Broadband guides
Cooper's plain-English guides to UK broadband. No jargon, no hard sell: just what you need to know to pick the right connection for your home or business. Start with Broadband explained if you're new to it all.
Broadband basics
Full fibre vs fibre broadband: what's the difference?Full fibre (FTTP) and "fibre" (FTTC) are not the same. Learn how each works, typical speeds, reliability and how to check which you can get.The landline switch-off and digital voice explainedThe UK's old copper phone network is being retired. What digital voice means for your landline, telecare alarms and broadband, and what you need to do.What is an altnet? Independent full fibre explainedAltnets are independent full fibre networks building alongside Openreach and Virgin Media. How they work, pros and cons, and examples across the UK.Broadband jargon buster: A–Z of termsPlain-English definitions of broadband terms: FTTP, FTTC, Mbps, latency, ONT, altnet, mesh, digital voice, One Touch Switch and more.
Choosing a deal
What broadband speed do I need? (UK guide)Work out how much broadband speed your household really needs for streaming, gaming, video calls and working from home, with simple rules of thumb.Cheap broadband and social tariffs: who qualifies?Social tariffs give cheaper broadband to people on Universal Credit and other benefits. Who qualifies, typical prices, and other ways to cut your bill.
Switching & contracts
How to switch broadband provider (step-by-step)Switching broadband in the UK is easier than ever with One Touch Switch. Here's how it works, how long it takes, and how to avoid fees and gaps in service.Mid-contract broadband price rises explainedHow broadband price rises work in the UK, the Ofcom rules on pounds-and-pence increases, and how to compare the true cost of a contract.Moving home: how to sort your broadbandA checklist for moving broadband to a new home: when to order, taking your contract with you, new-build properties, and avoiding a gap without internet.Broadband compensation and complaints: your rightsWhen you're due automatic compensation for broadband faults, missed appointments and delays, and how to complain and escalate to an ombudsman.
WiFi & performance
Why faster broadband won't make one device faster (and why speed tests mislead)A faster broadband package gives your whole household more room, not one device more speed. Learn why, with pictures, and why a single speed test isn't a fair check on what you pay for.How to speed up your WiFi: 12 fixes that workSlow WiFi? Practical fixes, from router placement and channels to mesh systems and wired connections, before you pay for faster broadband.Upload speed and symmetrical broadband: why it mattersWhat upload speed is, why it matters for video calls, cloud backups and creators, and when symmetrical full fibre is worth paying for.Do I need mesh WiFi?Whether mesh will fix dead spots, mesh vs boosters, and how many discs you need.Broadband for gamingLatency, speed and setup tips for online gaming and big downloads.
Rural & alternatives
Rural broadband: your options when the line is slowSlow broadband in the countryside? Compare full fibre altnets, 4G and 5G home broadband, satellite (Starlink), and your Universal Service Obligation rights.4G and 5G home broadband: is it any good?How 4G and 5G home broadband works, real-world speeds, pros and cons versus fibre, and who it suits best.
Working & business
Broadband for home businesses: SLAs, static IPs and backupWhat home businesses should look for in broadband: fault-fix SLAs, static IPs, 4G backup, upload speeds and dedicated support.Broadband for working from homeWhat speed and setup you need for reliable video calls and remote work.
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