Top 10 Super-Fast Broadband Deals

Super-fast broadband explained

Super-fast broadband is a term used to describe broadband connections that enable you to download files and surf the Internet at lightning speeds. In a nutshell, super-fast broadband is the next step in the evolution of the Internet.

How fast is super-fast broadband?

We define super-fast broadband as a connection with a speed of 20Mb or above. This means that even at its slowest, super-fast broadband is almost four times quicker than the average UK connection speed of 5Mb.

A super-fast connection means you can download movies and music within seconds and stream TV without interruption, too. As a result, your web surfing experience will be smoother than ever and the way you use online multimedia applications and services will be transformed overnight.

Why is super-fast broadband so much quicker?

In the case of Virgin Media’s super-fast broadband products, quicker connections are made possible due to the next-generation fibre-optic network it operates. This is much more efficient at relaying data than standard ADSL copper wires which slow down connection speeds.

Finally, BT has been equipping its network with ADSL2+ technology. This has allowed it to more than double its maximum speed in areas where the upgrade has taken place. In some areas, mainly towns and cities, you can get BT Infinity - a fibre to the exchange broadband product, offering speeds of up to 40Mb.

BT's fibre to the exchange network is also used by rival networks and has enabled TalkTalk, Eclipse and Plusnet to launch fibre optic broadband products. Like Infinity these offer a top connection speed of up to 40Mb.

Meanwhile, O2, Orange, TalkTalk, and Be Broadband are able to offer a super-fast service by targeting customers on an ADSL service who live near to a telephone exchange. Residents in these areas can expect faster speeds because they are less affected by the fact that copper wire network speeds become slower the further away they are from the exchange.

Compare Infinity deals at our dedicated BT Infinity page

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How can I tell if I can get super-fast broadband?

Fibre-optic broadband is available to millions of UK households. If you’re in an urban area, you’ve got a very good chance of being able to get it. Rural areas are less well-served.

If you reside out of town, don't despair. You may still be able to get a connection of up to 24Mb from Be and TalkTalk - depending on the distance of your home from the nearest telephone exchange. Alternatively, BT, Orange and O2 all offer deals with connections of up to 20Mb. Availability for these packages also depends on where you live in relation to the exchange.

Can you get super-fast broadband? Check your availability with our postcode checker.

Which is the best super-fast broadband provider?

The company with the quickest super-fast broadband product is Virgin Media, whose XXL customers can expect speeds of up to 100MB in areas where it has upgraded its network and up 50Mb in locations where the upgrade is still pending. Virgin also offers 20Mb connections for less monthly outlay.

BT's Infinity 40Mb service is also highly rated, as are the carriers that use BT's network to deliver the same kind of speeds, such as TalkTalk, Plusnet and Eclipse.

Do I need super-fast broadband?

This largely depends on how you use the Internet. But if you’re a heavy downloader, play games online or watch a lot of on-demand television, then a super-broadband connection is essential for your needs.

Conversely, if you’re the kind of person who only uses the Internet for e-mail or perhaps a bit of shopping and light web browsing, then you're possibly better off sticking with your existing connection.

Not what you're looking for? Why not compare ADSL broadband deals on our dedicated page