4 Things to Consider when Looking for a New Broadband Provider
The rise of alternative internet providers (AltNets) means that broadband customers are no longer stuck with Sky, Virgin, or BT. And more choice means better prices and service.
But many people are still reluctant to ‘go alternative.’ Others don’t understand the benefits of switching to an independent broadband company.
So to make things a little easier for you, here are four things you need to consider when looking for the AltNet provider for you.
Price
If price is your main concern, then switching to an AltNet is the ideal choice. They offer some of the lowest monthly tariffs on the market, with deals starting from just £17.99 p/m.
But low prices don’t equal slow download speeds or unstable connections.
HS4internet and 6Ginternet are two North-West based AltNets that provide fast internet at low prices. Both firms guarantee speeds 100% of the time and use the latest Wi-Fi 6 router technology to ensure you’ll always stay connected.
And unlike many other providers – and especially the big names – 6Ginternet and HS4 say they will never raise your bill mid-contract. The rate you sign up for is the rate you’ll always pay. And that’s how it should be.
Download speeds
AltNets have built their own independent, full fibre networks capable of delivering the fastest download speeds in the UK.
These gigabit connections send 1,000Mbps of data directly into your home at (quite literally) the speed of light.
With a gigabit package, you can stream, download, browse, work, and game uninterrupted. And it will have more than enough bandwidth to support over 100 devices at once, so everyone in your household can benefit from superfast internet at the same time.
Full fibre gigabit connections are the premium option. Deals start at around £55 p/m. But they’re worth every penny. This is the fastest and most reliable internet connection you can get. A Gigabit broadband package is a must for homeworkers, larger households, and high-level gaming and streaming.
Ethics
Many customers don’t care about a company’s values, ethics, and morals. They simply want the right products at the right time. And that’s fair enough. But it’s also short-sighted. A company’s values often reflect how it runs its business, including how it treats customers.
For example, let’s suppose that providers like Virgin and Sky really do value their customers. If that were the case, they wouldn’t raise monthly broadband bills during a ‘cost of living crisis’ to protect their multi-million-pound profit margins.
AltNets like Cuckoo and 6Ginternet have promised never to raise prices. And for one simple reason: a deal is a deal. They believe that changing the terms mid-contract is unfair and unethical, no matter what the small print says.
They continue to put people before profits by giving away some of their earnings and network coverage. Cuckoo donates 1% of all the money it receives from billing to charitable causes. And 6Ginternet’s ‘internet for everyone’ campaign donates 20% of its total network coverage to local schools, charities, community outreach initiatives, and religious organizations.
Every business likes making money, but it’s not the most important thing in the world. AltNets know this; it’s why they do more for their customers and those most in need.
Customer service
Giant broadband providers aren’t incentivised to offer the personalised customer service that people deserve. And it shows.
According to research from Ofcom, as many as 1 in 5 broadband customers are unhappy with their service. Common complaints include:
- Long call waiting times.
- Poor complaint handling.
- Automated response services that don’t have the answer to specific queries.
But the solution is simple: if your current provider isn’t meeting your expectations, find one that will.
“People are doing more with their internet now, and expect more of their providers,” says Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s consumer group director
“Some broadband companies aren’t keeping up with their customers’ needs. We’re encouraging people to vote with their feet if they’re not happy with their service.”
AltNet provider 6Ginternet understands that people want ‘real’ customer service. All its customer service centres are locally based. You speak to real people offering practical advice and help, every time you call.
In today’s competitive market, mainstream companies can’t afford to let their service standards slip. But too many aren’t upping their game, and AltNets are providing the superior service.
It’s time to make the switch. Start exploring your alternative options today.
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