Broadband Guide

Broadband Coverage

Broadband coverage

Around 98% of the UK can get online with a broadband connection, either using BT Broadband's (www.BT.com) copper wire ADSL network, a local loop unbundled (LLU) connection or mobile broadband.

But while there are now more than 18 million fixed line broadband subscribers in the UK, more than six million LLU of who are connected to a line, broadband speeds - and prices - can vary depending on your distance from the exchange and the type of technology that you’re using.

Average speeds across the country stand at around 4.1Mb, but 15% of homes still cannot get at least 2Mb.

ADSL broadband coverage

Although 98% of the UK has access to copper wire ADSL broadband - either direct from BT or from a provider using the BT network - the speeds on offer vary widely. This is the technology that many people living in non-LLU areas use.

Some providers use the latest ADSL2+ technology to offer 20Mb broadband and 24Mb broadband, but many people are still on up to 8Mb broadband packages - and few are likely to actually receive their advertised speed.

Non-LLU providers and packages are also often more expensive than those offered to customers living within one of the UK’s LLU networks. This is because LLU providers have installed their own technology in the local telephone exchange, allowing them to bypass BT and reduce costs for their customers.

If you live outside one of these areas you might pay “regional pricing” - for example, AOL Broadband (www.AOL.co.uk) charges an additional £5 a month to customers outside of its LLU network, while other providers, such as O2 Broadband (www.O2.co.uk) and Sky Broadband (www.Sky.com) offer specific non-LLU packages, in the form of O2 Access or Sky Connect.

LLU broadband coverage

There were more than 6.2 million LLU broadband lines in the UK at the end of 2009, allowing millions of people to take advantage of cheaper broadband packages and bundles.

LLU technology allows providers to offer very cheap broadband, and in some cases ISPs have even offered "free broadband" or “free line rental”, allowing users to save hundreds of pounds on their broadband bills.

Compare LLU broadband packages

   

 
 Plusnet Value + Talk Evening & Weekend Broadband + Phone - Essentials
Unlimited + Talk Freetime
The Basics (O2 mobile customers only) 
Monthly charge£3.24
(for 3 months)
12 months 1/2 price
Ends soon
£3.25
(for 12 months)
Free connection
Ends soon
£5.00
(for 12 months)
12 Months 1/2 Price
Ends Soon
£8.50
Speed (up to)20Mb24Mb20Mb20Mb
Usage limit10GB40GBUnlimited20GB
Contract length12 months12 months12 months12 months
Call Plusnet 0808 189 1376
Call TalkTalk on
0800 049 7843
Call Sky on
0844 241 0582
Call O2 on
0800 198 1351

Fibre optic broadband coverage

A new generation of superfast broadband networks are being developed across the UK using the latest fibre technology and allowing speeds of up to 100Mb broadband.

BT has been trialling 40Mb fibre broadband and installing fibre to the home in new build areas like Ebbsfleet, Kent, which will receive 100Mb broadband. BT has pledged to bring fibre broadband to 40% of the UK - or around 10 million homes - by 2012.

But if you live in a Virgin Media (www.VirginMedia.com) cable area, which covers around 51% of the country, you don’t have to wait for BT’s network to go live. You can already access 50Mb broadband speeds on its XXL package - the UK’s fastest broadband package.

Compare fibre optic broadbsnd deals

   

 
 100Mb Broadband Broadband: XXL Broadband: XL 
Monthly charge£40.00
£29.75
(for 3 months)
Ends soon
£22.50
(for 3 months)
Ends soon
Speed (up to)100Mb50Mb30Mb
Usage limitUnlimitedUnlimitedUnlimited
Contract length12 months12 months12 months
Call Virgin Media on
0808 189 0514
Call Virgin Media on
0808 189 0514
Call Virgin Media on
0808 189 0514

Mobile broadband coverage

More than 95% of the UK can also access the mobile broadband network. Mobile broadband works by using mobile phone masts to connect you to the 3G network - allowing you to go online wherever you have a signal.

However, mobile broadband coverage varies from one provider to the next, depending on where you live. Because of this you should always run a specific postcode search with your chosen provider before signing up to make sure that you'll get an adequate signal where you live and anywhere else that you'll want to get online.

Compare mobile broadband packages

   

 
 
 SIM-only mobile broadband - 1GB (1 month) 500MB (30 days) Small 500MB (1 month)
Pay up front 
Monthly charge£7.50
£7.50
£10.00
Pay as you go
Dongle/Laptop costs£1.95£19.00£10.99£39.99
Usage limit1GB500MB500MBUnlimited
Speed (up to)7.2Mb7.2Mb7.2Mb4.5Mb
Minimum contract1 month 1 month 1 month No contract
    

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Comments

We have to use mobile dongle to receive broadband in our area. BT engineers have said there are a number of 'pots' in the line between us and the exchange which is approx 1.7 mile away. We were told to write a letter , signed by the residents of our road ( all 4 houses !! ) stating that we need broadband and require the 'pots' to be removed. Why should we have to do that????? I now need a much faster , reliable broadband service for my business and wondered about satellite broadband ? Thanks - Aug 11 2011 4:53PM
martin hemmings, Redbourne, uk

oragen broadband was told ia in area post code dn121pp using optic fiber new boxes fitted - Aug 10 2011 1:58PM
mark holdenl, doncaster

Hi Ashok,
To get broadband on your laptop you would need a mobile broadband package. A good option for this could be pay as you go, so that you only pay for the amount of data you actually use.
3 supply a pay as you go dongle with -
3GB of pre loaded data valid for up to 3 months, 7.2Mb speeds, and a £30.99 one off cost for the dongle.
Visit 3 here: http://bit.ly/qWasd7
Or, you could sign up to a contract with Vodafone and get a free Acer Aspire D260 Laptop with a 24 month mobile broadband contract with -
A 2GB monthly download limit and speeds up to 7.2Mb
Visit Vodafone here: http://bit.ly/rc51Kj
I can't really recommend any UK products for Spain, as it will almost certainly be cheaper for you to purchase a local mobile broadband dongle once you arrive.
These can be bought at local mobile phone shops, but make sure you check what the coverage will be like before buying.
I hope this helps!
Anna, Broadbandchoices.co.uk
- Jul 29 2011 5:07PM
i want a broadband on two laptops one here in the uk and the next in Spain. willing to pay 12 months in advance for both laptops broadband connection if within reason in price. have not bought laptops and would look at packages as long as coverage in Aranjuez spain can be confirmed. - Jul 26 2011 9:52PM
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