Best broadband deals in Stoke-on-Trent (March 2025)

With such a wide selection of internet packages from so many different providers, it can be challenging to determine the best broadband deals in Stoke-on-Trent. Most people choose a broadband plan with the fastest speeds, which is often more expensive. Even then, you don’t always get the advertised speed. Opting for a cheaper broadband plan usually means slower speeds. But, providers may increase their prices mid-contract, leaving you with a more hefty bill than you bargained for.

Not to worry. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about broadband internet in Stoke-on-Trent to help you make an informed decision and pick the best broadband plan for your needs.

How to compare and switch broadband plans?

Switching broadband providers is relatively simple. Depending on the providers involved, the process could take less than an hour or up to two weeks. The first step is finding the broadband plan you want. Then, follow these steps to complete the switch:

• Ensure your contract has expired. Before initiating the switch, ensure that your current contract has expired. This will save you money as some providers require users to pay a fee to terminate their contract mid-term.
• Enter your postcode and select a plan. Visit the website of your preferred broadband provider and enter your postcode to check broadband availability in your neighbourhood.
• Complete the switch. Agree to the terms of your new broadband contract to complete the switch. Depending on the type of plan you’ve chosen, technicians may need to come to your property to set up your broadband. You’ll usually be ready as soon as you connect your new router.

What to consider before choosing the best broadband deal in Stoke-on-Trent?

Most people look for the fastest or cheapest package when picking a broadband plan, but there’s much more to consider. We have a comprehensive guide detailing everything you need to remember to find the best broadband deals in the UK. Here are a few things to look at:

• Accessibility in Stoke-on-Trent: Does your preferred broadband provider operate in your neighbourhood? The easiest way to find the best broadband providers near you is to use our broadband postcode checker. This tool also shows you the best broadband deals from each provider.
• Specific needs: It’s important to pick a broadband plan based on your internet usage and broadband speed requirements. If you watch streaming movies or play fast-twitch online games, you’ll need faster speeds and more data allowance. Someone who only uses the internet occasionally to read news and check social media platforms can get by with less.
• Internet speed: Finding a broadband package with suitable speeds for your needs is essential. If you only use your broadband to check emails and browse pages, you’ll need an average speed of 10 to 24 Mbps. You’ll need between 25 and 50 Mbps for streaming videos or gaming. If you work from home and make video calls, then you need 80 Mbps. Remember, the larger your household (i.e., the more devices connected to your broadband), the faster the speeds you’ll need. For example, if you’re subscribed to Vodafone’s Full Fibre 500 plan and have five devices at home, each device will get 100 Mbps of speed.
• Contract terms: Most broadband contracts range from 12 to 24 months. Although longer contracts appear cheaper, there’s a possibility your broadband provider may change its prices mid-contract. Also, if you’re dissatisfied with the service or want faster broadband speeds, you may have to pay a fee to exit your contract mid-term.
• Potential costs: In addition to the advertised cost of your broadband package, you should consider potential hidden costs that may not be immediately obvious. These include installation fees and the price of equipment. Some providers also offer introductory discounts, which reduce the cost of your broadband package. We recommend comparing broadband prices from different providers and deciding which fits your budget.
• Packages: Many broadband providers in Stoke-on-Trent have broadband bundles that include phone and TV deals. These offers usually allow you to save on costs.
• Bonuses: Some internet service providers offer bonuses as part of their broadband deals. These bonuses differ depending on the broadband package but may include zero set-up fees and access to premium sports and entertainment channels. Usually, more expensive broadband plans come with more bonuses. It’s best to compare broadband providers' bonuses and choose a plan that appeals to you most.

What is the fastest broadband in Stoke-on-Trent?

Gig 1 Fibre by Virgin Media is the fastest broadband deal in Stoke-on-Trent. The Gig 1 fibre broadband plan has a maximum download speed of 1,130 Mbps and an upload speed of 104 Mbps. The broadband speed you’ll get in Stoke-on-Trent depends on your location, as not all broadband providers have coverage across the city.

Which types of broadband are available in Stoke-on-Trent?

Full-fibre broadband is rapidly spreading across the UK and is currently available in most of the country, particularly urban areas. This includes cities like Stoke-on-Trent. Other types of broadband internet are available in Stoke-on-Trent, including ADSL, mobile broadband, and standard fibre broadband. Depending on what part of the city you live in, you may have access to all or only some of these broadband options.

Here’s a rundown of all the types of broadband available in Stoke-on-Trent:

Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL)

ADSL broadband is an older technology that predates fibre optic broadband and is readily available across the UK. Although it’s gradually disappearing, ADSL is still widely used in rural parts of the country as it uses the same copper cables that phone lines depend on. ADSL broadband tends to be much slower than fibre broadband, with average speeds of around 24 Mbps. It’s also cheaper than fibre broadband.

Fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC)

Part-fibre broadband is the most widely available fibre technology in the UK. Some of the biggest broadband providers in the country use it, including Sky, Plusnet, Talk Talk, and Openreach. FTTC broadband is widely available in Stoke-on-Trent. It works via fibre optic cables connected to a street cabinet, then to homes through copper cables. FTTC broadband speed depends on your proximity to the cabinet and the condition of the copper cables used to deliver your broadband connection. FTTC broadband can offer speeds ranging from 300 Mbps and above and is faster than FTTN broadband.

Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP)

FTTP–or full-fibre broadband–offers the maximum speed and the most stable connection. It is much quicker than FTTC broadband and offers 100 to over 1,000 Mbps. This type of broadband depends entirely on fibre optic cables to transmit data. Users are less likely to experience disruptions and outages with FTTP broadband. Unfortunately, FTTP broadband isn’t widely available yet and is more expensive than ADSL, FTTP, and FTTN broadband.

Fibre-to-the-node (FTTN)

Like FTTC broadband, FTTN broadband uses fibre-optic and coaxial cables to transmit data. The main difference is that the fibre-optic cables run to a central node or mini-exchange, and the signal travels to end-user properties via coaxial cables. Coaxial cables are more interference-resistant than copper phone lines, resulting in faster speeds than ADSL broadband.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband provides internet connectivity to devices via a cellular tower. It’s an excellent way to get internet access on the go. There are different ways to get mobile broadband internet, including via USB modems and Wi-Fi hotspots. Your speeds while using mobile broadband will vary depending on the network technology. Generally, 5G offers the fastest speeds — 115 to 140 Mbps. 4G, widely used today, offers 17 to 44 Mbps speeds. The biggest downside of mobile broadband is that you’ll lose connection if you venture out of covered areas.

Can I change broadband mid-contract?

Yes, it’s possible to change broadband providers mid-contract. However, if you haven’t exceeded the minimum term of your contract, you may have to pay an exit or termination fee. The fee varies from one provider to the next; it generally covers the remaining months of your contract. There are some exceptions, though. For example, if your provider doesn’t have exit fees, you won’t need to pay to change providers mid-contract. Also, if your provider has increased their broadband prices within 30 days or you’re not getting the minimum guaranteed speeds, your provider may waive the fees.

We recommend checking your provider’s terms and conditions to determine whether you will have to pay termination fees. And under what conditions your provider may waive this fee.

Which providers offer broadband in Stoke-on-Trent?

Several broadband providers in Stoke-on-Trent have speeds and packages ranging from 4G mobile to Gigafast fibre. The best broadband deals available to you depend on your location in the city. If you live further away from the centre, you may have a more limited selection. However, regardless of your location, there's a good chance you’ll find a broadband package that suits your needs, whether for work, gaming, or streaming.

Here are a few offers by some of the biggest providers in Stoke-on-Trent.

• Vodafone: Vodafone offers affordable, unlimited fibre broadband on a 24-month-long contract, with speeds ranging from 41 to 74 Mbps.
• Virgin Media: Virgin Media has different fibre broadband plans in Stoke-on-Trent, ranging from 132 to 1,130 Mbps. You can opt for an 18-month or 24-month contract. Virgin Media also offers broadband and phone or TV deals.
• BT: BT offers ultrafast full-fibre broadband with speeds up to 900 Mbps. You can choose a 12-month or 24-month broadband contract.
• Hyperoptic: Hyperoptic’s full-fibre broadband reaches speeds of 1 Gbps and comes with a 24-month contract.
• Plusnet: Plusnet offers affordable fibre and full-fibre broadband plans, with speeds reaching 900 Mbps. You can opt for a 12-month or 18-month contract.
• Zen: Zen offers numerous fibre broadband plans in Stoke-on-Trent with speeds up to 900 Mbps. These plans generally come with a 12-month or 18-month contract.
• Sky: Sky offers a range of broadband plans and broadband plus TV bundles in Stoke-on-Trent, with speeds ranging from 36 to 900 Mbps. Its broadband packages come with a 24-month contract.
• Giganet: Giganet’s full-fibre broadband plans deliver speeds ranging from 150 Mbps to 900 Mbps. You can choose a 12-month and 18-month contract. Giganet guarantees no in-contract price hikes.
• TalkTalk: TalkTalk offers fibre and full-fibre broadband deals, with speeds reaching up to 944 Mbps. It also has TV and phone deals. Most of TalkTalk’s contracts are 18 months long.
• NOW: NOW offers fibre broadband plans ranging from 61 to 100 Mbps. All plans come with a 24-month contract. NOW also provides broadband and TV deals.

FAQ