Compare Broadband in Hong Kong

Read on to get the information you need to help you make an informed decision on a fibre broadband plan.

What to look for when comparing broadband plans in Hong Kong

Whether you’re looking for Fibre, Cable or a Mobile plan it pays to compare so you can get the best deal for you at a great price. These are some of the questions to ask yourself when you’re shopping around for broadband in Hong Kong:

Which home broadband providers operate in Hong Kong?

There are six primary home broadband providers in Hong Kong:

• HGC Broadband. HGC Broadband offer a range of fibre broadband options including Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and multiple connections to one location.
• Netvigator. Netvigator offers broadband in conjunction with PCCW’s international bandwidth, and has a range of FTTH broadband services including 1G and 10G fibre.
• HKBN. The Hong Kong Broadband Network (HKBN) offers a range of home and mobile broadband services in addition to mobile phone plans.
• i-Cable. i-Cable offers a number of fibre broadband services in Hong Kong including 200M, 500M and 1000M speeds in addition to its full range of cable TV services.
• SmarTone. SmarTone has a number of home broadband plans on offer including a variety of speeds up to 1000M.
• China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK). In addition to CMHK’s extensive mobile phone plan services, CMHK also offers a home broadband service with speeds up to 1000M.

How to choose the best Internet plan

What makes an Internet plan the “best” changes from person to person, so we’ve compiled a list of things to look out for when you’re trying to choose the best Internet plan for you.

• Price. Not all plans are created equal, and some providers will simply charge more for a comparable plan. Most plans offer unlimited data these days, but you could think about potentially saving on a limited data plan if you’re not a heavy Internet user.
• Speed. Every provider has a typical evening speed for their plans. This tells you what speed you can expect when everyone is online in the evening, and is what you should be comparing between similar fibre plans.
• Contract type. Month-to-month plans offer flexibility and let you switch providers on a whim, but some longer contract plans let you waive set-up fees or include a modem as part of the plan.
• Extras. Do you need a home phone line, or are you interested in entertainment bundles? Some providers will include extras that you can sign up for on their Internet plans.
• Provider reviews. While reading reviews is important, be aware that some providers compensate people for writing positive reviews about them to improve their star ratings. Also check whether negative reviews are related to issues with the provider or simply written by customers who are angry for other reasons.

How to switch broadband providers

Make sure you’ve read the terms and conditions on your existing deal before you switch broadband providers. Some companies will charge an exit fee, and set a minimum term during which this applies if you switch broadband mid-contract. Also, be aware of any costs you need to pay before you sign up to your new package. Typical examples include installation costs or a charge for the delivery of your router. Also, be aware that there can be different charges for the same broadband plan depending on if your property is public or private housing; and the method you chose to sign up can also influence how much you pay.

Once you’re ready to compare broadband, shop around to find deal that works for you and your household. If you’re signing up as a new customer, you’ll have to submit personal details such as your name, address and email address. After your order is processed by your new provider, they’ll contact you to confirm any other actions you need to take to get your new service up and running.

What costs should I be aware of when switching broadband?

Make sure you read the terms and conditions on your existing deal before you switch broadband providers. Some companies will charge an exit fee, and set a minimum term during which this applies if you switch broadband mid-contract. Also, be aware of any costs you need to pay before you sign up to your new package. Typical examples include installation costs or a charge for the delivery of your router.

How to choose the best speed for your needs

The speed you get on your Internet plan will depend on which type of Internet you’ve gone for. We’ll take a look at what different speeds are offered by NBN, mobile and ADSL connections, and whether you can choose a specific speed for your needs.

Fibre speeds

The Fibre Network is capable of speeds up to 2Gbps, with most plans being up to 1Gbps.

Mobile broadband speeds

The speed of mobile broadband can be highly variable, depending on where you are, how clear the space between you and the mobile tower is, and what technology you’re using. Here’s an idea of typical speed ranges for each technology:

• 3G: 2-10Mbps
• 4G: 20-50Mbps
• 5G: 100Mbps-1Gbps and up

Frequently asked questions

• What connection will I get at my property?

  The type of connection you have is typically fixed – in short, you’re stuck with whatever connection your property has. Unfortunately, not every home or business across Hong Kong is guaranteed to be able to access fibre broadband. If a fast Internet plan is your top priority, take the type of connection into consideration when moving.

• What will I need to have in place to get fibre broadband at home?

  As a minimum, you’ll need to ensure you have the required fibre infrastructure in your area, and the access port is available and activated in your premises. Once you’ve activated your broadband, the way your home is set up – including the distance between the router and your devices – are just a couple of the factors which determine how seamlessly you’ll be able to use the Internet in your home.

• Can I take advantage of broadband bundles if I'm an existing customer?

  It can be easier to manage your broadband and home entertainment as part of one deal. Start by checking if there are any fees if you break your existing contract. You should be able to check this in your online broadband account. It’s often found on a provider’s website under ‘Manage my plan’ or ‘Manage my account’. How close to your contract’s expiry date you need to be for a new deal varies between providers.