As the top broadband speeds increase, new marketing terms like ultrafast, hyperfast and gigabit broadband are becoming commonplace. We understand how confusing terms like this can be, especially when most broadband buzzwords all seem to be another way of saying 'very fast', so we've produced a new guide to ultrafast and hyperfast broadband that should help to answer all your questions.
More people than ever can enjoy ultrafast broadband speeds as Virgin Media's ultrafast 120Mb broadband increases in speed to up to 152Mb, double that of most fibre to the cabinet services. Virgin Media's mid-range formerly up to 60Mb service is now also increased to 100Mb, making it the most affordable ultrafast broadband on the market. Ultrafast deals start from £12.50 per month for the first 6 months.
Meanwhile hyperfast broadband provider Hyperoptic has started to install their gigabit fibre to the building services outside of London, with select apartment buildings now activated in Bristol, Cardiff and Reading. These join over 250 postcode areas already hooked up in London, with more added every day. Hyperoptic offer the UK's fastest broadband at up to 1Gb (or 1000Mb) making this a truly hyperfast service, what's more their connections are symmetric offering the same speed regardless of whether you're downloading or uploading. You can sign up for a gigabit service for only £25 per month for the first 6 months.
If you only need ultrafast speeds, Hyperoptic also offer 100Mb broadband with prices comparible to Virgin Media's, from only £12.50 for the first 6 months, however these offer an unprecidented 100Mb speed for uploading, while Virgin only offers 6Mb uploads for the same price. Fast upload speeds are extremely useful to content creators and for users of could services.
If you're not sure whether Virgin Media or Hyperoptic's services are available in your area, our broadband checker will tell you if either are serving your postcode and will allow you to compare their prices and features with other broadband suppliers.
All prices quoted are introductory offers that require montlhy line rental. Hyperoptic charge £12.50 for line rental and Virgin Media £15.99. All services mentioned are also available without any telephone line installed at your home. Hyperoptic charges £40 for setup, or more if your home doesn't have a faceplate preinstalled. Virgin Media is currently offering free installation as a limited offer.
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