WiFi alert for UK homes with Sky, Virgin and BT broadband, check your router now
UK homes should make a simple Wi-Fi check today.
If you've not checked or upgraded your Wi-Fi router in a while, now could be a good time to do so. Although most internet devices appear to provide a decent signal, broadband technology has advanced at a rapid rate, and that means you could be being left behind.
According to the team at Broadband Savvy, many of us now have inferior Wi-Fi 5 boxes installed in our homes, and that system simply can't keep pace with modern needs.
For those unaware, Wi-Fi 5 is now over a decade old and has since been beaten by Wi-Fi 6, 6E and even all-new Wi-Fi 7 devices. These upgrades can all cope with much faster download speeds along with having large volumes of gadgets connected to them.
Most UK Internet Service Providers (ISPs) do now offer Wi-Fi 6 routers but many customers continue to have Wi-Fi 5 gadgets plugged into their walls.
Explaining more, Tom Paton, founder of Broadband Savvy, said: "Compared to more modern standards, like WiFi 6, 6E, and 7, WiFi 5 has significant limitations for the end-user.
"WiFi 5 is fine for slower broadband connections, such as the 30-50 Mbps packages that were popular in 2010-2015, as long as you don't have lots of internet-connected devices.
"But certain providers are still shipping these routers to customers buying an ultrafast broadband plan, even though they're not designed for this."
If your contract is up for renewal or you are about to switch providers there is another reason to be cautious. Most ISPs will want you to sign up for a lengthy contract which means what you get now, you'll be stuck with for two years.
"Most broadband plans on the market at the moment come with a 24 month contract. In two years' time, WiFi 5 will be essentially obsolete, which is why we're urging broadband providers to at least offer the option of a better router on their fast fibre plans," Paton added.
It can be pretty hard to know what your router is capable of, but it's worth checking with your ISP to see if an upgrade is available.
"When buying, insist on at least a WiFi 6 router - but be aware that one or two major providers still don't offer this as an option," Paton said.
"For example, as a cheaper, more basic provider, Plusnet is still shipping the Smart Hub 2 WiFi 5 router, even on their ultrafast 500 Mbps and 900 Mbps plans. On the other hand, EE offers the choice of a WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 router across all of their tariffs."
If you want to future-proof your speeds, speak to your ISP.
It's also worth noting that there are many Wi-Fi boosters on the market—such as Amazon's Eero—that offer Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. These so-called mesh networks plug into your current router and offer an instant upgrade.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major broadband provider with 1.5million customers is AXING free service and introducing £15 charge
It's not the only service Plusnet has axed in recent months FEE HIKE Major broadband provider with 1.5million customers is AXING free service and introducing £15 charge PLUSNET is scrapping a free in-house service used by thousands of customers and replacing it with a paid subscription model. All Plusnet email customers are being progressively moved to a new provider called Greenby, but the company insists it's not cutting the service. 1 Plusnet will contact those affected with instructions when it's their turn to switch Credit: Alamy The move, which began last month, will see existing Plusnet email addresses and inboxes migrated to Greenby's platform by the end of November. The broadband provider said it's making the change to ensure its customers inboxes remain safe and secure. A spokesperson added: "We're ensuring our customers get the best possible experience." Plusnet will contact those affected with instructions when it's their turn to switch. After the switch, customers with Plusnet broadband at the time of migration will get two years of free email service with Greenby. However, customers without Plusnet broadband at the time of migration will only get 30 days of free service, after which they'll need to pay £15 per year to Greenby. Plusnet won't add any charges to customer bills. If a customer chooses to opt out, they'll lose access to their Plusnet email account. Greenby said: "We understand that many people rely on email addresses they've used for years, and it's important that those who want to keep using the service can do so with confidence in its reliability." We recommend using a free standalone email provider to avoid the hassle of changing email services if you switch broadband providers in the future. CHECK YOUR SPEED: Broadband Free email providers WORRIED about your email being tied to your internet provider? There are plenty of excellent free email services you can use instead. Here are a few popular choices: Examples include: Gmail: Google's offering is feature-rich, with plenty of storage and excellent spam filtering. Integrates seamlessly with other Google services. Google's offering is feature-rich, with plenty of storage and excellent spam filtering. Integrates seamlessly with other Google services. Microsoft's webmail service offers a clean interface and integrates with Microsoft Office apps. Good storage options are available. Microsoft's webmail service offers a clean interface and integrates with Microsoft Office apps. Good storage options are available. Yahoo! Mail: A long-standing provider with a large storage capacity. It includes a built-in news feed. A long-standing provider with a large storage capacity. It includes a built-in news feed. Proton Mail: For those prioritising privacy, Proton Mail offers end-to-end encryption. Based in Switzerland, it has strong data protection laws (free but limited storage). For those prioritising privacy, Proton Mail offers end-to-end encryption. Based in Switzerland, it has strong data protection laws (free but limited storage). GMX Mail: Offers a good balance of features and storage space. Includes a spam filter and virus protection. Last year, Plusnet told The Sun that it will no longer offer home phone services to existing customers once analogue services are switched off. This means that customers who still want landline phone service in the future will be forced to move to a different telephone company that offers a digital service. It comes as all copper-based phone lines will be switched off by the end of 2027. The telecom firm previously previously shut its TV service and has begun winding down its Plusnet Mobile operations. Plusnet Mobile stopped selling its own-brand sim-only mobile plans to new customers at the end of March 2023. At the beginning of May 2023, existing Plusnet Mobile customers received emails confirming that the network would close for good in June 2024.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
Major broadband provider with 1.5million customers is AXING free service and introducing £15 charge
PLUSNET is scrapping a free in-house service used by thousands of customers and replacing it with a paid subscription model. All Plusnet email customers are being progressively moved to a new provider called Greenby, but the company insists it's not cutting the service. 1 The move, which began last month, will see existing Plusnet email addresses and inboxes migrated to Greenby's platform by the end of November. The broadband provider said it's making the change to ensure its customers inboxes remain safe and secure. A spokesperson added: "We're ensuring our customers get the best possible experience." Plusnet will contact those affected with instructions when it's their turn to switch. After the switch, customers with Plusnet broadband at the time of migration will get two years of free email service with Greenby. However, customers without Plusnet broadband at the time of migration will only get 30 days of free service, after which they'll need to pay £15 per year to Greenby. Plusnet won't add any charges to customer bills. If a customer chooses to opt out, they'll lose access to their Plusnet email account. Greenby said: "We understand that many people rely on email addresses they've used for years, and it's important that those who want to keep using the service can do so with confidence in its reliability." We recommend using a free standalone email provider to avoid the hassle of changing email services if you switch broadband providers in the future. Free email providers WORRIED about your email being tied to your internet provider? There are plenty of excellent free email services you can use instead. Here are a few popular choices: Examples include: Gmail: Google's offering is feature-rich, with plenty of storage and excellent spam filtering. Integrates seamlessly with other Google services. Microsoft's webmail service offers a clean interface and integrates with Microsoft Office apps. Good storage options are available. Yahoo! Mail: A long-standing provider with a large storage capacity. It includes a built-in news feed. Proton Mail: For those prioritising privacy, Proton Mail offers end-to-end encryption. Based in Switzerland, it has strong data protection laws (free but limited storage). GMX Mail: Offers a good balance of features and storage space. Includes a spam filter and virus protection. Last year, Plusnet told The Sun that it will no longer offer home phone services to existing customers once analogue services are switched off. This means that customers who still want landline phone service in the future will be forced to move to a different telephone company that offers a digital service. It comes as all copper-based phone lines will be switched off by the end of 2027. The telecom firm previously previously shut its TV service and has begun winding down its Plusnet Mobile operations. Plusnet Mobile stopped selling its own-brand sim-only mobile plans to new customers at the end of March 2023. At the beginning of May 2023, existing Plusnet Mobile customers received emails confirming that the network would close for good in June 2024. Switch providers and cut costs SWITCHING TV, broadband and landline providers has become significantly easier due to new rules introduced in September 2024. Customers now only need to contact their new provider to make the switch, eliminating the need to deal with their current provider, even if they find a better deal elsewhere. Since 2015, customers using Openreach's network – which includes providers like BT and Sky – have been able to switch by allowing their new provider to handle the process. However, switching to or from providers like Virgin Media, which operates on its own independent network, previously required contacting the existing provider to arrange the change. Ofcom 's new "One Touch" rules have streamlined the process for all networks. Now, customers switching services only need to liaise with their new provider, regardless of the network. These rules also ensure that customers won't pay notice-period charges beyond the switch date, meaning they won't be billed for overlapping services. Additionally, providers are required to compensate customers for any issues during the switch, such as being left without service for more than one working day. The amount of compensation will vary depending on the situation. The new rules align broadband and TV switching with mobile switching. Since 2019, mobile phone customers have been able to switch providers using the "text to switch" system, avoiding the hassle of calling their current network. To find the best deals, consider visiting comparison sites such as MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch. These platforms allow you to tailor your search based on factors like price, data allowances, and preferred providers.
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
Sky Glass Air has launched - bringing smart streaming and 4K to every room
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Great news for telly lovers, film fanatics – and yes, even Rishi Sunak, as Sky's just dropped its most affordable and fuss-free TV yet. The new Sky Glass Air is a sleek 4K smart TV that streams everything over Wi-Fi, no dish or box needed, and it starts from just £6 a month. Sky Glass Air is a smart, stylish TV that streams everything over Wi-Fi. That means no satellite dish, no box, and no faff. Better yet? It's designed to make getting Sky easier than ever, especially if you're in a flat, renting, or just want Sky in another room without the hassle. With prices starting from just £6 a month for the TV itself, and if you're new to Sky, you can get the full package – including Sky TV, Netflix and discovery+ – from £21 a month. If you're still 'umming' and 'ahhhh-ing' about the investment? It's actually really affordable way to get a proper smart TV setup, plus with loads of great content built in, and absolutely zero fuss. The picture quality is brilliant, thanks to its 4K HDR screen with Quantum Dot tech. Everything looks sharp, colourful and full of life, whether you're watching a gritty drama or a big football match. The sound's great too, with Dolby Audio built in, so you don't need extra speakers to get that cinema feel. What makes it even smarter is the software it runs on – Sky OS. It brings together all your favourite apps and channels in one place, and it learns what you like to watch so it can suggest new shows you might enjoy. You can save your favourites in a Playlist and pick up where you left off with Continue Watching, no matter which app or channel it was on. You can even control it with your voice. Just say 'Hello Sky…' and you can turn it on, search for shows, change the volume and more – all without lifting a finger. If you want even more channels, you can upgrade to Sky Ultimate TV for an extra £7 a month, which gives you access to loads more like Sky Max, Sky Comedy, Sky Documentaries and more. And if you prefer flexibility, there's a rolling monthly option too, so you're not tied in. Naturally Sky Glass Air looks the part too. It comes in three sizes – 43', 55' and 65' – and three lovely colours: Sea Green, Carbon Grey, and Cotton White. It's slim, modern, and fits in beautifully with any room. You don't need any tools to set it up either – just pop it on the stand that comes in the box or mount it on the wall if that's more your vibe. More Trending If you're feeling flush and fancy skipping the monthly payments, you can buy Sky Glass Air outright – with prices set at £309 for the 43', £509 for the 55', and £649 for the 65'. Or, if you'd rather spread the cost, there's a 24-month interest-free option starting from just £12 a month. Sky Glass Air is part of a growing family of Sky products, alongside Sky Glass Gen 2 and Sky Stream. Whether you want the ultimate home cinema setup or just a second screen for the bedroom, there's now a Sky option to suit every room and every budget. You can buy Sky Glass Air from June 10 at in Sky stores, or through It'll also be available in Currys shops from June 18. Is it just us, or did weekends at home never sound better…? Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: From Space NK to Mango – here's 23 items our shopping expert is buying this weekend MORE: Customers sing the praises of Uniqlo's £34.90 'crease-free' barrel leg trousers that fit like a glove MORE: Molly-Mae Hague shares her new holiday beauty routine including full make-up breakdown
