Latest news with #WiFiMax
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Sky dishes out quicker broadband speeds - is it worth the price?
Sky has dropped a new 2.5Gbps plan Brits are set to experience lightning-fast internet as Sky Broadband announces it's boosting speeds up to 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps, a significant leap from the previous 1Gbps (1000Mbps) service. These ultra-fast speeds mean you can download hefty files in seconds, sync your entire music library instantly, and stream in the highest quality across several devices without any lag. Sky Broadband's new offerings are certainly impressive, but they come with a hefty price tag, costing £70 a month for the 2.5Gbps service and £80 a month for the 5Gbps service. The more affordable Sky Full Fibre Gigabit service, which delivers 900Mbps, is almost half the cost at £38 a month, although it doesn't include Sky's WiFi Max, which is part of the package with the new Gigafast+ services. Included with Sky's Gigafast+ service is the latest router, the Gigafast+ hub, which utilises WiFi 7 technology to ensure a super-fast connection for all your devices. This is bolstered by Sky's WiFi Max service, typically an additional £4 a month, reports the Express. Sky adds much quicker broadband speeds £70 Sky Buy Here Product Description Opting for Sky's less expensive Gigafast service and adding WiFi Max still saves you £38 a month compared to the premium package. Sky stands out as the first "mainstream" provider to offer these blistering speeds, setting a benchmark that competitors like BT or Virgin Media have yet to match. Although there are more economical 1Gbps options available, Sky's pricing for the higher speeds seems reasonable in comparison. Here are the top broadband deals being offered by Sky's competitors on gigabit and faster services:. Comparing these prices, Sky Broadband's £70 a month appears to be a competitive rate, but also consider that the recent Virgin Media-O2 merger has resulted in the Mega Volt bundle, which is £79.99 a month, but provides you with 1130Mbps broadband, a substantial TV package, and an unlimited O2 SIM. These aren't your only options: Community Fibre offers a 5Gbps for £59 a month, though you'll need to verify if your area is covered, while Hyperoptic offers 1Gbps broadband for £37 a month and there are other providers as well. The crucial factor is that you're selecting a broadband deal that not only suits your budget, but also meets your needs. If you simply have poor WiFi in your home, then acquiring a mesh router might resolve that issue, rather than pursuing faster speeds. However, if you're a video editor working from home with large files being transferred online, then it might be that 5Gbps provides you with the connectivity you require. As always with broadband, check the price increases and the length of the contract too, so you have an understanding of the long-term costs. Sky Broadband's new service is made possible thanks to full fibre connections to the home supplied by CityFibre. You can check if you can get the service on Sky's website, but what you do once you have that connection is important too. Within your home, the router you utilise is crucial, which is why Sky's new Gigafast+ services are paired with the fresh Gigafast+ hub. The enhanced WiFi 7 connectivity allows a greater number of devices to connect at swifter speeds, preventing any bottleneck. However, to fully benefit from that WiFi, your gadgets must be WiFi 7 compatible as well, otherwise they will default to the slower WiFi standard they support. WiFi 7 is only supported on the latest devices, such as the iPhone 16, the iPhone 15 doesn't have it. It's worth keeping this in mind because while cutting-edge technology may seem attractive, this is about future-proofing and ensuring the provision of high-speed connectivity moving forward. Currently, if you're seeking the best gigabit broadband deal, then choosing the Virgin Media or Plusnet deals is a more cost-effective option.
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Sky beats Virgin Media and BT as it rolls out UK's 'fastest' fibre broadband
Sky has unveiled its new Gigafast+ fibre broadband packages that can deliver internet speeds of up to 5Gbps, which it says is faster than any other major provider - but is that true? Sky says it is now the UK's 'fastest major broadband provider' as it rolls out a significant upgrade to its network. On Tuesday (July 15), Sky introduced its new Gigafast+ fibre broadband packages, capable of delivering internet speeds up to 5Gbps. In contrast, a conventional copper wire connection can only achieve speeds up to 80Mbps, while Virgin Media 's fastest broadband speeds offer roughly 1.1Gbps. Sky's new ultra-fast speeds are available on two packages, with 2.5Gbps Full Fibre Gigafast+ priced at £70 per month. Customers can double those speeds to 5Gbps Full Fibre Gigafast+ for an additional £10, costing £80 in total. These lightning-fast connections are delivered by Sky's new Gigafast+ hub, touted as its 'most advanced' router. The device utilises WiFi 7 technology, which delivers speeds twice as fast as WiFi 6, making it perfect for remote working, 4K streaming or gaming. Sky Gigafast+ is powered by Sky's collaboration with CityFibre, using the latter's full fibre network to deliver speeds to 4.5 million premises across the UK. However, there's a catch – these speeds aren't available for everyone, with only those on the CityFibre network currently able to benefit. Customers can check their eligibility by entering their postcode on the Sky website, reports the Mirror. Those eligible for the enhanced speeds also get Sky's WiFi Max add-on at no extra cost. Typically costing £4 per month, this service promises WiFi access throughout the home or money back, alongside advanced security features, parental controls, device priority, convenient engineer visits and backup Sky Mobile data for unplanned outages. New customers can also claim up to £100 towards switching fees if charged by their existing provider, with the One Touch Switch service meaning Sky handles the changeover on the customer's behalf. Announcing the new Gigafast+ packages, Sophia Ahmad, Chief Consumer Officer at Sky, said: "We're proud to be setting a new standard in UK broadband. "With speeds up to 5Gbps, our new Full Fibre Gigafast+ packages make Sky the UK's fastest major broadband provider. Combined with our existing full fibre range, we're offering more choice than ever before. Powered by cutting-edge WiFi 7 technology, these plans deliver smarter, faster, and more reliable connectivity to homes across the country." Whilst the exceptional speeds of Sky Gigafast+ are impressive, they arrive with quite a price tag. Those seeking a more budget-friendly connection may wish to consider Virgin's Gig1 Fibre Broadband (£34.99) or BT's Full Fibre 900 (£38.99), both of which can download a feature-length film in seconds. As Sky's Gigafast+ is a new product, it has yet to receive any reviews, but customers have been sharing their overall experiences with the provider on Trustpilot. One five-star review says: "I have been with Sky for over 11 years. "I have never had any problems with the broadband, amazing speed they always give me amazing deals, never gone down and never had to have an engineer come out. Would highly recommend." Another said: "I have just had Sky broadband updated from wire to FTTP. It was straightforward to order. I was kept fully informed. "The engineers arrived when they said they would and were very obliging in putting the new cable exactly where I wanted it. The result is a much faster and more reliable internet connection." Another customer shared a less positive experience, saying: "Sky provided generally acceptable broadband service for years. Their customer service staff are also typically useful, personable and clearly try their best. However, they were extremely slow at making fixes or solutions actually happen." While another happy customer said: "I am so made up with the outstanding service I have received, clear instructions and advice, outstanding manner, knowledge and excellent customer service skills. I am happy with Sky as my broadband provider. "Arranged an engineer quickly and efficiently and was detailed in asking questions and whilst waiting on a reply, was informative and friendly."
The Sun
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sky reveals huge Wi-Fi speed boost for routers – how to unlock free upgrade instantly
A HUGE free Wi-fi upgrade for Sky customers has just been revealed with users encouraged to check their routers now. The upgrade will ensure that the most used gadgets get the best connection speeds. 3 Called Device Priority, the upgrade will see certain devices receive boosted download speeds. With the new upgrade the most used devices in a household can be given priority over the less popular tech. Certain phones, laptops and tablets will see improved performance after the free upgrade. Sky explained to The Express: "Whether it's wearable tech, home appliances, working from home, 4K streaming or gaming, by prioritising household devices, people can get the most out of their WiFi. "Other devices will stay active, but the prioritised device will get the best performance." Sky have confirmed that those with the firm's Wi-Fi Max service will get Device Priority from today at no extra cost. The relevant settings can be found in the MySky App, switching them on will allow customers to prioritise a device in the home for up to 8 hours. Customers will be able to use their settings to give the best download speeds to specific devices. Laptops used for work, consoles used for gaming or TVs used for streaming can be given priority connections. The move comes as Sky says people now have more devices connected to home Wi-Fi than ever. Each device jostles for the best internet connection with routers trying to share priority equally. The majority of home devices require huge amounts of data to operate. Having too many trying to connect and download at once can slow down the whole home network. Prioritising certain devices will allow customers to reduce clashes between devices. Wi-Fi Max is a broadband add on service that can be purchased on top of your original Sky package. The add on offers a range of new features including the Device Priority settings. The cost of the add on can vary between £5 and £7.50 depending on broadband packages and available deals. A monthly charge for Sky Wi-Fi Max will be added to your existing broadband bill if you choose to purchase the add on. What are Sky's early termination fees? SKY TV customers will incur an early termination fee if they choose to cancel their contract before the end of the agreed minimum term. The amount you're charged depends on: How long is left of your minimum term from the date your subscriptions end, calculated in days The days you have already been billed for in advance The products you subscribe to, the price you pay for them and when your subscriptions end For Sky TV, early termination charges range from £14.00 to £42.89 per month, depending on the specific package. For instance, if you cancel a standard Sky TV package priced at £33.82 per month with 12 months remaining on a 24-month contract, you would be required to pay the remaining 12 months' fees in one lump sum. This would result in a total early termination fee of £405.84.
Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Sky offers UK homes free broadband upgrade - check your Wi-Fi router today
Anyone who uses Sky for internet access might want to check out this useful new feature that's just been announced by the Internet Service Provider (ISP). Sky has just confirmed it's bringing an upgrade called Device Priority to UK homes, which gives customers more control over the speeds each of their devices receives. For example, imagine you are about to join a vital Zoom call with your boss but your kids are home and also downloading endless Xbox games. With Device Priority, you can pump the very best speeds to your laptop whilst still leaving just enough juice for the console to keep working. As Sky explains: "Whether it's wearable tech, home appliances, working from home, 4K streaming or gaming, by prioritising household devices, people can get the most out of their WiFi," Sky explained in an email sent to "Other devices will stay active, but the prioritised device will get the best performance." This is actually a pretty decent update, especially with homes getting more and more connected devices installed. Sky's latest research reckons we now have around 21 gadgets that require the web - that can make things extremely congested. With a broadband fast lane opened via Device Priority, it should end clashes and inevitable arguments. So, which Sky broadband users get this boost, and how can it be activated? Sky says Device Priority is available to anyone who has signed up for its WiFi Max service with the update available at no extra cost. If you have WiFi Max, you'll find the settings in the MySky App. Once switched on the you will be able to prioritise a device in your home for up to 8 hours. This latest addition to Sky Broadband's WiFi Max now joins other features of this service including our Sky's WiFi guarantee, advanced security, parental controls, convenient engineer visits, Sky Mobile integration. Don't have this bonus? It can be added for £4 per month.
Daily Record
30-05-2025
- Daily Record
Sky giving free WiFi upgrade that will boost connection for millions of homes
It will ensure the most important gadgets in your home get the best download speeds If you're a Sky Broadband customer, you might be in for a treat when it comes to your internet connection. The UK Internet Service Provider (ISP) has announced a handy upgrade that will ensure your most-used devices get the fastest download speeds. The new feature, called Device Priority, does exactly what it claims: it prioritises certain phones, laptops, and tablets over other devices. In practical terms, this means that if you're on an important video call with the office, you can set your laptop to receive the best connection. So, even if the kids start downloading games on their PlayStation consoles, your video call won't start stuttering. "Whether it's wearable tech, home appliances, working from home, 4K streaming or gaming, by prioritising household devices, people can get the most out of their WiFi," Sky explained in an email to the Express. "Other devices will stay active, but the prioritised device will get the best performance." This upgrade is particularly useful, as Sky notes that people are now using more connected devices than ever at home, with the UK average standing at 21 smart devices per household. Many of these devices require large amounts of data to function optimally, and this system should help reduce conflicts and potentially even prevent a few arguments. So, who's eligible for this boost, and how can you activate it? It has been announced that customers with Sky's WiFi Max service can utilise Device Priority from today at no additional charge. If you're a WiFi Max user, you'll locate the settings in the MySky App. Once activated, you will have the ability to prioritise a device in your home for up to 8 hours. This new feature of Sky Broadband's WiFi Max joins other aspects of this service such as Sky's WiFi guarantee, advanced security, parental controls, convenient engineer visits, and Sky Mobile integration. Not got this perk? It can be added for a monthly fee of £4. Sky isn't only a major broadband and TV provider, it also stocks a wide array of tech gadgets, with many of these deals including free gifts for customers. Right now, Sky is giving a free Samsung tablet to people who do one thing. The UK mobile network is gifting customers a feature-rich Galaxy Tab A9+, valued at £259, absolutely free. You might be pondering what the catch is. Obviously, Sky isn't just handing out these devices without expecting something in return. To claim, all you need to do is purchase a Galaxy S25 smartphone on contract, and you'll receive the Tab A9+ as a bonus. Sky Mobile prices for this top-tier phone start from a mere £36 per month, which includes unlimited calls, texts and 3GB of data. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
