi’s range and still stay connected to the internet. Wi-Fi is commonly used in homes, offices, and public places to provide wireless internet access, giving you the freedom to browse the web, stream videos, and connect with others without the need for physical connections.