Broadband in Manchester
Browse the latest broadband speeds, deals, and providers in Manchester.
How to compare
Switching to a better deal? We’ve got you covered. Follow these simple steps to find a package that suits your needs....
As one of the UK’s largest cities, Manchester has a high demand for competitive broadband deals that offer reliable connectivity and fast speeds.
Compare broadband deals in Manchester to find affordable options that fit your needs.
What is the fastest broadband in Manchester?
The fastest broadband in Manchester comes from providers who can access gigabit-capable services.
For example, Virgin Media is known for delivering high-speed gigabit connections to customers up and down the UK via its own independent cable network.
Although, they are investing heavily in fibre infrastructure.[1]
Despite gigabit-capable services being on offer throughout the city, availability in Manchester can vary depending on your exact location.
Other Manchester providers offering similar speeds include:
What is the cheapest broadband in Manchester?
For cheap broadband deals in Manchester, some providers that typically offer low-cost plans include:
Some providers in Manchester might also offer social tariff broadband. These are discounted plans designed for low-income households or individuals receiving certain UK Government benefits, such as:
- Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Jobseekers Allowance
- Income Support
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
To qualify for social tariff broadband, you’ll need to provide proof that you’re successfully claiming benefits, which is typically verified during the sign-up process.
Best broadband deals in Manchester
Use our postcode checker to see which broadband deals in Manchester are best suited to you.
Finding the best broadband deals in Manchester depends on what you’re looking for, including things like:
- Speed
- Price
- Reliability
- Additional perks, including vouchers or bill credits
Fibre broadband in Manchester
In Manchester, fibre broadband offers much faster speeds compared to other internet connections, including standard ADSL.
This makes it ideal for homes with high internet usage, including:
- Streaming
- Online gaming
- Working from home
There are two types of fibre broadband: part fibre (FTTC) and full fibre (FTTP).
FTTC, sometimes called superfast broadband, uses fibre cables from the provider’s exchange to a local street cabinet. From the cabinet to your home, it switches to traditional copper telephone lines.
As it leverages existing copper infrastructure, FTTC is more accessible in many areas, making it widely available. In fact, according to Ofcom, 97% of UK homes have access to superfast broadband, which is defined as a download speed of at least 30 Mbit/s.[2]
While faster than standard ADSL connections, speeds can still vary significantly depending on the distance from the cabinet to your home.
But, FTTP involves fibre-optic cables running directly from the provider’s exchange to your home, removing the need for copper telephone lines entirely.
Despite offering faster, sometimes even gigabit-capable speeds, FTTP is still being rolled out across the UK, so it might not be available in all areas yet.
What are the broadband providers in Manchester?
In addition to those mentioned above, Manchester has a wide range of broadband providers offering different services based on speed, technology and price:
Sky broadband in Manchester
Sky offers broadband services in Manchester with a variety of tariffs to suit different needs.
Their broadband options can also be bundled with TV and home phone services.
They might even offer promotional discounts or incentives for new customers, such as reduced rates for the first few months, along with free setup.
Business broadband in Manchester
When considering business broadband in Manchester, consider your company’s specific needs, including:
- Number of users
- Types of applications
- Required reliability
Standard business broadband is ideal for small businesses with moderate internet needs, such as basic office tasks, email, and light online browsing.
But, fibre broadband is more suitable for businesses with high bandwidth requirements, such as large offices, tech firms, or companies that rely on cloud computing and streaming.
Typical tasks fibre broadband can help businesses with include:
- Video conferencing
- Cloud services
- Managing more simultaneous users
Mobile broadband can be useful as a backup solution for businesses that need internet access in multiple locations without fixed-line infrastructure.
Also, satellite broadband is an option for businesses in remote or rural areas where other types of broadband may not be available.
Broadband and TV deals in Manchester
Broadband and TV deals in Manchester combine internet and television services into one easily manageable tariff, often at a discounted rate compared to purchasing them separately.
With these types of deals, you might get:
- On-demand content - including TV shows, films and catch-up services
- Streaming access - some broadband and TV deals in Manchester come with subscriptions to popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+
- Flexible contracts - some providers offer flexibility in contract length or options to add/remove services
To find the best TV and broadband deals in Manchester for your household, compare tariffs from different providers and consider what you specifically need, taking into account factors like:
- Number of users
- Preferred TV channels
- Required internet speed
How to switch broadband in Manchester
Switching broadband providers in Manchester involves a few steps to ensure the transition goes smoothly:
1. Check your current contract
Find out if you’re still under contract with your current provider, and look for any early termination charges or notice periods.
2. Compare broadband in Manchester
Research deals from different providers, taking into account factors like speed, price, data limits and any additional features.
Also, be sure to check whether your preferred provider offers services in the area of Manchester where you live.
3. Choose a new provider
Go for the plan that best suits your needs. You might need to provide details like your current address, previous provider information, and preferred installation dates (if an engineer visit is required).
Make sure you return any equipment (like routers or modems) to avoid additional fees.
Can I leave my Manchester broadband contract early?
You can leave your current broadband in Manchester early, but doing so usually has some conditions and costs attached.
First, check the length of your contract and see if there are any early termination charges. Contracts often last between 12 to 24 months and each provider has different policies regarding early termination.
Some providers require you to give notice before you can cancel your contract - usually 30 days.
But, if you’ve experienced significant issues with your service (e.g. frequent dips in connectivity), you might have grounds to exit your contract early without paying. This often requires evidence and giving your provider enough time to fix the problem - again, usually 30 days.
Check your Manchester broadband speed in under a minute
Use our broadband speed test to quickly assess your current Manchester broadband performance in under a minute.
Page last updated: 25 November 2024
Reviewed by Catherine Hiley
Information on this page was reviewed by our fact-checkers before it was published. Learn more about our fact checking process and our editorial guidelines.
[1] Virgin Media O2, New £4.5bn investment to extend Virgin Media O2’s fibre footprint to 80% of the UK