The fastest broadband type is fibre-optic, which is far more efficient and effective with data transfer. Copper-based broadband, or ADSL, uses the phone line, and it limits maximum broadband speed. Most of the fastest ADSL pages offer up to 17Mbps, and the actual average speed would likely be significantly lower due to the effect of external factors, such as location and local web traffic.

If you take a fibre package you could get 300Mbps or more, depending on your choice of provider, although the majority offer a top fibre package with a maximum download speed of around 76Mbps. Fibre-optic broadband technology allows for the maximum broadband speed to be closer to the actual average experienced by a customer. Even some of the cheaper fibre packages can offer maximum download speeds of as much as 38Mbps, and this is still very quick compared to the speeds available with ADSL.

The technology is always moving forward as well, so in the space of the year the fastest speed available could increase. It’s best to compare the fastest packages, as you could find more value in a fibre deal which might not be the quickest available, but does offer you enough to enjoy seamless streaming and rapid downloading at home.

There are also some good deals available on the very fastest packages, so use Broadband Finder to browse the offers and find something ideally suited to your needs.