Not necessarily. The advertised top speeds have to be achievable, but they don't have to be available 24/7. Older networks will be slower at peak times.

If your provider has signed up to the Ofcom code of practice on residential broadband speeds, you will get realistic information about likely speeds and a minimum speed guarantee.

We often use the terms interchangeably, but technically they mean different things.

Broadband is the data transmission that comes through the wires of your internet connection. Wifi is the way your router turns that data into a wireless signal and bounces it to your laptop, tablet or phone.

The best time to switch is when you're outside the minimum term of your contract, so you won't have to pay any exit fees.

So the best time to start comparing new broadband deals is about 30 days before your contract term ends.

Switching providers is easier than ever before, now that regulator Ofcom hasbrought in a measure called "One-Touch Switch".

As of September 2024, you don't have to tell your current provider when youwant to switch as your new provider will do it for you. Your old and new providerwill then coordinate with each other to ensure a seamless switch. There shouldbe no gap in your broadband provision and no overlap period where you'repaying two providers.

Use our postcode checker to find out what broadband deals are available whereyou live.

No. Full fibre and cable broadband deals don't need a phone line to work

Part-fibre and older-style ADSL connections do need a phone line to work, butthat doesn't mean you have to sign up to a landline phone plan. Occasionally aquirk of pricing could mean it's cheaper to get a landline included, but the dayswhen it was compulsory are over.