As the UK enters its third lockdown, more and more people have taken to working from their own homes to protect themselves and those around them. Because of this, we need to make sure that we stay connected in order to get our work completed as efficiently and effectively as possible. However, cheap broadband packages that work optimally and will keep you online throughout the day are hard to come by. Luckily, we’re here to help.
Here at Broadband Money Saver, we compare the cheapest broadband deals in your area based on the factors that matter to you. From the best average speed to your budget, we can find the best offer for you. Wondering where you can find the best broadband for homes? Read our article below to find out more.
Speed
When it comes to broadband speed, the average Mbps (megabits per second) preferred depends on each person's lifestyle and needs. For example, online gamers will want a fast connection in order to stay online for those all important battles. Fibre broadband deals come in a range of speeds all varying in cost, so understanding what each speed can give you makes it easier to make a decision.
The fastest broadband speed available is provided by Hyperoptic, with its most optimal speed reaching 1Gbps. However, it isn’t widely available, and can only be found in large cities. Also, it’s quite expensive, so if speed isn’t all that important to you, consider a slower average speed. The best, most widely available providers for speed include Sky and Virgin Media, with speeds guaranteed to keep you connected. If your job involves the need for quick download and upload skills, then we recommend looking to these providers.
However, if speed isn’t all that important, and you just want a connection that will keep you online, providers such as Talk Talk and Plusnet offer basic broadband and line rental packages.
Cost
Broadband and internet connection is essential for most people working from home, so it's important to find a deal that is affordable. When switching broadband, most people focus on the monthly cost, and whether it will save them money in the long run. Lots of people think it's hard to find cheap broadband that works optimally, but that’s not exactly the case.
BT’s Fibre 1 contract length lasts 24 months and costs £27.99. It comes with unlimited downloads with an average speed of 50Mbps. This appears to be its cheapest fibre deal, but it all depends on your location as well as other preferences you would like your broadband deal to include. To compare BT against its main competitors, you can check our broadband comparison service here.
When working remotely, keeping connected has never been more important, so some people may not mind spending that little extra if it means they can successfully complete their work. There are plenty of packages and prices offered by providers that suit everyone.
Connectivity
Staying connected during important business video calls is something a lot of people struggle with. Individuals complain about buffering, cutting out and bad quality when they talk about their experiences with video calls, so to avoid embarrassment, it’s important to check that you have the best connectivity.
Good connection is usually tied in with how fast your broadband is. Connectivity depends on a number of factors, such as how close you are to your router or exchange center, how good the wiring in your cabling is if you operate from ADSL broadband, and congestion. Trying to get online during peak times can slow your internet down, and now that most of us are working from home, that might be a problem that crops up a lot more often.
To test your speed and connectivity, you can put your broadband through a free, online speed test to see how it’s performing. If you notice that your connection is consistently bad, then it might be time to change to a cheaper, better connected provider.
