Broadband that does much more than connect
Broadband Independents’ Day shines a light on the UK’s independent broadband providers – the local full fibre networks delivering better customer experience, better community impact, better connectivity and better choice.
The week long campaign commences on the 4 July 2026.
For years, broadband buyers have been told the same few big brand names are the only real option. They are not. Across the UK, independent broadband providers – or alternative networks (altnets) as they are known – have been investing millions building full fibre networks, winning customers on service and value, and putting the local communities – in which they operate – first. Broadband Independents’ Day is about making that choice more visible and helping households and businesses discover the independent broadband provider right on their doorstep.
To find your local independent broadband provider visit https://www.betterfibre.uk/
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Why choose independent?
There is more choice than ever before
Altnets are now a serious force in the market. Millions of homes and businesses can already access an altnet, and more than 750,000 customers switched to one during 2025. Yet many people still do not realise they have an independent full fibre provider available right where they live or work. Broadband Independents’ Day is here to change that – putting choice back on the table and helping people shop around with confidence.
Why more people are switching
Independent providers are proving they can do more than match the biggest national brands – they are beating them where it matters most. Research for INCA shows 76% of altnet customers say their broadband offers good value for money, compared with 68% of customers of major providers. Altnet customers are also far more likely to say smaller providers care about their customers. When people switch, they are not settling for an alternative. They are choosing a better experience.
Better service. Better value. No big-brand baggage.
Price matters, and so does certainty. In 2025, entry-level altnet full fibre pricing stood at £19, compared with BT at £35 and Sky and TalkTalk at £25. Many independents have also stood out by avoiding the inflation-linked mid-contract rises that have frustrated customers elsewhere. Add to that stronger Trustpilot performance across the independent market, and the message is simple: better broadband does not have to come from a bigger brand.
Connecting communities, not just properties
Independent providers are more than broadband companies. They are community broadband providers. They create local jobs, back local supply chains, bring new skills into towns and villages, invest in future-proof full fibre infrastructure and support local causes. Every new connection helps build stronger local economies and better connected communities. Choosing independent broadband is not just a purchase decision. It is a local investment.
Built for modern life and modern business
From households using telecare, streaming and remote working, to farms, shops, start-ups and larger employers relying on fast, reliable digital infrastructure, full fibre keeps local communities moving and local economies growing. Independent networks are helping families stay connected, learners stay online and businesses develop. They are bringing future-ready connectivity to places that deserve more than a one-size-fits-all offer.
A national campaign with a local outcome
Broadband Independents’ Day is a national celebration of what the independent sector brings to the UK – but its impact is local. It is about helping more people discover the alnet provider in their street, town or business park, and showing that independent broadband is not niche. It is established, credible and growing fast.
Find your local provider
Ready to see who is connecting your community? Visit BetterFibre, enter your postcode and find your local independent full fibre provider today.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Altnets
What is an Altnet broadband provider?
An Altnet is an alternative network provider, a company that builds and operates its own network infrastructure, rather than relying on that the major national providers.
How is an Altnet different from a traditional broadband provider?
Altnets are national and local independent broadband providers that focus on building new full fibre networks across the UK. Many serve geographical areas that have previously been underserved by the major national providers, with limited choice, slower speeds or poor broadband coverage.
Are Altnet broadband providers legitimate?
Yes. Altnets are legitimate broadband providers that are already delivering excellent services to millions of homes and businesses across the UK. Altnets operate within the UK telecoms regulatory framework and must follow rules on consumer protection, service standards and network operation.
Do Altnets offer full fibre broadband?
Yes. Altnets specialise in full fibre broadband, also known as fibre-to-the-premises or FTTP, which delivers fibre directly to your home or business. Altnets are playing a major role in expanding full fibre broadband across the UK to connect towns, cities, rural communities and harder-to-reach areas.
What is INCA and what does it do?
INCA is the Independent Networks Co-operative Association. It represents the UK’s independent broadband network providers and supports the growth of better, faster and more competitive digital infrastructure.
Switching to an Altnet
Why should I consider switching to an Altnet broadband provider?
Independent providers are showing customers that they can offer a better service experience than the national brands. An Altnet can offer faster speeds, better value, improved reliability and a more local service. This matters as it gives residents and businesses a choice in the broadband market.
Are Altnets cheaper than major broadband providers?
Altnets offer very competitive packages, particularly for full fibre broadband. Prices vary by provider and location, so it is worth comparing what is available in your area on the betterfibre.uk website.
Will I need a new router for Altnet broadband?
Usually, yes. Your Altnet provider will normally supply or recommend a router that works with its network and your chosen broadband package.
Is Altnet broadband good for gaming?
Absolutely. Full fibre Altnet broadband offers fast speeds, low latency and a stable connection, all of which are important for a great online gaming experience.
Is Altnet broadband suitable for small businesses?
Altnets are routed in the local and offer excellent business services. Many Altnets offer business broadband packages with fast speeds, reliable connectivity and support designed for small and growing businesses.
Where I live
What broadband providers are available in my area?
Which Broadband providers are available to your home or business depends on your postcode. Use the postcode checker on the betterfibre.uk website to see which networks and packages are available where you live. You can then use this tool to compare speeds, prices, contract lengths and customer service of the providers available in your area.
Why is broadband slower in rural areas?
Rural areas can be more expensive and complex to connect because homes and businesses are often spread further apart geographically. Altnets are helping close this gap by building new networks in rural areas across the UK. Where available, full fibre is usually the best option for faster services in rural areas.
Which broadband companies offer services in rural areas?
Many Altnets are investing in networks that focus specifically on rural and hard-to-reach areas across the country. Availability varies due to the localised approach of these providers, so the best way to check is by entering your postcode into the betterfibre.uk website.
How do I check if full fibre broadband is available where I live?
Whether full fibre broadband is available to your home or business depends on your postcode. Use the postcode checker on the betterfibre.uk website to see which networks and packages are available where you live.