Vodafone is well-known in the UK for its mobile phone network and also offers fixed-line broadband. Its internet plans offer speeds ranging from 35Mbps to gigabit speeds. More than one million people use Vodafone’s fixed-line broadband, with the ISP aiming to offer ultrafast speeds at affordable prices. It also provides Pro and Pro II plans with extra features.
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Quick facts:
- Coverage: Vodafone primarily uses the Openreach network, which covers much of the UK, and CityFibre in certain areas.
- Speed Options: Hybrid fibre connections (FTTC) offer speeds up to 67Mbps, while full fibre delivers as high as 910Mbps.
- Router Technology: Standard plans come with a Vodafone WiFi Hub (WiFi 5 or WiFi 6), and Pro 3 includes a WiFi 7 router.
- Pricing: Vodafone full fibre plans are competitively priced, but mid-contract price rises can increase the total cost .
- Extras: Premium plans add 4G backup, WiFi boosters, and an option for an Apple TV 4K bundle.
Vodafone began as a mobile network in the UK and later expanded into broadband using the Openreach network. It also partners with CityFibre to provide high-speed full fibre in select areas.
Vodafone is popular for its lower-priced fibre broadband packages, often costing less than those from BT or Virgin Media. If you have a Vodafone mobile plan, you can bundle it to receive monthly discounts and perks, such as antivirus protection, or get cheaper mobile SIMs for family members.
Vodafone’s Pro and Pro II plans are pricier but include 4G backup to keep you online if your broadband gets disconnected. These plans also feature WiFi boosters to improve coverage in larger homes.
Vodafone fibre is widely available across the UK. It uses both the Openreach and CityFibre networks, providing many areas with speeds up to 910Mbps or higher.
Speed and Real-World Performance
Vodafone broadband offers following download speeds:
- Fibre 1: 35Mbps (FTTC)
- Fibre 2: 67Mbps (FTTC)
- Full Fibre 80: 82Mbps
- Full Fibre 150: 150Mbps
- Full Fibre 500: 500Mbps
- Full Fibre 910: 910Mbps
- Full Fibre 1.8: 1800Mbps
FTTC speeds can drop if you live far from the cabinet, whereas full fibre speeds remain consistent because the fibre runs into your home.
According to users’ opinions, the 35Mbps Pro II offers enough speed for streaming and most general tasks. It has been found that Vodafone’s Full Fibre 500 can support 20 devices at once without slowdowns. CityFibre-based 910Mbps plans can offer the fastest upload speeds, aiding large file transfers and video calls.
During peak hours, speeds may dip. Vodafone claims its average speed is what half of its users achieve or more at busy times. It has been found that CityFibre areas often experience less congestion. Vodafone promises a ‘minimum guaranteed speed.’ If speeds drop below this for several days and Vodafone cannot fix it, you might be able to leave your contract early.
Upload speeds vary depending on the network. On an Openreach-based full fibre, a 910Mbps package offers just an average upload speed of 105Mbps, whereas on CityFibre, upload and download speeds are equal at 910Mbps
Cost and Contracts
Vodafone fibre broadband plans are competitively priced and often cheaper. For example, a Fibre 2 plan (67Mbps) might cost under £25 a month on a 24-month deal. Most plans have no setup fees, especially if your premises are already connected to the network.
Annual price rises are tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase. From July 2024, the increase will be a flat £3 each year. This arrangement can benefit those on more expensive plans but might increase the cost of cheaper plans.
Vodafone does not freeze prices for the duration of the contract, so you could face a yearly increase on a 24-month plan.
Early exit fees will apply if you leave mid-contract. Extra features, like the Pro II, will cost more. If you are eligible for government benefits, you might qualify for Vodafone’s social tariffs, such as Fibre 1 Essentials at £12 a month. These plans come with one month contract.
Reliability and Customer Service
Many users find Vodafone reliable; for example, one user mentioned experiencing no outages for a full year while working from home. Pro II plans include 4G backup during broadband outages.
Customer service feedback is mixed. A 2023 survey rated Vodafone around 3.67 out of 5. Ofcom reports place Vodafone in the middle of the complaint rankings, with Plusnet topping the survey and Virgin Media reported to receive a high volume of complaints.
If you experience any issues related to connectivity, contacting Vodafone can help. They will send an engineer or replace your router if necessary. Pro II plans come with faster support. Vodafone rarely experiences significant outages, thanks to the stable Openreach and CityFibre networks
Router and Setup
Vodafone provides a WiFi Hub with its broadband plans. Entry-level plans include WiFi 5 (802.11ac) technology, while top-end packages come with WiFi 6 (802.11ax). The Pro II plan includes a WiFi 6E router (Ultra Hub), which adds an extra 6GHz band channel.
Key features:
- Dual-Band Wireless for 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
- Four Gigabit Ethernet Ports for wired connections.
- QR Code Setup for easy WiFi access.
- Beamforming to aim signals at devices.
Setup is usually a DIY task, but if you have full fibre, an engineer may need to install an optical line first. In larger homes with thick walls, you might need boosters or extenders. The Pro II plan includes up to three boosters at no extra cost. Super WiFi, an add-on for standard plans, creates a mesh network to optimize WiFi in not-spots and incurs an additional monthly fee.
There is no setup cost, helping you save money, especially when moving house or switching providers.
Additional Features (Pro II, Xtra, Apple TV, WiFi Guarantees)
Vodafone offers extras for those who want more than basic broadband:
- Pro II Packages
- WiFi 6E Ultra Hub and up to three boosters
- 4G mobile backup if the broadband doesn’t work
- Costs about £10–£15 more per month
- Good for remote workers or anyone who needs connectivity all the time.
- Super WiFi
- An add-on for boosters and a WiFi guarantee
- Costs around £8 per month
- Helps with coverage in big homes
- Xtra Packages with Apple TV 4K
- Add about £14 per month
- Includes an Apple TV 4K box and 24 months of Apple TV+
- Includes anytime calls to UK mobiles and landlines
- You keep the Apple TV box after your contract ends
- WiFi Guarantee
- Available on Pro II or Super WiFi
- Vodafone sends boosters if you cannot get strong WiFi in every room
Check if your home truly needs these extras. If you work from home or want full coverage within home, they may help. Otherwise, the standard package might be enough.
Comparison to Other Providers
Vodafone competes with BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media, Plusnet, and smaller providers. Each differs in price, coverage, and features.
- BT
- Often costs more than Vodafone for similar speeds
- Offers extras like Norton Security and Wi-Fi hotspots
- “Complete WiFi” or “Halo” add-ons cost more
- Sky
- Priced close to or above Vodafone
- Popular for TV bundles
- Charges more for its WiFi Max feature
- Virgin Media
- Has its own cable (DOCSIS) network
- Can deliver very high download speeds but lower uploads
- Promotional offers can be cheap, but some areas have reliability issues
- Plusnet
- Strong reputation for service and lower prices
- Limited in high-speed full fibre options
- Good for FTTC fibre broadband
- TalkTalk
- Often affordable for homes
- Full fibre coverage is good but it has lower service ratings.
Vodafone fibre is cheaper compared to BT or Virgin for high-speed plans. Pro II is pricier but can still be cheaper than BT’s “Halo” add-ons. Virgin Media might be cheaper on some plans, but its cable lines are not capable of faster upload speeds.
Pros and Cons of Vodafone Full Fibre
Pros
- Competitive Pricing: Often cheaper than BT, Sky, or Virgin for the same speed.
- Wide Coverage: Uses Openreach and CityFibre for extensive coverage.
- Flexible Packages: Speeds from 35Mbps up to 910Mbps or higher (1.6Gbps).
- Pro II Reliability: 4G backup, boosters, and WiFi 6E router.
- No Setup Fees: If your home has already access to fibre networks.
- Mobile Bundling: Discounts and perks for Vodafone mobile customers.
Cons
- Annual Price Rises: Costs can go up each year.
- Average Customer Service: Some users have reported experiencing longer wait times for responses to service inquiries or issues, which can be particularly frustrating when urgent help is needed.
- Limited TV Options: Only Apple TV 4K, not a full TV package like Sky.
- Patchy WiFi in Large Homes: Standard plans may need boosters which may cost extra.
- Uneven Upload Speeds: CityFibre areas deliver symmetrical speeds; Openreach areas deliver slower upload speeds.
Coverage and Availability
Vodafone uses Openreach’s infrastructure for most of its connections, covering much of the UK, which allows people to typically access entry-level fibre speeds (35–67Mbps). For faster full fibre (FTTP), Vodafone relies on either Openreach’s or CityFibre’s infrastructure. CityFibre, which is newer, offers symmetrical speeds (where upload is as fast as download) in certain areas, while Openreach-based full fibre often provides slower upload speeds
Main points:
- Fibre Coverage (FTTC): About 98% of homes near a street cabinet.
- Full Fibre Coverage (FTTP): Over two-thirds of homes, and the coverage is increasing.
- CityFibre FTTP : Upload speeds same as downloads, up to 500Mbps or 910Mbps.
- Rural Areas: FTTC is available via Openreach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need a phone line for Vodafone full fibre?
No. Full fibre (FTTP) does not require a copper phone line. Vodafone often includes a line with pay-as-you-go calls, but it is optional. - Can I use my own router with Vodafone?
Yes, but setup is not easy. Vodafone does not offer official help for third-party routers. You must handle VLAN or PPPoE settings on your own. - What if I move house during my contract?
You can move your service if your new address has Vodafone coverage. - How long does installation take?
If your premises already have fibre at your address, you just plug in the router. Otherwise, an engineer will install a line to your home, which can take a few hours. - Is the 4G backup on Pro II worth it?
It helps if you depend on the internet for work or business. If you only browse or stream casually, you may not need it. - Any hidden costs?
Setup is usually free if you have fibre available at your location. Call packages, Pro add-ons, and Apple TV 4K cost extra. Early exit fees apply if you cancel mid-contract. - Does Vodafone offer social tariffs?
Yes. Fibre 1 Essentials at about £12 a month, and Fibre 2 Essentials at about £20, for people on Universal Credit or similar benefits. These are 30-day rolling plans. - How do I know if I’m on CityFibre or Openreach?
Check your postcode for the details. CityFibre plans often have equal upload and download speeds.
Conclusion
VVodafone full fibre broadband provides the perfect combination of ultrafast speeds, extensive coverage, and competitive pricing. Users can access speeds up to 910Mbps or 1.6Gbps, with additional discounts available for existing Vodafone mobile customers.
The Pro II plans are ideal for those who require a robust and reliable connection, offering 4G backup, WiFi boosters, and a WiFi 6E router. However, Vodafone’s main drawbacks are its annual price increases and average customer service.
For most users, entry-level plans like Full Fibre 1 and 2 are adequate for HD streaming, browsing, and home working. Busy homes or heavy internet users might consider upgrading to Pro II for enhanced speeds. Overall, Vodafone offers good value for money. If you’re interested in symmetrical speeds, check if CityFibre is available in your area.