Finder UK
UK
AU
US
NZ
CA
HK
SG
MX
UK
AU
US
NZ
CA
HK
SG
MX
Finder
Broadband deal comparison

Standard (ADSL) broadband

Read on to find out some of the details around "standard" broadband, and compare deals to find the tariff that's right for you.

Charlie Barton
Charlie Barton

Last updated:

A lot of broadband providers talk about offering “standard” broadband (as well as fibre-optic broadband). But what exactly does that mean? Learning some of the basic broadband lingo will equip you with the knowledge needed to find the right deal.

What is ADSL broadband?

ADSL broadband is the standard broadband connection in the UK. Put simply, ADSL broadband refers to an internet connection made through your home’s phone-line or “landline”.

Compare the UK’s best ADSL broadband deals

*Average speeds are based on speed available to at least 50% of customers at peak time (8-10pm). Speeds vary according to factors like location, and the speed you receive may differ from the figure in our comparison. Most providers will give a customised estimate based on your address.

Who owns the UK landlines?

In the UK, British Telecommunication (BT) owns all of the landlines. BT supplies the landlines to the majority of other broadband providers such as Sky, TalkTalk, and EE.

Only Virgin has installed its own separate, “fibre-optic” network across much of the UK – but we will explain more about what that means later on.

Tied in to most broadband packages is a fee called “line rental“. This is simply the cost of renting the landline from BT, with money going towards repairing and maintaining the lines all across the country.

What is that box plugged into my wall, and what does it do?

ADSL Splitter

Chances are you have one of these in your home. This is because ADSL broadband is the UK’s most common form of internet connection.

Here’s what it does:

  • Plugs into the wall.
  • Connects to the landline.
  • Splits broadband and landline frequencies.
  • Lets you go on the internet without interfering with the phone.

Remember those days when the internet would cut out if someone used the phone? Thanks to ADSL splitters those days are a distant memory.

And what about the ‘router’?

In addition to a working phone-line and an ADSL Filter, you’ll need a ‘wireless router‘ before you can connect to the internet.

A router is a small box about the size of a notepad, supplied by whichever internet provider you decide to use. Once you’ve got your router installed, it can be used to connect to the internet through a wired or wireless connection.

What does ADSL stand for?

It’s short for ‘Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line’. ADSL broadband is the most common type of internet connection in the UK

4 key considerations when comparing broadband

So, now that that’s all cleared up…

There are four key considerations when comparing broadband providers, some of which we’ve already mentioned. They are:

  1. Availability (you need to find out what’s available at your address before anything else)
  2. Speed (this is the most common sales pitch you’ll come across, but as speed goes up so does the price!)
  3. Price (the price will be a one-off installation fee, a potential fee for switching providers, and then a monthly price)
  4. Added extras (most providers throw in added extras such as basic TV packages, cloud-based storage, and anti-virus software – so this is something to keep in mind when comparing).

Who are the main broadband providers in the UK?

There’s a wide variety of providers in the UK, each offering slightly different packages. Another crucial thing to consider is what is available in your area. Most providers will allow you to check using your post-code, so make sure you find that out before making any decisions. Here’s a list of the main broadband providers in the UK:

Was this content helpful to you? No  Yes

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site