Top Tips To Keep a Great Broadband Connection When Moving Home
Moving house is exciting, but don’t let poor broadband ruin your dream home! In today’s digital world, slow or unreliable internet can quickly turn your perfect property into a frustrating nightmare. Shockingly, estate agents often have little clue about broadband infrastructure, and even streets with fibre connections can have individual houses left out. Worse still, broadband ‘not-spots’ exist all over the UK, leaving some homes with sluggish speeds despite supposedly being in a connected area. Not checking this crucial detail will cost you large amounts of time, money, and mental stress!
Most estate agents won’t have all the answers, but don’t let them off the hook! Insist on finding out:
• What broadband providers are available? – Not all providers cover every house, even on the same street!
• What’s the maximum broadband speed? – You could be stuck with outdated ADSL while your neighbours enjoy ultra-fast fibre.
• Are there restrictions on installing broadband? – Leasehold rules, landlord permissions, and listed building regulations could leave you stranded.
• Where is the broadband termination point? – A badly placed connection could mean expensive rewiring.
• Is there an active broadband contract? – You don’t want to be stuck paying for slow, legacy broadband!
• Who is the local fibre provider, and how is their customer support? – Some providers have awful reliability—make sure you check their reputation!
Never Rely on an Estate Agent – Check for Yourself!
Estate agents may be vague or misinformed—always verify broadband availability yourself! One key provider to investigate is Skyline Networks, known for high-speed fibre in select areas.
Here’s how to check:
• Use Skyline Networks’ postcode checker to see if their service reaches your new address..
• Join local forums and Facebook groups—residents will tell you the truth about speeds and reliability!
• Read customer reviews to see which providers offer genuine speed and good customer service.
• Ask the local council or neighbours about upcoming broadband upgrades—they might be just around the corner!
Spot the Warning Signs During Viewings! Don’t wait until it’s too late!
During your house viewing, look out for these potential broadband red flags:
• Broadband Termination Point (NTE or ONT) – A wall-mounted fibre box is a great sign!
• Router Location & Wiring – A poorly placed router could mean weak signals and costly rewiring.
• Telephone & Coaxial Sockets – Old phone sockets mean slow ADSL, while coaxial cables could indicate Virgin Media availability.
• WiFi Dead Spots – Use a WiFi signal app to detect weak areas, especially in older homes with thick walls. Look out for lined installation, Argas, Fish Tanks, Listed properties with heavy stone walls or lead-lined fireplaces or anything that looks like a blocker.
• Listed properties – for listed properties you may need special permission for any work to be done including wiring installation so make sure to look out for that.
When browsing properties online, don’t just focus on the photos—hunt for broadband clues:
• Broadband Speed Information – Some listings include estimated speeds—check them!
• New Build vs. Older Property? – New builds often, but definitely not always, have fibre pre-installed, while older homes may need costly upgrades.
• Rural vs. Urban Locations – Many rural areas still struggle with terrible broadband despite promising-looking coverage maps.
• Existing Utility Information – Some listings mention current broadband providers—use this as a starting point!
For the unlucky areas still waiting for fibre broadband, hope isn’t entirely lost. Several alternative technologies can help bridge the gap:
• 5G Solutions– Skylink is our 5G bonded service, offered in partnership with LP Security Services. This can be a game-changer for areas where fibre deployment has stalled or been deemed unprofitable.
• Fixed Line Wireless Access – This is Skyline’s own pop network which can connect you, depending on siteline and tree lines, to over 1000Gbps without the need for messy cables or wires.
• Dedicated Fibre Community Fibre Projects – Some determined local communities have taken matters into their own hands, partnering with smaller broadband providers such as Skyline to build their own local fibre networks, sidestepping the major telecom giants altogether.
How Long Will It Take to Get Connected?
Broadband installation times vary, and you don’t want to be left waiting!
Here’s what to expect:
• 5G Broadband – Up and running in just 1 week (if there’s coverage and a compatible router).
• Fibre Broadband (FTTC/FTTP) – Usually takes around 3 weeks, but delays are common if engineer visits are required.
• Dedicated Business Connections (Leased Line) – Can take 5 weeks or more due to extensive infrastructure work.
Final Warning: Check NOW or Regret It Later!
Don't Turn You House Move into a Money Pit
Don’t make the mistake of assuming your new home will have decent broadband—double-check everything before you sign! A fast, reliable internet connection isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s an essential for work, streaming, gaming, and everyday life.
Do your research before you commit—because once you move in, it’s too late! Avoid the nightmare of a digital dead zone and secure a home with broadband that won’t let you down!