Broadband Market Frequently Asked Questions

Broadband Market Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broadband Market? 

Broadband Market was started with one goal in mind; to connect local people to local network providers that offer more value for money.

Our broadband deals search engine finds the best alternative packages from independent providers in your area. It means better broadband deals are only a few clicks away.

How does Broadband Market work? 

It’s simple. Enter your postcode into our broadband deal finder, then browse through all the latest packages from locally based, independent internet service providers. Click on the deal you like, to be taken straight to the company’s website.

Is Broadband Market really free?

Yes! Broadband Market really is 100% free. There are zero fees, or hidden charges to pay and we don’t collect your personal data to sell to other companies. The only thing we need to find the best local broadband deals, is your postcode.

How much money can I save with Broadband Market?

Research from consumer watchdog Which? shows that switching from one of the UK’s big four broadband providers could save customers as much as £143 per year.

Is Broadband Market independent? 

Broadband Market is an independent local broadband comparison site. We’re not affiliated with any particular broadband provider. We don’t sell or push deals on you and we never bombard you with emails or follow-up calls. All we do is find the best local broadband deals to help you save money. The rest is up to you. 

Isn’t it better to stick with an established provider?

Not necessarily. As well as paying more for your broadband, there’s a good chance your monthly bill could go even higher. Nearly all the major providers insert a clause into your contract, stating they can raise your bill at any time during the agreed term. That means you’ll have to pay more than what you agreed on.

Also, paying extra doesn’t guarantee better levels of service. A Which? survey of 4,000 broadband consumers found that the customer service and technical support from BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and Virgin Media falls well below reasonable expectations.

What is an alternative internet provider?

Alternative internet providers are smaller, independent broadband companies that build and maintain their own digital networks. Benefits of switching to an independent provider include lower tariffs and more personalised customer service. Many also offer price guarantees, which means they’ll never raise your bills mid-contract.

How long does it take to switch broadband providers?

Every company does things a little differently but generally speaking, your new internet connection should be up and running within two weeks.

What broadband speeds do I need?

45Mbps is enough broadband for smaller households and basic online activity, including email, browsing, social networking, and shopping.

Larger households where multiple devices are online simultaneously will need around 75Mbps. 

For simultaneous homeworking, 4K streaming, and multiplayer online gaming, you’ll need a package offering 100Mbps.

What does Mbps stand for?

Mbps stands for megabits per second. Megabits are the units of data that carry information to your devices. The higher the Mbps, the more data you receive per second. 

What can affect your broadband speeds?

Many factors can affect the speed and quality of your internet connection. The router could be outdated or located too far away from your devices and computers or it might might not have the broadband capability to handle multiple devices at once.

Physical barriers can also slow down your internet. Wi-Fi signals struggle to pass through metal sheets, reinforced concrete walls, and even fish tanks and aquariums. 

How do I know when I’m out of contract?

Broadband providers are legally required to notify customers when their contracts are due to expire. They must inform customers by email or letter between 10 and 40 days before the contract end date. 

Check through your emails and correspondence to see if you’ve received an end of contract notification or speak to your provider directly. 

It’s important to know when your contract ends. Being out of contract means you can shop around for better deals and switch providers free of charge.

Which broadband deal is right for me?

What are you looking for from a broadband provider? In other words, what matters most to you as a customer? Is it price? Download speeds? Connectivity? Reliability? Customer service? 

Once you’ve decided, use Broadband Market’s deal finder tool to browse through suitable packages. You can search for deals based on speed or providers. It’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to find the right broadband deal for you.

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