Student Broadband

Internet Usage: Consider how you use the internet. Are you a heavy gamer, stream a lot of videos, or just need it for occasional browsing and homework?

Household Size: Think about how many people will be using the internet simultaneously. Larger households might require faster speeds and higher data allowances.

Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend each month on broadband. Remember to consider any installation or setup fees.
 
Types of Broadband
 
This could sound complex, but the simple truth is that most broadband suppliers, however they deliver your broadband, have more than ample speeds to match your requirements.  Unless you are living in a remote area, or in a property that hasn’t been updated in years, you should be fine.  We only offer broadband deals that have a sufficient minimum speed and the right contract lengths for students, and if you have any doubts’ just get in touch and we can talk you through it.
 
Here’s the techy bit:
 
ADSL: Typically, the slowest but most affordable and widely available.  Fine for sending emails if you are living on your own, but not ideal for streaming/gaming etc, or if your household has multiple occupants.

Fiber Optic (FTTC – Fibre To The Cabinet):  The green cabinet in your street, that’s where the fibre finishes, meaning you are probably relying on copper wiring to get your broadband to the home which can slow it down.  Its much faster than ADSL though, and a good option more heavy internet usage.

Fiber Optic (FTTP – Fibre To The Home):  This is where the fibre optic cable comes directly into your home, and offers the fastest broadband speeds available.  It is relatively new technology, so tends to be the most expensive option, and not as widely available as the other options available.

Cable: This is essentially fibre optic, but instead of the last leg of the journey being copper wiring or fibre optic, it uses a coaxial cable instead.  The biggest supplier is Virgin Media, and they offer some of the fastest speeds available, and a big favourite with students.
 
 
4G/5G: This solution doesn’t require wiring, as it uses mobile phone networks to deliver your broadband.  The speeds can be as fast as fibre optic, but much like your mobile phone, it depends on the network strength in your area.  Contract lengths do tend to be longer than 12 months, so we don’t currently suggest any student broadband deals until that changes.
 
Satellite Broadband:  As it says on the tin, this is where your broadband is delivered by satellite, so available to every home in the UK.  The downsize is that it does tend to be very expensive in comparison to wired solutions, and generally used by customers who cannot get traditional wired broadband.
 
Broadband Suppliers
We have grouped this section into three areas to help you understand it a little better:
 
National Providers:  These guys have been in the business for years and are brands you will have heard of before, like BT, Sky, Now TV and Virgin Media

Alternative Networks:  Mostly new kids on the block, and usually only available in regional locations.  They offer the same speeds as the national providers, but service and price depend on who is available where you live.  We don’t currently offer any deals from these suppliers as there are so many, and we think the national providers offer the best balance between speed, price and support.

Bills Inclusive:  Many students look at this option, its where the provider bundles your broadband (usually from national providers) with your energy and other utility bills, then splits the cost between your housemates.  It’s very convenient, but you may end paying a little more than buying directly.  We work with the largest bills inclusive provider in the UK and you will find an exclusive offer here (insert link).
 
 
Broadband Speeds
 
Broadband speeds refer to the rate at which data can be transmitted over an internet connection, measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). Understanding broadband speeds is crucial for determining how fast your internet connection will be for activities such as browsing the web, streaming videos, downloading files, or online gaming. Here’s a breakdown of the key concepts related to broadband speeds:

1. Download Speed:
Download speed refers to how quickly data can be transferred from the internet to your device. It’s essential for activities like streaming videos, downloading files, and browsing websites. The higher the download speed, the faster these tasks can be completed.  It is important to note that Broadband speeds are based on average download speeds, which means they need to be available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8pm to 10pm), so they are a guide, not a guarantee.

2. Upload Speed:
Upload speed indicates how quickly data can be sent from your device to the internet. It’s important for activities like uploading files, sending emails with attachments, and video conferencing. While upload speeds are typically lower than download speeds in most broadband packages, they’re still crucial for certain tasks, especially for content creators or those who frequently share large files.

3. Latency (Ping):
Latency, often measured in milliseconds (ms), refers to the time it takes for data to travel from your device to a server and back. Lower latency means less delay or lag in online activities like gaming, video conferencing, and real-time communication. High latency can result in a sluggish internet experience, particularly noticeable in online gaming or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls.
 
Factors Affecting Broadband Speeds
Several factors can influence the actual broadband speeds experienced by users:

Connection Type: Different types of broadband connections (e.g., fibre optic, DSL, cable) offer varying speeds and performance levels. Fiber optic connections generally provide the fastest speeds due to their advanced technology and higher bandwidth capacity.

Distance from Exchange: For DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connections, the distance between your location and the nearest telephone exchange can impact speed. The farther you are from the exchange, the slower your connection may be.

Network Congestion: During peak usage times, such as evenings when many people are online, broadband speeds may slow down due to network congestion. This can affect both download and upload speeds.

Hardware and Equipment: The quality and condition of your modem, router, and cables can influence broadband performance. Upgrading to newer, more efficient equipment or using wired connections instead of Wi-Fi can improve speeds.

Service Provider and Package: Different broadband providers offer various packages with different speed tiers and performance levels. Choosing the right package that meets your needs and budget is crucial for ensuring satisfactory speeds.

Measuring Broadband Speeds:
You can measure your broadband speed using online speed test tools provided by various websites. These tests typically measure both download and upload speeds, as well as latency, giving you an overview of your internet connection’s performance. It’s advisable to run speed tests at different times of the day to get a comprehensive understanding of your broadband speeds and identify any potential issues.
 
Contract Length & Cancellation Period
Be careful on this one, a lot of providers offer 18 or 24 month deals on cheap deals, but the likelihood is that your tenancy agreement is for 12 months, so if you take an 18 or 24 month deal you could end up with having to pay early termination fees to be released, or in some cases get a black mark against your credit history.  We only offer broadband deals that are either on a short-term basis or a maximum of 12 months contracts.

When you originally sign up for broadband, there is usually a standard 14-day colling off period which you can usually cancel without penalty.
 
Installation
This can vary from next day or a few weeks by different suppliers so be careful unless you want a household of angry housemates!  The best thing to do is get in touch as soon as you know where and when you are moving into.  We can help advise on installation dates and make sure you have your broadband in place for when you move in.

In rare cases, your broadband will require new wiring or hardware installed.  This will require the permission of your landlord or property agent, and any engineer visit will also need to be agreed.  Failure to do this could result in a breach of your contract, but most providers are used to this and will do most of the communication if you pass on the landlord or property agent’s details.
 
Set-Up, Delivery & Activation Costs
All providers add some form of additional costs when signing up for their services.  We track the market daily and update our offers, usually by negotiating exclusive offers or deals, as we have direct relationships in place.  Over the past 13 years we have saved students tens of thousands in additional costs which they would have paid going through other suppliers.
 
Credit Checks
Most providers will run a credit check on the main bill payer, but that’s mainly to verify personal details and check for a credit history, rather than to make a judgement.  Broadband providers are used to dealing with students, so nothing to worry about here, and we can help if required, just give us a call.
 
What does Broadband Cost?
Broadband doesn’t need to be expensive, but you do pay for what you get, and sometimes paying a little extra will give you a much better performance, and often with a better Wi-Fi router so all of your housemates will appreciate it!
 
ADLS: You can get a basic package with Wi-Fi router for around £20, but browsing will be slow and video streaming poor.  If you have more than one or two people in the household, and do more than just light browsing and email, it’s worth paying a little more for fibre/cable.
 
Basic Fibre/Cable: Most of the bigger providers (Virgin Media, BT, Sky, Now TV) have some great entry level fibre deals starting from around £25-£30.  You will get a decent speed (min 50mbps) and it should be fine for streaming and browsing if you live in a smallish household.
 
Step-up Fibre/Cable: This is the most popular broadband for students, as a small increase in price from entry level (around £5-10) will often give you more than double the speed and is perfect for 4-5 housemates who want to browse and stream
 
Premium Fibre/Cable: If you are in a large household who wants the best, or heavily into on-line gaming/streaming 4K and need the fastest speeds available, this is where you want to look.  With speeds from 500mb to 1GB available from most suppliers, you should have everything covered.  Expect to pay around £10-£15 more than step-up fibre.
 
What’s the best way to split the bill with your housemates?
If you are buying your broadband directly from a supplier, the best way to manage payment is either by everyone setting up a standing order each month, paying their portion of the bill to whoever is the person named on the contract, or use a bill splitting app.  Some of the best free ones are:
Splitwise
Splittr
Splid
 
They are all available on iOS, Android and web
 
 
 
Measuring Broadband Speeds
You can measure your broadband speed using online speed test tools provided by various websites. These tests typically measure both download and upload speeds, as well as latency, giving you an overview of your internet connection’s performance. It’s advisable to run speed tests at different times of the day to get a comprehensive understanding of your broadband speeds and identify any potential issues.

Understanding broadband speeds empowers users to make informed decisions when selecting internet service providers and packages, ensuring they get the speed and performance needed for their online activities.
 
Need any more help?  Give us a call or drop us a line and we will get back to you ASAP