// BUYER’S GUIDE
How to choose broadband
Fibre, part-fibre, mobile or satellite — broadband has more options than ever, and the adverts don’t make it clearer. Here’s how to pick the right one for your home or business, in plain English.
- ● Plain English
- ● Rural options too
- ● Check your speed
// THE OPTIONS, EXPLAINED
The main types of broadband
Full fibre (FTTP)
Fibre all the way to your home — the fastest and most reliable. Choose it if you can get it.
Part-fibre (FTTC)
Fibre to the street cabinet, then copper to you. Common, fine for most, but slower the further you are.
Mobile (4G / 5G)
Broadband over the mobile network — handy where fixed lines are poor, if the signal’s good.
Satellite (Starlink)
Fast internet almost anywhere, ideal for rural not-spots, boats and off-grid — see our Starlink page.
How much speed do you actually need?
It’s easy to overpay for speed you’ll never use. A couple browsing and emailing needs far less than a busy family all streaming and gaming at once, or a business on video calls. The honest way to know is to check — try our broadband speed checker for a recommended speed for your household.
What to watch for
- Upload as well as download: matters for video calls, working from home and backups.
- The contract: check the length, the price after any intro offer, and early-exit fees.
- Reliability over headline speed: a steady connection beats a fast-but-flaky one.
- The router: a better router, or mesh Wi-Fi, often fixes ‘slow internet’ that isn’t the line’s fault — see Wi-Fi support.
Rural, remote or a not-spot?
If fixed broadband is slow or unavailable where you are — common across rural Dorset and the New Forest — Starlink satellite internet can deliver fast, reliable broadband almost anywhere, and we advise on the right plan, install it and support it. It also makes a great backup connection for businesses that can’t afford to go offline.
You can compare availability and providers independently via Ofcom.
// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
What broadband speed do I really need?
It depends how many people do what at once. A light household is fine on a modest package; a busy family or a business needs more. Our speed checker gives you a personal recommendation in 30 seconds.
My internet is slow — is it the line or the Wi-Fi?
Often it’s the Wi-Fi inside the house, not the broadband line itself. A better router or mesh setup frequently fixes it — we can advise. See Wi-Fi support.
What can I do if I can’t get fast broadband?
Mobile (4G/5G) or Starlink satellite are excellent options for rural and not-spot areas — we install and support both.
Can you set it all up for me?
Yes — we help choose, set up and get the most from your connection and Wi-Fi, at home or for your business. Just get in touch.
Slow or unreliable internet?
We’ll help you choose the right connection, sort your Wi-Fi, or install Starlink where broadband won’t reach.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM