The type of broadband deal and speed that’s available to you will depend on where you live.
This page was last updated on 22/07/20. All statistics and speeds were correct as of this date.
Key points
- The average broadband speed in the UK is 64Mbps
- Over 95% of the UK can access fibre optic broadband, but only 12% can get full fibre
- ADSL is the most widely available type of broadband, but it’s slower than fibre connections
What broadband can I get in my area?
Try our postcode checker to look at availability and coverage in your area. Simply enter your postcode and browse the deals.
Not every company can reach all of the UK, so some broadband providers may have weak connections at your location. Others will offer their fastest speeds right to your house.
By comparing providers, you can see who offers the best local speeds, deals, and bundles.
Do broadband speeds vary depending on area?
Absolutely. The distance between your home and the nearest internet exchange can result in a slower broadband speed, as the signal has further to travel.
As a general rule of thumb, the more rural and remote your house is, the slower your speed is likely to be. Although it’s still worth seeing whether there are plans for high speed broadband to be brought to your area in the future.
Fibre optic is typically the fastest type of broadband, capable of delivering smoother downloads and higher rates of connection.
If the broadband speed in your area is not up to scratch, you could consider cableless alternatives, like mobile broadband or satellite.
What broadband speed can I get?
According to the 2020 annual home broadband report, the average speed in a UK household is 64Mbps. You can use this to see how potential broadband packages measure up.
Keep in mind that the advertised speed on your chosen broadband deal may not actually be what you’ll receive. Watch out for the use of ‘up to’ when talking about speed.
Virgin Media currently provides the fastest widely available broadband, offering internet speeds that are seven times faster than Sky and BT.
Nearly all other providers offer maximum speeds of 60-70Mbps, as they all use the Openreach network to supply customers with internet.
Different households require different speeds, so if you know you don’t need a fast connection for uploads and streaming, purchasing slower broadband will save you money.
ADSL broadband, which is the most common type of connection, can get speeds of up to 11Mbps, which is enough for web browsing.
What’s the cheapest broadband in my area?
Standard broadband (ADSL) packages are typically cheaper than fibre optic connections as they’re slightly slower. If you don’t need top speed broadband, going with a standard connection is a good way to save money.
Can I get fibre broadband in my area?
Access to fibre broadband is heavily dependent on your postcode and there’s more than one type on offer:
- FTTP - Fibre to the premises
- FTTC - Fibre to the cabinet
- Virgin Media cable network
According to Ofcom’s Spring 2020 Connected Nations Update, 95% of households can access superfast broadband (speeds of at least 30Mbps).
However, full fibre broadband is only available to 12% of the nation. This is rapidly changing year on year, with providers increasing their rollout of full fibre connections.
You can use our fibre broadband checker to see if it’s available in your area.