2024 has brought the UK ever closer to the dream of fibre internet access, with 68.1% of households able to connect to full-speed infrastructure at the time of writing. While this proportion grows by the year, it’s still a long way from reaching the connectivity needs of everyone in the nation. Looking at some alternative solutions, we want to explore what other options might help those looking to upgrade their connection while outside of the current fibre connectivity network.
Check Your Bandwidth Requirements
Before looking at an upgrade, it’s important to understand what you could need in terms of bandwidth from your usage. For example, if you’re the type of person who mostly uses the internet to enjoy Slingo bingo games, then you won’t require much in the way of speed. These tiles like Day of the Dab and Constitution Hill can play perfectly on sub 10 Mbps connections, which is part of the reason they’re so reliable on mobile platforms like smartphones.
On the other hand, if you’re a big fan of downloading large files and streaming to multiple connected users at a time, then your needs will be much higher. UHD in Netflix can cost around 15Mbps per user, and this will be divided among each person in the household. To avoid running into a bandwidth bottleneck, it’s best to calculate your needs before connecting yourself to a new internet service provider.
Potential Options to Explore
The most reliable option worth consideration is to look for older wired superfast ADSL connections. According to Think Broadband, these connections are available to 98% of UK households, with superfast classified as connections faster than 30 Mbps. As long as you have a phone line copper connection, you should be able to find an option here. These also tend to be the least expensive internet options currently available.
Another choice could be to connect to a wireless internet provider. This essentially creates a connection that works in the same way as a mobile phone connection does, hooking into local 4G infrastructure. These options can offer speeds in the hundreds of Mbps but tend to be slightly more expensive than ADSL plans. They also might not be viable if you live in an area with poor cell phone coverage.
The final solution that might be worth exploring is the new option of Starlink. This satellite-based network generally hits over 100 Mbps in the UK and can offer coverage where other systems don’t. It will also tend to be the most expensive, however. It also requires a clear line of sight to the sky, and like wireless, can face problems during rough weather conditions.
Fibre is a much-touted standard for modern internet, but don’t feel it’s something most users will need right now. These other options will generally be able to deliver what most users need, and they’re not nearly as expensive as they used to be. Put in the research to see what might be best for you, consider carefully, and you’ll find an experience that can live up to what your lifestyle demands.
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