Broadband Speed & Coverage Checker
Check broadband speed and availability before buying or renting. Poor connectivity affects property value and daily life — especially if you work from home or stream regularly. Use the official Ofcom and Openreach tools to see exactly what is available at any UK address.
Ofcom Connected Nations Checker
The official regulator checker. Enter any UK postcode to see broadband technologies available and typical download speeds from all major providers.
Check on Ofcom →Openreach Full Fibre Checker
Check whether full fibre (FTTP) broadband infrastructure has been built or is planned at a specific address. Openreach is the UK's largest broadband network operator.
Check on Openreach →Types of broadband explained
The type of broadband infrastructure at a property determines the maximum speeds available. Not all technologies are available everywhere — coverage depends on which networks have been built in the area.
| Technology | Typical Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FTTP (Full Fibre) | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Fastest and most reliable. Fibre to the premises. |
| FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) | 40–80 Mbps typical | Most common. Fibre to street cabinet, copper to property. |
| Cable (Virgin Media) | Up to 1,100 Mbps | Available in around 60% of UK homes. |
| ADSL | 10–24 Mbps | Older copper technology. Being phased out. |
What broadband speed do I need?
Speed requirements depend on the number of people in the household and how broadband is used. As a guide:
- –1–3 people, light use (browsing, video calls): 30 Mbps is generally sufficient.
- –3–5 people, working from home or streaming: 50–100 Mbps is recommended.
- –5+ people or power users (4K streaming, large uploads, gaming): FTTP at 300–900 Mbps is ideal.
In rural areas where fixed-line infrastructure is limited, alternatives such as Starlink satellite broadband and 4G/5G fixed wireless can deliver speeds comparable to urban FTTC or better. Always check the specific postcode — rural coverage is improving rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I check broadband speeds before buying a property?
- Yes. The Ofcom Connected Nations checker lets you enter any UK postcode to see what broadband technologies are available and the typical download speeds on offer. This is an important step before committing to a purchase, particularly if you work from home or have heavy data demands.
- What is FTTP broadband?
- FTTP stands for Fibre to the Premises — also called full fibre. It means a fibre optic cable runs all the way from the local exchange directly into the property. FTTP delivers the fastest and most reliable broadband speeds, typically between 100Mbps and 1Gbps (1,000Mbps). It is the gold standard for broadband connectivity.
- Does broadband speed affect property value?
- Yes. Research by Rightmove and BT Openreach has found that properties with poor broadband connectivity can be harder to sell and may command lower prices than comparable properties with fast fibre connections. In rural areas especially, the presence or absence of superfast broadband can meaningfully affect buyer demand.
- How long does it take to get full fibre broadband installed?
- Installation timelines vary by provider and location. Where full fibre infrastructure already passes the property, installation typically takes 2–4 weeks. Where new infrastructure is needed, it can take several months. Openreach and alternative network providers (altnets) are actively expanding full fibre coverage across the UK.
- What can I do if only slow broadband is available at a property?
- If fixed-line broadband at a property is slow or unavailable, alternatives include Starlink satellite broadband (typically 100–200Mbps, available almost anywhere in the UK), 4G or 5G fixed wireless broadband from providers such as EE, Vodafone, or Three, or mobile broadband via a SIM card router. The Broadband Universal Service Obligation also gives households a legal right to request a decent connection of at least 10Mbps.