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Altnets: switching to a local broadband provider
As broadband customers feel the squeeze to get maximum speeds at the best price, the market is becoming much more competitive. New broadband providers known as ‘altnets’ are popping up to challenge the big names and deliver ultrafast fibre broadband deals to UK homes.
These alternative network providers are smaller in scale and less well-known, so can they be trusted?
This is often a common concern, and we’re here to help!
In this guide, we’ll first explain what an altnet is before taking you through some example providers. We’ll finish off with some pros and cons to expect from their broadband services and take a look at what switching to an altnet involves.
Altnets: the key points
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Why we love altnets
- Faster speeds (up to 2x faster in some cases) for lower monthly cost *
- Better customer service and easier to contact
- More flexibility with shorter contract lengths available
- Often offer fixed prices with no mid-contract price hikes
- Provide faster speeds to rural locations
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Shop local: Broadband Genie’s altnet research
In 2025, 3,996 broadband customers were asked about their current broadband provider, average monthly cost, and average download speed.
Data was then segmented to compare customers using alternative network providers (altnets) with those using nationwide providers.
Results revealed that UK altnet customers receive average download speeds of 440Mb at £28 per month, compared to 227Mb at £39 per month with nationwide providers.
In summary, this equates to 94% faster speeds for 28% less cost.
What is an alternative network provider?
We’ve already learned that an altnet is an alternative, but an alternative to what? Well, it’s really referring to being a different choice to ‘the big 4’ broadband providers we know best.
This includes BT (EE + Plusnet), Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk first and foremost, with Vodafone chasing the pack. These are the mainstream, most popular UK ISPs in 2025.
BT, Plusnet, Sky and TalkTalk are also all part of the Openreach network, the largest landline network infrastructure installed across the country.
Altnets rival these providers to bring superfast broadband in certain locations. They might have less familiar names and a more localised service, but they can be important for bringing coverage to remote rural areas. But you’re just as likely to find altnets popping up in built up towns and cities, too!
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What is Openreach?
Openreach is the company that maintains the former British Telecom Network used for the majority of broadband and phone services. If a repair or installation is required, it’s Openreach who will send an engineer, not your provider.
More than 650 service providers using the Openreach network. That’s the majority of the UK’s broadband providers. This includes Sky, TalkTalk and BT. The exception to this is Virgin Media - it uses its own, separate cable network.
What are the best alternative fibre providers?
Here’s a round-up of some of the best alternative fibre providers and a quick summary:
BeFibre
- Up to 2.3Gb symmetrical upload and download speeds
- Free installation
- Monthly rolling or 12 and 18-month deals
Hyperoptic
- Rolling monthly deals available
- Up to 900Mb symmetrical speeds
- Phone bundle options
Community Fibre
- Speeds up to 5Gb
- Dedicated London provider
- TV bundle add-on available
See also: 'Broadband deals in London'
Gigaclear
- Speeds up to 900Mb
- Symmetrical broadband speeds
- 18-month contracts
Trooli
- No mid-contract price rises
- Speeds up to 2Gb
- 24-month contracts
To see how this compares to other providers, check out our guide to price increases.
YouFibre
- Full fibre broadband speeds up to 7000Mbps
- Deals start from under £25 per month
- Monthly rolling or 12-month contracts
- Call packages available
Why trust smaller broadband providers?
While smaller providers aren't always as well known, this doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t deliver a good service.
All are subject to Ofcom regulations, and many also give 30 and 60-day satisfaction guarantees for added peace of mind. If download speeds or reliability fails to meet expected levels, then customers can walk away with their money back.
Trustpilot is a helpful measure for how well providers are going down with their customers.
Any best broadband or telecoms awards for altnets are a good place to see which are performing well. You can also check social media. See if there are any issues regularly being raised by customers. And, more importantly, how well customer services are replying.
Why consider switching to an altnet?
- Ultrafast full fibre (FTTP) speeds
- Often no mid-contract price rises
- Fairer prices vs big-name ISPs
- More personal customer service
Advantages and dis-advantages of signing up to an alternative network
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Switching to an altnet
Switching to an altnet is much easier now, with a process called 'One-Touch Switch' available. All altnet providers we've mentioned on this page are signed up to offer One-Touch Switch. This means that they'll be responsible for organising your move, including getting in touch with your existing provider.
Typically, your old broadband service won't be disconnected until your new provider has confirmed your new line is up and running. This should mean there will be no disruption to internet service during the switch.
For more help and tips, you can visit our guide to switching broadband providers.
FAQs
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What does altnet broadband mean?
Altnet is a short term for ‘alternative network provider’. They provide an alternative network to larger providers that piggyback off the Openreach network.
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Are altnets better than Openreach providers?
There are pros and cons. Altnets tend to offer fast speeds at lower prices. They also are more likely to commit to avoiding mid-contract price rises. However, availability tends to be localised, so some areas may not have access to altnets.
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Is full fibre from altnets reliable?
You won’t regularly find performance data for altnet providers from Ofcom, but that doesn’t mean they’re best avoided. They’re still forced to conform to Ofcom regulations. Many give 30 to 60-day guarantees and allow customers to trial services.
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Can I switch from BT to an altnet?
This will depend on the availability in your area. Try adding your postcode into Broadband Genie’s deals checker to find out your options. Switching to an altnet broadband provider is simple and you could enjoy a seamless switch. However, some installation work such as drilling may be involved, as an altnet service won’t use the same cabling as BT.
Expert Summary
Altnets are nothing to be wary of! They offer a great alternative to the bigger names in broadband.
Availability can be an issue, though. Before getting your heart set on an altnet, use our deals checker to see who serves your immediate area.
By delivering services across new full fibre networks, they can be independent of Openreach and offer superfast speeds on competitive deals. Lower monthly prices are also often joined by the promise of no mid-contract rises and money-back guarantees for poor service.
We think an altnet is definitely worth considering when you're ready to switch broadband providers.