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By Neil Hawkins
Senior Staff Writer
Friday, 5 February 2010
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Fastest Broadband in UK
All fastest broadband deals »
The UK's Fastest Broadband Packages:
Fastest broadband out-of-area:
Fastest mobile broadband:
Compare Fastest Broadband
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JUST who is the fastest broadband provider in the UK? The result is constantly changing as broadband technology improves and maverick companies push the envelope further and further.
Right now, Branson-helmed Virgin Media and old-favourite BT are theoretically offering the fastest broadband in the country because they're the only two providers offering broadband through a fibre-optic cable network.
However, Virgin Media’s up to 50Mb XXL broadband and BT's up to 40Mb Infinity broadband are by no means available everywhere.
The technology that supplies your home will determine the fastest broadband you can receive so start by using your postcode to compare the fastest broadband deals available in your area here.
If you're not in an area supplied by BT or Virgin Media's underground fibre optic cables the fastest broadband providers will use ADSL2+ technology.
ADSL2+ promises the fastest broadband speeds (up to 24Mb) from the existing copper phone lines. It's worth noting some providers quote 'up to 24Mb' whilst others use 'up to 20Mb' - this is just down to how providers choose to advertise the connection.
ADSL2+ is available from the following providers:
A step down again is plain old 'up to 8Mb' ADSL broadband, sometimes known as ADSL Max. Providers offering ADSL broadband include:
While ADSL2+ services have been found to consistently provide the fastest broadband in the land, short of fibre services, tests by OFCOM and other sources tend to conflict on who exactly is the fastest broadband provider.
In general, though, tests find that Be and O2 broadband (who share a network) offer the fastest broadband over ADSL2+.
Astoundingly, meanwhile, recent tests have shown that TalkTalk offers the fastest broadband on ADSL.
We say astoundingly because whilst being the fastest broadband provider on ADSL, TalkTalk is close to being the cheapest broadband provider too. That's not too shabby in our book.
What is the fastest broadband I can get away from home? (i.e. What is the fastest mobile broadband?)
There's no way of getting away from it, internet access from a static line offers the fastest broadband currently available in the UK.
However, if you're away from home or don't have a home phone line a number of broadband providers are offering the fastest broadband they can via the 3G mobile network. The fastest of these are:
All of the providers above cover a large proportion of the country but remember to check if you're covered.
While Vodafone Mobile Broadband offers, potentially, the fastest mobile broadband (7.2Mb) our independent tests have shown it struggles to reach anything like that.
On the other hand T-Mobile Mobile Broadband offers the fastest mobile broadband in real terms,averaging around 2Mb.
Virgin Media Mobile Broadband uses the T-Mobile network, putting it as joint fastest mobile broadband.
How much is the fastest broadband?
Contrary to popular belief the fastest and the most expensive broadband deals aren't necessarily the same.
In fact, the fastest broadband packages tend to be very competitively priced.
Below are a few examples of pricing for the fastest broadband providers in the fibre, ADSL2+ and ADSL broadband categories. You'll be able to see a full list of prices for the fastest broadband in your area in our fastest broadband comparison table.
Virgin Media's fastest broadband package, size XXL broadband (which is also the UK's fastest broadband deal) is £28 a month when taken with Virgin Media's home phone service or just £38 a month without a home phone line. You can also get XXL broadband with Virgin TV for £33.50.
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O2 Broadband's Premium and Pro packages offer 'up to' 20Mb and are priced at £10 and £17.50 per month respectively (or £15 and £22.50 if you don't have an O2 pay monthly or pay as you go number).
Getting the fastest broadband is cheapest for those with an O2 mobile pay month or pay as you go, £5 a month cheaper, in fact. So, the cheapest ADSL2+ broadband will be (including BT line rental):
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TalkTalk is also knocking our socks off at the moment with some of the fastest broadband around for those with an ADSL line. Their Essentials broadband is just £6.99 a month which makes the long terms costs just:
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There is no doubt that the best way to sign up for the fastest broadband deal is to do so online, rather than by phoning the company.
This is because most prices are based on online applications only. Also, you may get discounts, cash back or free setup by applying online. It also means you can sign up any time of day or night.
In essence: signing up online can save you time, money and hassle.
You can also sign up directly to any of the fastest broadband deals from any of the links on this page.
How can I apply for the fastest broadband?
You can find the fastest broadband deals on our fastest broadband comparison page (don't forget to view the fastest mobile broadband either) and order them by speed, price or even setup cost to find out which one suits you best.
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Broadband Guide
This best buy guide is updated monthly, which means if any facts or prices change during the course of a month this guide will not reflect those changes until the next scheduled update.
While we will make every effort to ensure and maintain current and accurate information in this guide, readers are always advised to check prices and details with the ISP before signing up.
Date of last check: 5th February 2010 |
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