Use our broadband availability checker to find out what broadband providers serve your postcode and find the best available broadband deals in your area.
Not every broadband provider serves the entire country – this is an important thing to consider when looking for a great broadband deal. You’ll be disappointed if you find a deal from a provider advertising fast download speeds, but then find out you can’t get them because of where you live.
What's the best broadband in my area?
The best broadband for you will depend on what you use the internet for, what your budget is and what coverage is available from different internet service providers (ISPs).
The most common types of broadband are:
- ADSL: the most basic and common type of broadband internet connection, which works over the same line as your landline phone. An ADSL connection is generally the slowest and cheapest of the three main types of fixed-line broadband available to buy for your home.
- Cable: While ADSL broadband is dependent on BT’s copper phone line infrastructure, cable broadband providers like Virgin Media use coaxial cables instead. They offer faster speeds but aren’t usually as widely available across the UK.
- Fibre: Optic fibre broadband is significantly faster than cable and ADSL with a more stable performance, it therefore tends to come at a higher price. It’s not accessible everywhere but as providers extend their full fibre networks, availability is increasing all the time. It’s worth checking if you could benefit from fibre optic technology in your area.
Why does broadband availability differ in different areas?
Broadband speeds vary significantly between different postcodes, and even different homes on the same street. They are affected by several factors, including your property type and how far you live from your telephone exchange.
If you want the fastest broadband, and it’s available to you, fibre optic broadband is your best bet. Bear in mind that speeds advertised by providers must be available to at least 50% of customers at peak times, so although you should get the advertised speed, it’s not guaranteed.
There were government plans to provide gigabit broadband speeds for everyone in Britain by 2025, but this deadline is now being questioned. It looks like those on slow connections will get faster, more reliable speeds in the near future though.
To find out what providers and broadband deals are available in your area today, pop your postcode into our broadband checker above.
Compare broadband tariffs with MoneySuperMarket
If you’re looking to switch broadband providers, comparing tariffs on MoneySuperMarket is the best way to find a cheaper deal.
Just give us your postcode and we’ll put together a list of broadband deals all available in your local area. You can compare them by broadband speeds, download limits, and overall cost as well as anything else included in the deal, whether it’s a freebie, a TV or landline package, or a mobile SIM. Once you’ve found the deal you want, just click through to the provider to finalise your purchase.
Are you getting the broadband speed you're paying for? Use our speed test and find out.