With Openreach providers you could receive speeds up to in Midlothian.
With Virgin Media broadband you could receive speeds up to .
In Midlothian, you will see broadband providers offering connections.
The fastest deal available is , meaning the fastest broadband speed in Midlothian is .
A postcode more likely to represent the average speeds for Midlothian is EH37 5QH which has broadband packages with speeds up to .
Now you know more about broadband in Midlothian you can check if your connection is up to scratch by running a speed test.
Use our fast and accurate speed test to check what speeds you're getting in Midlothian.
It's possible the speed test will display results which differ from the advertised speed of your broadband package.
Many factors come into play when looking at speed test readings including: peak time usage, provider issues, router issues, computer viruses and property location.
Broadband providers are obliged to advertise their average speeds which at least 50% of their customers receive. Unfortunately, if you're receiving speeds below the advertised, it's likely that your property is only capable of receiving below average speeds.
Here's what these speeds would look like to download a two-hour movie in HD.
Now you know the speeds you're getting and the speeds you need, you can check out our best broadband deals in Midlothian.
Broadband deals are location-dependent and not every fast deal you find online will be available where you live. Broadband in Midlothian is no exception so it's key to use a broadband search tool that is able to find broadband providers and deals at an address-level accuracy.
Our comparison tool has found the best deals for broadband in Midlothian.
of the most popular broadband providers are available in Midlothian EH19 3LA.
Also available in Midlothian are .
Now you've got all the information you could ever need to know about broadband in Midlothian, we've compiled some helpful information to help you understand your Midlothian based broadband better.
Technology Breakdown
ADSL (Standard)
A popular variety of broadband that uses your pre-existing phone line. Nothing more than a phone line is needed to set up an ADSL connection. This form of connection is practical and common throughout the UK however rural households may encounter limitations. ADSL broadband is the least expensive option which will likely be reflected in connection speed.
Fibre (FTTC or FTTP)
Fibre optic connections are developed to be extremely fast and stable. This is commonly the preferred choice for busy homes with lots of connected devices that need fibre speeds. Like ADSL, fibre optic connections are available across the nation but rural households might experience issues. The two types of fibre broadband packages are known as fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and fibre to the premises (FTTP).
Unlimited
Exactly as it sounds - unlimited broadband connections have no cap on the amount of data you can use.
An unlimited broadband package ensures that you can never use too much data but will cost more as a result.
Cable
While fibre broadband is offered by several ISPs to provide superfast and ultrafast broadband speeds, cable broadband is something specific to key providers such as Virgin Media broadband who operate on their own network.
Satellite
Regularly chosen as an alternative to ADSL or cable for rural properties. Unsurprisingly, you'll need a physical satellite dish in place in order to have a satellite broadband connection. The expense of satellite internet tends to be greater than fixed line broadband.
Advertised vs Real World Speeds
The way in which broadband speeds are advertised changed significantly in May 2018. Thanks to the Advertising Standards Authority, broadband providers must now promote their 'average' speed instead of their 'up to' speed.
In simpler terms, your speed is now more likely to match or maybe surpass the advertised broadband speed than it was a few years ago. In order to be regarded as 'average', more than 50% of users must receive these speeds between peak usage hours (8 pm to 10 pm).
Broadband providers can also still market their top speeds along with their average speeds. However, bear in mind that these speeds are unlikely to match the speed you would receive if you sign up for that particular package or provider. Top speeds are just available to a select few.
There is no assurance that you will get the advertised average speed so it is well worth checking what the minimum speed provisions are.
If, for whatever reason, your speeds do not stack up to this minimum speed, you may be eligible for money back or a cost-free cancellation. Ensure to review contracts with care. This will give you the best indication of what your broadband speed is most likely to be and will provide details on your minimum expectations.
Broadband Glossary
The world of broadband can be overwhelming sometimes so we've created an useful glossary of commonly used terms that you may encounter when browsing for a broadband package.
4G
The 4th generation of mobile tech offering enhanced mobile connections speeds on its predecessor 3G. 4G mobile broadband deals are available in most major towns and cities with pay monthly or pay as you go options.
5G
The most up-to-date version of mobile tech presently available. Once again, faster than its previous version (4G) and with pay month-to-month or pay as you go options. 5G mobile broadband deals were first launched in the UK in 2019.
Bandwidth
The capacity of a broadband connection. Things that utilise a lot of bandwidth are using a lot of your broadband data transfer capacity. This, in turn, can slow down other activities that require the use of your broadband connection.
Byte, KB, MB, GB
A byte is a unit of data. KB stands for 'kilobyte' which is equal to 1000 bytes. MB stands for 'megabyte' which is equivalent to 1000 KB. GB stands for 'gigabyte' which is equal to 1000 MB.
Broadband
A high-speed internet connection. What makes it 'high-speed' varies from country to country.
Capping
A cap imposed by a broadband provider. Used to either refer to a data limit or when discussing throttling. Exceeding your cap can result in added fees.
Dial-up Internet
An internet connection that uses a modem. Mainly only used outside the UK as broadband has made this technology dated. Connection speeds are substantially slower with dial-up internet.
Download Speed
The speed at which your internet connection is able to receive data. This figure is heavily promoted by internet service providers on their broadband deals. This speed will be displayed in one of three ways - kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), or gigabits per second (Gbps).
Ethernet
A wired connection supported by household broadband routers. Ethernet cables are often yellow and are believed to be more reliable than a Wi-Fi connection. They have fast connection speeds and are commonly the connection of choice for online gamers.
FUP
Fair use policy. A data cap put in place by the broadband provider. Not all packages will have one and those that do have to make their limits clear thanks to Advertising Standards Authority regulations.
Fibre Optic Broadband
A data transferal method using pulses of light transmitted across plastic/glass cables. Ultrafast fibre broadband is slowly becoming the dominant kind of connection in the UK as outdated copper wiring is replaced. Fibre optic broadband speeds vary depending on kind of connection with fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) being slower than fibre to the premises (FTTP).
File Sharing
A way of distributing files such as images, music, videos, and software. Can be carried out peer-to-peer (P2P) or via a network. Often associated with piracy but not fundamentally illegitimate.
Fixed Line Broadband
Internet provided through a physical link like fibre optic cables or ADSL. Often used to distinguish between fixed line broadband and wireless mobile broadband or satellite internet.
IP Address
Internet protocol address. A sequence of digits that helps determine the location of a connected internet device. Household broadband connections typically have a dynamic IP address that can change, whereas companies frequently use static IP addresses designated to them.
ISP
Your internet service provider (ISP) is the organisation that provides you with your internet connection. This is not always the same company that runs existing infrastructure. Here are eight of the biggest ISPs in the UK: BT, Sky, Virgin Media, Now, Plusnet, Vodafone, John Lewis Broadband and TalkTalk.
LAN
Local area network. A network that covers a small location like a house or building. LANs tend to use network cables or Wi-Fi.
Landline
A telephone line that comes into your home. Typically required to get broadband however alternatives such as mobile broadband and satellite internet are in some cases available.
Latency
The reaction speed of a network connection. In other words, the time taken to send out data and get a reply. Slow latency results in 'lag' which is an issue in online gaming. This issue usually occurs when using a satellite connection.
Malware
Amalgamation of the words 'malicious software'. A term for applications which cause harm to a device included viruses, adware, trojans, and spyware.
Mobile Broadband
Internet access acquired through mobile network signals instead of fixed lines.
Modem
Modulator-demodulator. A device that assists communication from computer to computer. Data is transformed into transmissible forms and converted back at the receiving end.
Network
Several computers connected to one another in order to facilitate data sharing.
Peak Time
In regards to broadband, peak time describes the busiest time frame of internet use. This generally falls in between the hours of 5 pm and 11 pm, specifically 8 pm to 10 pm. Definitions of peak time can vary slightly.
Router
Also commonly described as a 'hub'. A device frequently responsible for allowing successful internet connections within a home. Routers direct the traffic on a given network.
Streaming
Accessing and viewing visual or audio media without saving any files on your device. Streaming provides quick and responsive access without the requirement to download. However, this needs a minimum connection speed to access the media.
Superfast
A 'superfast' broadband connection must be over 24Mb+ according to EU definition. As a result, this does not consist of ADSL connections or any mobile tech prior to 4G. Fibre optic, cable broadband, satellite internet, and mobile tech after 4G is likely to be considered superfast.
Throttling
The term used when broadband providers intentionally slow down an internet connection. This is most likely to occur throughout peak times for customers who have surpassed their usage cap.
Traffic
The term used for a busy network where a lot of data is being transferred. When networks are at their busiest (peak time), traffic management may be used to prioritise bandwidth use.
Ultrafast
Very fast broadband defined by Ofcom as a connection speed of 300Mb or greater.
Upload Speed
The speed at which your computer sends data using your broadband connection. Upload speeds are significantly lower than download speeds.
VPN
Virtual private network. A service that uses encryption to shield your activity from hackers. VPNs also have the extra advantage of covering your online identity and hiding your IP address. VPNs are recommended when using insecure networks such as public access networks.
Wi-Fi
The term used for connecting devices using radio waves. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are normally available in places like hotels, restaurants, and airports.
FAQs
How can I check the broadband speed in my area? ›
A great way to quickly find out what broadband speed is available to you is by using the Uswitch broadband speed test. Not only will this measure the current internet speed you're getting, but it will then run a broadband availability check to see what speeds you can get at your postcode.
What is a good enough broadband speed? ›What is a good broadband download speed Mbps? A download speed of at least 25Mbps is considered good for most internet activities, however we recommend having at least 40Mbps if you have multiple users in the house. For those who like to stream in Ultra HD, we'd recommend a speedier connection.
What is broadband standard speed? ›Basic Service = 3 to 8 Mbps. Medium Service = 12 to 25 Mbps. Advanced Service = More than 25 Mbps. Mbps (Megabits per second) is the standard measure of broadband speed.
What is the minimum speed to be considered broadband? ›Under the current definition, set by the Federal Communications Commission in 2015, internet service counts as “broadband” if it delivers download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second (or Mbps) and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps.
Why is broadband so slow in my area? ›Your ISP is also susceptible to network congestion. It's a similar situation to traffic on your home network but on a larger scale. If the congestion gets particularly bad, your internet provider may throttle internet speeds in your area to reduce traffic for the network.
How can I check broadband speed in a house I want to buy? ›Checking Broadband Speeds
You can use the broadband speed check service to check availability and find out the maximum download and upload speeds availability for a specific property by entering the address. Alternatively, you can run a speed test to check the performance of your current connection.
An internet speed of 100 Mbps is fast—but it's not extremely fast. It's just above average for most internet users. While 100 Mbps is enough to stream, game, and Zoom with ease, some users don't need internet that fast, while others need something much faster.
Do I need broadband if I have Wi-Fi? ›Wifi is great if you want to connect multiple devices simultaneously, without the use of wires. But, it requires a broadband connection to do anything besides sharing data between devices. Connection to the internet requires an ISP-provided broadband.
What affects broadband speed? ›There are a number of factors which can affect the speed of your broadband connection. The distance your home is from the telephone exchange, the time of day you go online and the number of people in your home using the internet at the same time, can all play a part in slowing down your connection.
Is 30 a good broadband speed? ›30 Mbps supports one or two more devices than 25 Mbps, but it's still on the lighter side when it comes to bandwidth. And though your network speed can get bogged down during peak internet usage hours, a 30 Mbps satellite internet speed adequately sustains your connection with minimal buffering.
What broadband speed do I need for Netflix? ›
To watch Netflix in Full HD, you need:
A connection speed of at least 5 megabits per second.
- Restart your computer. ...
- Close unnecessary apps and programs. ...
- Disconnect other devices. ...
- Download one file at a time. ...
- Scan for viruses. ...
- Update drivers and firmware. ...
- Clear cookies.
Try and place your Hub close to where you'll use the internet most. Obstacles like walls, doors and wardrobes can make a huge difference to wi-fi speed. Follow our tips to Improve your wi-fi with BT. Turn off wi-fi on your device (or put it in aeroplane mode for a few seconds), then switch it back on.
How can I increase my Wi-Fi broadband speed? ›For the best signal, put the wireless router out in the open on the main floor of your house, away from walls and obstructions. Ideally, you'll want to position it off the floor, above the furniture. Keep it away from other electronics that might cause interference, like microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones.
How many Mbps broadband do I need? ›A good broadband speed for streaming is at least 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps) for TV services such as BBC iPlayer for standard streaming, or 2.8Mbps for HD quality. For Netflix, the minimum speed required is about 3Mbps for standard streaming and 5Mbps for HD.
Which internet broadband is best? ›- Airtel Xstream Fibre. When it comes to getting an internet connection for your family, your kids, or even your job, Airtel Xstream Fiber provides a large variety of plans to choose from. ...
- Reliance Jio Fiber. ...
- Excitel Broadband. ...
- BSNL Bharat Fiber. ...
- ACT Broadband.
100 Mbps—Good for 4–6 people and up to 10 devices. Most families would be amply covered with a 100 Mbps internet connection. 200–500 Mbps—Good for large families with several connected devices where everyone wants to watch a different movie or show at the same time.
How many devices can 300Mbps support? ›A download speed of 300Mbps allows you to stream ultra-HD video on 12 devices at the same time, or download a HD movie in 2 minutes. If you're using a broadband internet connection with download speeds of 300Mbps, you can comfortably stream ultra-HD quality video on up to 12 devices at the same time.
Is 100 Mbps fast enough for Netflix? ›For most folks working from home, a cable internet plan with at least 100 Mbps download speeds will be good enough to get work done and stream Netflix at the same time (we won't judge you).
Which is better broadband or Wi-Fi? ›Broadband connections are far more secure and consistent than Wi-Fi connections. 4. Plus, you can always connect it to a Wi-Fi router to enjoy high-speed wireless internet connectivity on your mobile and computer devices at the same time.
Is broadband speed same as Wi-Fi? ›
Your WiFi network speed is not the same as your Internet speed. Your WiFi network is your wireless connection to your router, which then connects to your modem and the Internet. If your WiFi speed is slower than your Internet speed, then your wireless devices will not receive your full Internet speed.
What is the difference between internet and broadband? ›In a nutshell…
The internet is a huge network of websites and information that spans the entire world. Broadband allows you to access all of this information from your own home via a router. An ethernet cable can be used to connect your computer to your router, giving you fast internet access.
Do routers affect internet speed? Routers can affect internet speed and are responsible for processing and managing every device on your home network. A quality, new router can help maximize your internet speed, while an older one can slow down your connection.
What slows down Wi-Fi the most? ›Here are some of the most common reasons for slow WiFi: The router isn't able to transmit the wireless signal sufficiently far away. There are too many clients connecting to the internet at the same time, and the router doesn't have enough capacity for all of them.
What is killing my Wi-Fi speed? ›Common household objects, from floors, doors and walls to microwaves, mirrors, and baby monitors all can potentially interfere with your signal. Sometimes, neighboring WiFi networks can cause interference, as well.
Is broadband a Wi-Fi? ›Wi-Fi is the radio signal sent from a wireless router to a nearby device, which translates the signal into data you can see and use. The cable that comes into your home and is plugged into a wireless router is called broadband. WiFi is when this internet is then transfer from your router into the air wirelessly.
What is the minimum internet speed for smart TV? ›To browse the web on your smart TV, you'll need a minimum of 2Mbps and 5Mbps or more for quicker loading times. To download music this speed will need to increase to speeds of 10Mbps or higher so that you won't be waiting an excessive amount of time for albums to download and playback.
Does broadband speed matter? ›Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer require broadband speeds of 1.5Mbps and above for SD streaming, and 2.8Mbps and above for HD streaming. However, this is just for one device — if you live with other people or run multiple devices at the same time, your household's usage will quickly add up.
Which Internet connection is best for smart TV? ›Having a connection of 100 mbps or more is usually the best for watching TV without any interruptions. A lower speed, such as 50 mbps is also good enough.
Can I check my broadband speed on my phone? ›Speedtest® Apps for Mobile
Discover the speed of your mobile connection with easy, one-tap testing—accurate anywhere thanks to our global network. Our free Speedtest apps are available for both Android and iOS.
How do I increase internet speed? ›
- Turn things off and on again. ...
- Move your router to a better location. ...
- Switch your Wi-Fi frequency band. ...
- Adjust your router's antennas. ...
- Extend your Wi-Fi network. ...
- Prune unnecessary connections. ...
- Change your Wi-Fi frequency channel. ...
- Upgrade to faster internet.
Average 4G download speeds are likely to be between 8 and 10 megabits a second (Mbit/s), with possible instances of up to 40 Mbit/s. Typical upload speeds are between 5-6Mbit/s, with possible instances of up to 15Mbit/s.
How do I check my Wi-Fi speed for free? ›- Fast.com.
- Ookla Speedtest.
- AT&T Highspeed Internet Speed Test.
- SpeedSmart.
- Internet Health Test.