# How to compare broadband deals in the UK > Bills & utilities · Last updated 4 July 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/compare-broadband-guide/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/compare-broadband-guide.md ## Quick answer Compare broadband on total contract cost, download and upload speeds, contract length, mid-contract price-rise terms, installation fees and exit penalties — not headline monthly price alone. Full fibre (FTTP) suits heavy users; part-fibre (FTTC) may suffice for browsing and streaming. Broadband is a major household bill and switching can cut cost when contracts end. Ofcom rules require providers to show annual price-rise amounts at sale. This guide explains how to quote fairly across fibre, cable and full-fibre products. ## Key facts - One Touch Switch lets most households change broadband provider without coordinating two companies - Ofcom requires providers to disclose annual in-contract price rises in pounds and pence at point of sale - Social tariffs offer discounted fibre for households on qualifying benefits — typically £15–£25/month - FTTP (full fibre) runs fibre to your home; FTTC uses copper from the street cabinet - Guaranteed minimum speeds — if consistently below, you may have grounds to leave penalty-free ## Speed tiers and what you need Browsing, email and HD streaming: 30–50 Mbps download is usually enough for one or two users. 4K streaming, gaming and home working: 100 Mbps+ download with reasonable upload (20 Mbps+) reduces buffering on video calls. Full fibre to the premises (FTTP) offers symmetrical or high-asymmetric speeds and more stable latency — check Openreach or CityFibre availability at your postcode. Upload speed matters for video calls and cloud backups — compare upload, not download alone. ## Contract, price rises and exit fees Twelve- and twenty-four-month contracts dominate. Shorter deals cost more monthly but reduce exit-risk if you may move. Ofcom's transparency rules mean providers must state how much the price rises each April (or other fixed date) before you sign. Add those rises to total contract cost when comparing. Early termination charges can exceed remaining monthly fees on some providers — check before signing if your tenancy or job is uncertain. Social tariffs are separate products with shorter contracts and no mid-contract rises on some networks — see our social tariffs hub if you claim Universal Credit or Pension Credit. ## Switching process One Touch Switch (since 2024) means your new provider handles the switch — you should not need to cancel the old service yourself in most cases. Installation may need an engineer visit for first-time FTTP — book early if you work from home. Keep your old router until the new service is live if you rely on home broadband for work — mobile hotspot is a backup. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is full fibre worth the extra cost? If available at similar price to FTTC, usually yes — more stable speeds and better upload. If FTTP costs significantly more and your usage is light, FTTC may suffice. ### Can I keep my landline number? Often yes when switching like-for-like, but digital voice (VoIP) over broadband is replacing traditional copper landlines — confirm porting with both providers. ### Do I need broadband social tariff paperwork? Most providers verify benefit entitlement through data sharing or a short declaration. You do not usually need to post documents. ## Primary source https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/switching-provider ## Related - [Broadband switching guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/broadband-switching-guide/) - [Social tariffs hub](https://moneyguide.org.uk/bills-utilities/social-tariffs-uk-guide/) - [How to switch broadband](https://moneyguide.org.uk/how-to/switch-broadband-supplier/) - [Featured offers*](https://moneyguide.org.uk/offers/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.