Sky beats Virgin Media and BT as it rolls out UK's 'fastest' fibre broadband
Sky says it is now the UK's 'fastest major broadband provider' as it rolls out a significant upgrade to its network. On Tuesday (July 15), Sky introduced its new Gigafast+ fibre broadband packages, capable of delivering internet speeds up to 5Gbps.
In contrast, a conventional copper wire connection can only achieve speeds up to 80Mbps, while Virgin Media 's fastest broadband speeds offer roughly 1.1Gbps. Sky's new ultra-fast speeds are available on two packages, with 2.5Gbps Full Fibre Gigafast+ priced at £70 per month.
Customers can double those speeds to 5Gbps Full Fibre Gigafast+ for an additional £10, costing £80 in total. These lightning-fast connections are delivered by Sky's new Gigafast+ hub, touted as its 'most advanced' router.
The device utilises WiFi 7 technology, which delivers speeds twice as fast as WiFi 6, making it perfect for remote working, 4K streaming or gaming. Sky Gigafast+ is powered by Sky's collaboration with CityFibre, using the latter's full fibre network to deliver speeds to 4.5 million premises across the UK.
However, there's a catch – these speeds aren't available for everyone, with only those on the CityFibre network currently able to benefit. Customers can check their eligibility by entering their postcode on the Sky website, reports the Mirror.
Those eligible for the enhanced speeds also get Sky's WiFi Max add-on at no extra cost. Typically costing £4 per month, this service promises WiFi access throughout the home or money back, alongside advanced security features, parental controls, device priority, convenient engineer visits and backup Sky Mobile data for unplanned outages.
New customers can also claim up to £100 towards switching fees if charged by their existing provider, with the One Touch Switch service meaning Sky handles the changeover on the customer's behalf. Announcing the new Gigafast+ packages, Sophia Ahmad, Chief Consumer Officer at Sky, said: "We're proud to be setting a new standard in UK broadband.
"With speeds up to 5Gbps, our new Full Fibre Gigafast+ packages make Sky the UK's fastest major broadband provider. Combined with our existing full fibre range, we're offering more choice than ever before. Powered by cutting-edge WiFi 7 technology, these plans deliver smarter, faster, and more reliable connectivity to homes across the country."
Whilst the exceptional speeds of Sky Gigafast+ are impressive, they arrive with quite a price tag. Those seeking a more budget-friendly connection may wish to consider Virgin's Gig1 Fibre Broadband (£34.99) or BT's Full Fibre 900 (£38.99), both of which can download a feature-length film in seconds.
As Sky's Gigafast+ is a new product, it has yet to receive any reviews, but customers have been sharing their overall experiences with the provider on Trustpilot. One five-star review says: "I have been with Sky for over 11 years.
"I have never had any problems with the broadband, amazing speed they always give me amazing deals, never gone down and never had to have an engineer come out. Would highly recommend."
Another said: "I have just had Sky broadband updated from wire to FTTP. It was straightforward to order. I was kept fully informed.
"The engineers arrived when they said they would and were very obliging in putting the new cable exactly where I wanted it. The result is a much faster and more reliable internet connection."
Another customer shared a less positive experience, saying: "Sky provided generally acceptable broadband service for years. Their customer service staff are also typically useful, personable and clearly try their best. However, they were extremely slow at making fixes or solutions actually happen."
While another happy customer said: "I am so made up with the outstanding service I have received, clear instructions and advice, outstanding manner, knowledge and excellent customer service skills. I am happy with Sky as my broadband provider.
"Arranged an engineer quickly and efficiently and was detailed in asking questions and whilst waiting on a reply, was informative and friendly."
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