Broadband guide for new UK residents

If you’re a newcomer to the UK, first, welcome! Second, you may find many of our ways of living strange at first, but don’t worry, it won’t take long to fit in!

One primary concern of anyone moving house is setting up broadband. An internet connection is one of life’s essentials and knowing how everything works can help a lot.

That’s especially true if you’re new to the UK!

We’re going to explain how to set up and manage broadband. Whether you’re new to the UK or not, you’ll find everything you need to know right here!

Do I need to buy a broadband contract?

Most things in the UK have moved online, including utilities and many government services, so some connectivity will be essential. To get started, you can use a mobile phone, but eventually, you’ll want to get a proper home broadband service.

If you’re moving into a shared house, you may not need to sign up for a broadband contract as there may already be internet.

If you’re moving into a property on your own or with your family, then you may need to buy a broadband contract. Some rental properties and new builds do include internet access, but this is the exception, not the norm.

Where do I find a broadband contract?

You can find a broadband contract easily online. There are a number of comparison websites such as Broadband.co.uk that will compare prices in your area and highlight the best deals.

The process is very straightforward:

• Assess what type of broadband you need.
• Enter your postcode into a broadband comparison service.
• Check the deals available at your address
• Select the one you want and select the option to buy

Once you sign up to a broadband contract, the provider manages most of the process for you. They will set up payments and arrange installation if required.

The provider will advise on what will need to happen.

All you need to do is be at home when an engineer calls, if a visit is needed.

If the previous occupier of your home had broadband, you may not need an engineer visit. In that case, the provider will send a router to you with installation instructions.

What broadband speed should I get?

The broadband speed you need depends on your circumstances. The more you use the internet or the more people in your home, the faster speed you’ll need.

• Up to 30mbps: Ideal for one to two users and adequate for most activities, including streaming.
• 50-76mbps: Can handle more demanding activities such as online gaming and video calling. Better for larger homes with more users.
• 100mbps+: For multiple users that require streaming, gaming, large file downloads and uploads.

If you’re remote working, you’ll want the fastest connection but also the most reliable provider.

Check review websites for mention of uptime. While many providers hit the 99% target, some are better than others when dealing with faults.

What is a reasonable price to pay?

Broadband in the UK is usually priced according to its speed. The faster the speed, the higher the cost.

On average, a 30-76Mbps broadband connection can cost between £18-£25 per month. 100Mb+ broadband connections will usually start at £30-40 per month.

As the broadband market in the UK is so competitive, there are always deals to be had. Keep an eye out for new customer offers and compare deals to make sure you get a bargain.

Some broadband providers offer free gifts like shopping vouchers as incentives. These can be valuable, but make sure the monthly payment is still affordable for you, and that the free gift is something you’d actually use.

I can't get decent broadband speeds in my new house, are there alternatives?

Almost every home in the UK can access fixed-line broadband. Coverage is increasing steadily, with the majority able to get speeds of 30Mb+, while full-fibre is accessible by just over 32% of the country.

That means the vast majority of households should be able to access between 30-76Mbps, and many will be able to get even faster speeds of 100Mb+.

If you’re one of the unlucky few without fast fixed-line broadband, you may be able to use 4G or 5G broadband. However, the performance of these services is entirely dependent on a strong network signal. It is also important to choose a plan which has a large data allowance (ideally unlimited).

Broadband availability is weakest in rural areas.

Some locations have access to specialist wireless broadband or local full-fibre connections from specialist providers.

Satellite broadband is also an option but is only worth considering in the most extreme cases where no alternative is available as it’s so expensive.

If you are moving to a rural location and are concerned about connectivity, it’s a good opportunity to make friends with the nearest neighbours and find out what they use, as there may be a local alternative.

Setting up broadband in the UK

The advent of comparison websites has made finding broadband deals in the UK easier than ever. Use one, use them all, but you should find it easy to find an affordable deal.

The broadband market is very competitive but also well regulated. Most providers will handle installation and setup for you and there is actually very little for you to do once you sign up.

You’ll have some paperwork to sign, and that’s about it!