Is ADSL still an option in 2026?
Thinking about sticking with an ADSL connection? While it was once the cheapest way to get online, changing technology and the upcoming switch-off for copper telephone lines mean it’s no longer a real choice for the majority of UK homes.
In fact, providers who continue to support this legacy service tend not to advertise ADSL broadband packages to new customers. However, some UK providers such as italk still openly offer a 10Mb 'Broadband 50' option for around £25.
Many brand this as a "saver" choice, but Virgin Media's Gig1 Fibre service delivers ultrafast 1.1Gb average download for the same monthly price. That's over 112 times faster! So the option feels less viable than ever, in terms of speed and value.
If you remain an ADSL customer, it's often the idea of change that can sometimes seem daunting. Maybe you're worried that you can't upgrade? Well don't worry, here we'll simplify why the time is now for switching and explain the process.
What is ADSL, and how does it work?
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is the most basic type of broadband connection in the UK. It works by sending data and voice along the same landline copper wires used for a home phone service. A filter is installed at the end of the cable to split the signals. Unlike dial-up, you can use your phone and internet at the same time.
Most ADSL broadband services use ADSL2+ technology, with faster speeds for homes closer to the telephone exchange. However, areas without ADSL2+ may experience slower speeds (around 8Mb max).
Ready to switch from ADSL broadband to partial fibre?
ADSL broadband deals were once available from major providers like BT, TalkTalk, Sky and Vodafone. But, by the end of January 2027, these copper landlines are due to be switched off.
Providers are working to phase ADSL lines out. Because of this, you may find that you can only sign up to ADSL broadband now if your home or exchange cabinet can’t have fibre optic cables installed. In 2026, this situation is thankfully so rare that most ADSL customers will at least have the option to go partial fibre.
So if switching to a full fibre optic internet connection (FTTP) isn't possible just yet, you should find some very affordable partial fibre (FTTC) deals to consider instead. Some latest examples include:
- Price: From £21 per month (24-month contract)
- Average download speeds: 38Mb
- Perks: Free WiFi router, no setup fee
- Price: From £26 per month (24-month contract)
- Average download speeds: 35Mb
- Perks: Free WiFi router, low setup fee
- Price: From £24.99 per month (24-month contract)
- Average download speeds: 36Mb
- Perks: Free access to EE Wi-Fi Hotspots, no setup fee
Is ADSL fast enough for you? ADSL vs Fibre
While ADSL internet speeds are considerably slower than a fibre connection, it’s still fast enough for:
- Basic browsing and emails
- Streaming TV (i.e Netflix or BBC iPlayer) in standard quality on one device
- Light work-from-home use
But you might struggle with:
- Downloading large files
- Online gaming
- Video calls
There are other downsides too. This includes the fact that:
- It’s much slower than fibre broadband services, especially upload speeds
- It requires a telephone line and line rental
- Speeds get slower the further you are from the street cabinet
If you download large files or have multiple users, fibre broadband (30Mb+) is a better choice.
Top tip:
Many fibre deals now come with the same monthly cost (or less) than ADSL, making an upgrade a no-brainer.
Need help understanding the speed you need for your home broadband? Read our ‘ultimate guide to broadband speeds’ for more help.
- Speed: 900Mb avg. speed
- Set-up cost: £0
- Contract: 24 months
Rewards:
£31.99 per month
£35.99 from 31st March 2027
£39.99 from 31st March 2028
- Speed: 1.1Gb avg. speed
- Set-up cost: £0
- Contract: 24 months
£24.99 per month
£28.99 from 1st April 2027
£32.99 from 1st April 2028
- Speed: 500Mb avg. speed
- Set-up cost: £0
- Contract: 24 months
Rewards:
£29.99 per month
£33.99 from 31st March 2027
£37.99 from 31st March 2028
Frequently asked questions
-
Is ADSL faster than fibre broadband?
No, ADSL offers a slower broadband speed. Standard broadband (FTTC) delivers superfast download speeds of 30Mb+, whilst high-speed full fibre and Virgin Media cable broadband services can reach 1Gb+.
-
What’s the average price for ADSL broadband?
ADSL deals are priced around £30 per month, but you might find that upgrading to a basic fibre package can work out cheaper.
Thinking about upgrading? With fibre optic broadband now available to more than 98% of UK homes, switching from ADSL could give you faster speeds for the same price.
Use our postcode checker to find faster home broadband deals today!
Expert Summary
ADSL broadband is fast becoming a phased out way to get online. While some providers may still offer outdated ADSL options for rare cases, these deals are often hidden from new customers. This is in preparation for the copper phone lines on the Openreach network that many providers in the UK use to be discontinued by 2027. Making the switch across to fibre broadband, either partial or full, is therefore highly recommended.
If you’re still on an ADSL deal, you'll surely have already been approached by your provider to move to a basic fibre broadband package. Before you say yes, we always recommend looking around at your options. If you're out of contract, you don't have to stick with your current provider.
The good news is that fibre broadband should be no pricier than an ADSL deal. In fact, you’re more likely to be able to make use of special offers such as gift cards or free gifts for new customers. These cheap broadband deals are also a good alternative.