A new study has ranked UK broadband providers based on their reliability, revealing some surprising results. Virgin Media emerged as the most reliable broadband provider in Britain, while Three UK ranked among the least reliable. The study, conducted by OpenSignal, a network analytics company, assessed the real-life performance of broadband connections based on connectivity, ability to complete typical online tasks without interruption, and overall performance.
OpenSignal assigned scores from 100 to 1000 to each ISP, with higher scores indicating better reliability. Virgin Media topped the chart with a score of 767, followed by Community Fibre and Gigaclear, both achieving scores of 750 and 735 respectively. These smaller providers, offering hyper-fast fibre broadband to limited areas, demonstrated high reliability.
Larger providers like Vodafone, BT, and Sky Broadband scored in the 600s, while Starlink, using satellite-delivered broadband, landed at the bottom with a score of 405. This lower score could be attributed to the inherent limitations of satellite connectivity, which can be unreliable.
Three UK scored poorly with a score of 451, only marginally ahead of Starlink. This ranking contradicts the perception of Three as a reliable provider, highlighting the disparity between perceived and actual performance.
The study’s findings differ from Ofcom’s report, which stated that Virgin Media received the second-highest number of complaints regarding broadband service. OpenSignal argues that complaint-based reports may not accurately reflect network reliability, as complaints might stem from factors beyond network performance.
The study’s methodology and its inclusion of Starlink have been subject to scrutiny. Critics argue that comparing satellite-delivered broadband with fixed-line offerings is unfair, and the smaller geographic reach of providers like Community Fibre and Gigaclear might contribute to their higher reliability scores.
The rankings emphasize the importance of choosing a provider that offers reliable and consistent service, particularly for users who rely on broadband for essential tasks like work, online learning, and entertainment. Consumers should consider their individual needs and the specific services offered by each provider before making a decision. The study serves as a valuable resource for consumers seeking information about the reliability of UK broadband providers.
