Community Fibre: Is London’s Fastest Broadband Provider Worth It?
Community Fibre has emerged as a prominent broadband provider in London, offering high-speed internet services through its own dedicated full-fibre network. With competitive pricing and impressive speed offerings, it has garnered attention in the crowded UK broadband market.
Pros of Community Fibre
Symmetrical Upload and Download Speeds
Unlike many providers, Community Fibre offers symmetrical speeds, meaning upload and download rates are identical. This feature is particularly beneficial for activities like video conferencing and uploading large files
Competitive Pricing
With plans starting from £19 per month, Community Fibre's pricing is attractive, especially considering the high speeds offered. Additionally, their price lock guarantee ensures rates remain stable until March 2026, providing customers with financial predictability.
Exceptional Speed
Community Fibre provides some of the fastest broadband speeds in London, with packages reaching up to 3 Gbps. This is significantly higher than many competitors, making it ideal for households with heavy internet usage, such as streaming, gaming, or remote working.
No Line Rental
All packages are broadband-only, eliminating the need for a landline and associated rental fees
Reliability
The provider boasts a 99.9% network reliability, ensuring consistent service for its users
Cons of Community Fibre
Recent Service Outages
There have been instances of service disruptions, with a notable outage leaving thousands without internet access. Such events raise concerns about service stability
Mid-Contract Price Increases
While prices are locked until March 2026, contracts starting after this period may experience annual increases of £2. It's essential for customers to review contract terms to understand potential future costs.
Limited Availability
Currently, Community Fibre's services are confined to London. Potential customers outside this area will need to consider alternative providers.
Pricing and Packages
Community Fibre offers a range of packages to cater to different needs:
300 Mbps Fibre
Broadband
Available for £21 per month on a 24-month contract
1 Gbps Fibre
Broadband
Offered at £25 per month on a 24-month contract
3 Gbps Fibre
Broadband
Priced at £56 per month on a 24-month contract
All packages come with no setup costs and include unlimited data.
Comparison with Other Providers
While many providers, such as BT and Virgin Media, offer maximum speeds up to 1 Gbps, Community Fibre's 3 Gbps package surpasses these, providing a significant advantage for users requiring ultra-fast connections
Speed
Pricing
Community Fibre's 1 Gbps package at £25 per month is competitively priced. In contrast, Virgin Media's M500 Fibre Broadband, offering 516 Mbps, is priced at £33 per month on an 18-month contract.
When compared to other UK broadband providers, Community Fibre stands out in several areas:
The price lock guarantee until March 2026 offers stability, whereas other providers may implement mid-contract price increases linked to inflation rates.
Contract Terms
Community Fibre presents a compelling option for London residents seeking high-speed, reliable, and competitively priced broadband services. However, potential customers should weigh the benefits against considerations like service availability and recent outage incidents. As with any service provider, it's advisable to review the most current offerings and terms to ensure they align with individual needs and expectations.