Broadband speed (technically download speed) is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps).
Internet providers used to advertise ‘up to’ broadband speeds but, following a directive from the Advertising Standards Authority that took effect in May 2018, they’re now required to advertise ‘average’ broadband speeds, defined as the download speed 50% of users can achieve during peak hours between 8pm and 10 pm. This is why advertised broadband speeds may be slightly lower than when you last searched for an internet tariff.
Superfast broadband is defined as broadband with speeds exceeding 24 Mbps. Of the types of broadband, only fibre and cable deliver superfast speeds. You’ll need a superfast connection if you’re planning on streaming video content, internet gaming, or video calling and/or if there are multiple internet users in your house. As more users and devices hitch a ride onto your internet connection, the bandwidth available to each of them is reduced, limiting speeds. If you want to comfortably browse the internet while your partner watches Netflix, you’ll need to plump for a superfast connection.