SUPERFAST BROADBAND in Plymouth
What it’s all about and why it’s good for you and Plymouth
GET AHEAD, GET SUPERFAST This leaflet will explain: how superfast broadband can help us live and work better how to register if you can’t get superfast where you are how to get the best speeds for the best price
What broadband speed do I need?
The great news is that Plymouth is in the top ten locations nationally for its superfast broadband coverage, with 99% of Plymouth postcodes are covered by superfast broadband (30Mb) against a UK average of 94%.
20
90% of Plymouth is covered by ultrafast broadband (100 Mbps and above), 5th highest in the UK. Plymouth is already well connected but we are working hard to make it better and to stay competitive. Plymouth City Council is part of a cross sector partnership called Connected Plymouth which aims to maintain the connectivity advantage enjoyed by the city, increase opportunities to exploit digital, technology and showcase local digital excellence. To find out more or get involved please visit connectedplymouth.co.uk
Plymouth has great connectivity - with above average internet speeds and superfast broadband coverage. Mbps
and over
8
and over
4
and under
2
and under
will allow all of the services below but quicker and more reliable for multiple users, with faster upload speeds enables higher quality, bandwidthintensive streaming services even with several people using the connection at once suitable for streaming services such as on-demand TV albeit at reduced quality, even with more than one user files can take longer to download and streaming services can stall especially if more than one person is using the connection
WHY DO I NEED FASTER BROADBAND? Benefits for residents
What speed and service can I get?
Better broadband brings significant benefits to people’s lives by helping communities stay connected and families keep in touch.
Ofcom official speed checker checker.ofcom.org.uk/broadband-coverage
Better broadband will allow you to: save money on shopping stay connected with friends and family obtain access to public services find employment using job sites watch video on demand and TV online work from home develop new skills via online learning sites enable multiple users to be online.
Benefits for businesses Better broadband allows businesses to stay competitive and make use of technologies that have the ability to make them globally competitive. Better broadband will allow your business to: start and grow quicker and at less cost have quick and effective interactions with customers establish virtual offices and teams use virtual storage through cloud services get access to online suppliers, partners and business services, often reducing costs.
Who are the broadband providers? Residential broadband infrastructure is mostly provided by Openreach (a BT group business) and Virgin Media. Some areas of Plymouth are covered by both companies, whilst some only have Openreach. Openreach is resold via a range of internet service providers (ISPs) like SKY, Plusnet and Talk Talk. Virgin Media is only sold by Virgin. Don’t think that because the green box at the end of your street says that Superfast broadband has arrived that this actually means you have it. You will need to pay extra to recieve the service.
Openreach’s fibre checker www.homeandwork.openreach.co.uk/when-can-iget-fibre.aspx Virgin Media’s checker www.virginmedia.com/cablemystreet
I don’t understand the lingo but I still want to get the best deal? Visit the beginners guide to broadband. www.thinkbroadband.com/guides/beginnersguide-to-broadband Also by making a few small changes at home you can get more from your existing connection. www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-andinternet/advice-for-consumers/advice/broadbandspeeds
What if I can’t get faster broadband Make sure you have checked the above sites to see if you can access faster broadband. Register your interest with BT, Virgin and new providers like Hyperoptic Encourage your neighbours to register their interest with providers to show demand for faster services Read the UK Government’s guide for how to organise a community-led scheme for better broadband Organise a Community Fibre Partnership – an initiative from BT for communities to invest with BT in upgraded infrastructure Check if you are eligible for help from the Government’s basic broadband scheme (homes and businesses with less than 2Mb per second download) Consider looking at a 3G or 4G router for your home.
www.connectedplymouth.co.uk @connectplymouth