Best broadband deals in Wales (December 2024)
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Learn moreFinding the right broadband deal can significantly impact your daily life, from streaming entertainment to supporting remote work. With a diverse range of providers and broadband technologies available across the country, navigating broadband deals in Wales can be complex.
Fortunately, this guide will help you understand your options, compare providers, and get the best value. Remember, broadband availability varies by location, so enter your postcode to see the most accurate deals for your area.
List of broadband deals
How to compare broadband deals in Wales with Cybernews postcode checker
- Check the broadband provider’s availability. Enter your postcode in our postcode checker to see which providers you can choose from depending on your area.
- Compare different deals. Compare broadband deals by internet speed, price, and contract length.
- Switch provider. Click ‘View deal’ and complete the switch by signing a contract with your preferred provider.
What broadband options are available in Wales?
Wales offers various broadband packages to suit different needs and budgets. Here's a quick overview of the main options:
Broadband only
Broadband-only deals provide internet access without additional services like phone or TV. They're often the most cost-effective choice, ideal for those who don't need extra features or are on a tight budget.
Broadband and phone
Broadband and phone deals combine internet access with traditional phone services. While many now use VoIP apps for calls, having a landline can still be useful, especially in areas with poor mobile coverage.
Broadband and TV
Broadband and TV packages include internet access and television services. They often provide access to numerous channels and popular streaming services at a lower combined cost than purchasing each service separately.
What to consider when I’m looking for broadband deals in Wales?
Many assume their broadband provider will offer them the best deal when they renew their contract, but this is often untrue. Sticking with your existing provider can lead to excessive broadband prices, as providers use this customer loyalty to increase their profit margins.
That’s why you need to consider a few simple points to choose the right broadband offer from the many options available. Let’s go through them together:
- Speed. We can’t skip speed when talking about broadband deals. Luckily, there are broadband deals in Wales with speeds of 60Mbs to 1Gbps.
- Price. Different deals, different prices. However, you need to find the broadband that fits your budget and offers a high value for your money. So, before making the final decision, compare different plans.
- Reputation. The carrier’s reputation tells you a lot about what to expect. Sometimes, the make-or-break factor is the impression a provider has left on its users. So, make sure that your chosen internet service provider has already satisfied more consumers.
- Coverage/Availability. Broadband availability is one of the most crucial factors. That’s why you should first check its availability before making a purchase.
- Contract length. Broadband contract lengths in the UK usually go by one year, 18 months, 24 months, or 36 months.
- Customer service. Last but not least, you should never underestimate the importance of customer service. Issues are unavoidable, so make sure your provider has the staff to resolve them quickly.
What types of broadband can I get in Wales?
Finding the perfect type of broadband for your needs and preferences will be challenging with hundreds of broadband providers. Luckily, we’re here to help you. So, let’s see what types of broadband are available in Wales:
Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL)
The Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) broadband technology uses the same copper wires our telephone signals travelled throughout the twentieth century. This is the most basic and commonly available type of broadband connection in Wales. It is also the most budget-friendly broadband option, offering slower speeds of around 24 Mbps. All of this makes it ideal for rural locations in Wales.
Fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC)
Fibre To The Cabinet (FTTC) is the UK's most widely deployed fibre technology. It is used by providers like Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk, which rely on Openreach infrastructure. This type of broadband is the most common in Wales and across the UK. The best part is that its speeds reach more than 300Mbps.
It's also worth mentioning that FTTC is distance-dependent due to the copper cables running from the cabinet to your property. These decrease connection speeds with increased distance from the cabinet and are susceptible to interference.
Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP)
Fibre To The Premises (FTTP), commonly known as full-fibre broadband or fibre to the home, has a fibre optic cable that goes directly from your provider to your home, bypassing the cabinet along the way.
FTTP offers speeds of more than 1,000Mbps, which makes it much faster than FTTC. Even though full fibre isn’t widely accessible and is more expensive, you can check for FTTP deals on your preferred provider’s website.
Mobile broadband
Mobile broadband provides wireless internet access via a mobile phone network using 4G or 5G. It allows mobile devices, tablets, or computers to connect through devices like USB modems or Wi-Fi hotspots.
Mobile broadband deals offer convenient on-the-go internet access within covered areas. You should remember that speed highly depends on the provider’s coverage and capacity. Usually, you can expect speeds between 17Mbps and 44Mbps if you use 4G or speeds up to 115Mbps to 140Mbps if you use 5G.
Satellite broadband
Satellite broadband connects a ground-based or roof-mounted satellite dish with communication satellites orbiting the Earth. It’s more expensive, but this is the fastest solution for rural areas or homes that are entirely separated from neighbourhoods and lack the traditional broadband infrastructure. Satellite broadband offers download speeds of up to 200Mbps and upload speeds of up to 15Mbps.
How fast can I expect fibre broadband to be in Wales?
You can expect excellent fibre broadband speeds in Wales. In fact, 97% of Welsh homes enjoy at broadband speeds above 30Mbps, and around 74% of all Welsh households have access to speeds of at least 100mbps.
But if you still can't get a full-fibre deal, don’t worry! The coverage continues to expand, so you’ll soon be able to benefit from the incredible full-fibre internet speeds.
Which providers offer broadband deals in Wales?
Wales has a competitive broadband market with numerous providers offering a variety of deals. Each carrier has unique features, pricing structures, and coverage areas to suit different needs nationwide.
Here's a quick overview of some key providers operating in Wales:
- Virgin Media is known for incredible internet speeds. It isn’t available everywhere, but it offers excellent broadband if you can get it.
- BT is one of the UK’s largest broadband providers and offers extensive coverage across Wales. It provides excellent broadband in Cardiff and scenic rural areas. BT's packages often include free public Wi-Fi access and security features.
- TalkTalk offers a range of broadband options, from standard to fibre, catering to various needs and budgets across Wales. TalkTalk also provides bundle deals, including TV and mobile services, making it a versatile choice for those seeking comprehensive packages.
- NOW Broadband provides speeds up to 100Mbps in many areas of Wales. NOW stands out for its flexible approach, offering TV services without long-term contracts. This makes it an attractive option for those who value freedom and variety in their entertainment choices.
- Plusnet offers both standard and fibre broadband across Wales. It focuses on providing straightforward, cost-effective packages, often appealing to budget-conscious consumers who still want reliable service.
- Sky’s combined broadband and TV deals are particularly popular, providing high-speed internet alongside a wide range of entertainment options, including exclusive Sky channels.
- EE emphasises speed and reliability in its broadband offerings across Wales. EE customers often benefit from extra perks, such as mobile data boosts for EE phone users. Focusing on fast connections makes EE popular among heavy internet users and households with multiple devices.
- Vodafone is known for offering competitive prices, especially on its faster fibre packages. It often includes extras like free antivirus software or discounts for existing Vodafone mobile customers.
More broadband deals you may like:
Best broadband without landline deals: discover the top no-landline broadband options
Best broadband and phone deals with line rental: uncover the best packages that combine quality and value
Best broadband deals in Cardiff: find all the best broadband deals in Cardiff
Best broadband deals for your area: type your postcode and get broadband deals in your area
Best fibre broadband deals: find the best fibre optic broadband deals
FAQ
What is the average broadband speed in Wales?
The average broadband speed in Wales is around 70Mbps, and around 74% of Welsh households can access internet speeds above 100Mbps.
How to check broadband availability by location in Wales?
To check broadband availability by location in Wales, enter your postcode and find the best broadband deals available in your area.
What is the cheapest broadband in Wales?
The cheapest broadband in Wales is NOW Broadband. For £24/month, you can get a 12-month broadband deal with speeds of 100Mbps.
What initiatives are in place to improve broadband in rural Wales?
Projects like Superfast Cymru have expanded fibre coverage, and the ongoing Project Gigabit aims to bring ultra-fast broadband to rural and remote areas. Community-led initiatives and alternative technologies like 5G and satellite broadband may also bridge the digital divide in rural Wales.