Leeds

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Internet and Mobile Providers

Basics on choosing and setting up internet and mobile phone services in Leeds.

Sections

Internet Providers in Leeds

Leeds, being a major city in the UK, has a wide range of internet service providers (ISPs) offering broadband services. Hereโ€™s a breakdown of the key providers, their pricing plans, contract options, and setup procedures:

1. BT (British Telecom)

  • Services Offered: Fibre broadband, standard broadband, and TV bundles.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • Standard Broadband: Starts at ยฃ28/month for 36 Mbps.
    • Fibre Essential: ยฃ30/month for 50 Mbps.
    • Fibre 2: ยฃ35/month for 74 Mbps.
    • Full Fibre 100: ยฃ39.99/month for 100 Mbps.
  • Contract Options: Typically 24-month contracts.
  • Setup Costs: Free setup for most plans, but some may charge a one-time fee of around ยฃ9.99.
  • Local Considerations: BT has extensive coverage in Leeds, including rural areas. They also offer a reliable customer service network.

2. Virgin Media

  • Services Offered: High-speed fibre broadband, TV, and phone bundles.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • M125 Fibre: ยฃ26/month for 132 Mbps.
    • M250 Fibre: ยฃ30/month for 264 Mbps.
    • M500 Fibre: ยฃ38/month for 516 Mbps.
  • Contract Options: 18-month contracts are standard.
  • Setup Costs: Free for most plans, but some may charge a ยฃ35 activation fee.
  • Local Considerations: Virgin Media is known for its ultra-fast speeds, but coverage may vary in some parts of Leeds. Check availability for your postcode.

3. Sky Broadband

  • Services Offered: Fibre broadband and TV bundles.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • Superfast Broadband: ยฃ28/month for 59 Mbps.
    • Ultrafast Broadband: ยฃ35/month for 145 Mbps.
  • Contract Options: 18-month contracts.
  • Setup Costs: Free setup for most plans.
  • Local Considerations: Sky offers competitive TV and broadband bundles, making it a good choice for entertainment lovers.

4. TalkTalk

  • Services Offered: Fibre broadband and phone services.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • Fibre 35: ยฃ23/month for 38 Mbps.
    • Fibre 65: ยฃ26/month for 67 Mbps.
    • Fibre 150: ยฃ32/month for 145 Mbps.
  • Contract Options: 18-month contracts.
  • Setup Costs: Free setup for most plans.
  • Local Considerations: TalkTalk is one of the more affordable options, but customer service reviews are mixed.

5. Hyperoptic

  • Services Offered: Full fibre broadband.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • 50 Mbps: ยฃ20/month.
    • 150 Mbps: ยฃ25/month.
    • 500 Mbps: ยฃ35/month.
    • 1 Gbps: ยฃ40/month.
  • Contract Options: Flexible options, including 12-month contracts or rolling monthly plans.
  • Setup Costs: Free setup.
  • Local Considerations: Hyperoptic is ideal for apartment buildings and new developments in Leeds, as they specialize in high-speed fibre connections.

6. Plusnet

  • Services Offered: Fibre and standard broadband.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • Unlimited Fibre: ยฃ24.99/month for 36 Mbps.
    • Unlimited Fibre Extra: ยฃ27.99/month for 66 Mbps.
  • Contract Options: 18-month contracts.
  • Setup Costs: Free setup.
  • Local Considerations: Plusnet is based in Yorkshire, so itโ€™s a popular choice for locals. Theyโ€™re known for excellent customer service.

Mobile Providers in Leeds

Leeds has excellent mobile network coverage, with all major UK providers offering services in the city. Hereโ€™s a breakdown of the main providers, their pricing plans, and options:

1. EE

  • Network Strength: Excellent 4G and 5G coverage in Leeds.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • SIM-only: Starts at ยฃ14/month for 5GB data.
    • Pay Monthly: From ยฃ23/month for 10GB data with a handset.
    • Pay-As-You-Go: ยฃ10 for 5GB data, 250 minutes, and unlimited texts.
  • Local Considerations: EE offers the fastest 5G speeds in Leeds, making it ideal for heavy data users.

2. Vodafone

  • Network Strength: Strong 4G and growing 5G coverage in Leeds.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • SIM-only: Starts at ยฃ10/month for 5GB data.
    • Pay Monthly: From ยฃ20/month for 6GB data with a handset.
    • Pay-As-You-Go: ยฃ10 for 7GB data, unlimited minutes, and texts.
  • Local Considerations: Vodafone offers good international roaming options, which is useful for frequent travelers.

3. O2

  • Network Strength: Reliable 4G and expanding 5G coverage in Leeds.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • SIM-only: Starts at ยฃ10/month for 5GB data.
    • Pay Monthly: From ยฃ20/month for 6GB data with a handset.
    • Pay-As-You-Go: ยฃ10 for 7GB data, unlimited minutes, and texts.
  • Local Considerations: O2 has perks like free access to O2 Wi-Fi hotspots around Leeds.

4. Three

  • Network Strength: Good 4G and 5G coverage in Leeds.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • SIM-only: Starts at ยฃ10/month for unlimited data.
    • Pay Monthly: From ยฃ15/month for 1GB data with a handset.
    • Pay-As-You-Go: ยฃ10 for unlimited data, minutes, and texts.
  • Local Considerations: Three is known for its affordable unlimited data plans.

5. Giffgaff

  • Network Strength: Operates on the O2 network, so coverage is strong.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • SIM-only: ยฃ10/month for 15GB data, unlimited minutes, and texts.
    • Pay-As-You-Go: ยฃ10 for 15GB data, unlimited minutes, and texts.
  • Local Considerations: Giffgaff is a flexible, no-contract option popular with students and budget-conscious users.

6. Tesco Mobile

  • Network Strength: Operates on the O2 network.
  • Pricing Plans:
    • SIM-only: ยฃ7.50/month for 2GB data.
    • Pay Monthly: From ยฃ12.50/month for 2GB data with a handset.
    • Pay-As-You-Go: ยฃ10 for 8GB data, 500 minutes, and 5000 texts.
  • Local Considerations: Tesco Mobile is affordable and offers Clubcard discounts.

Setup Procedures

Internet Setup

  1. Check Availability: Use the providerโ€™s website to check if their service is available at your address.
  2. Sign Up: Choose a plan and sign up online or over the phone.
  3. Installation: Most providers send a router by post. For fibre connections, an engineer may need to visit your property.
  4. Activation: Activation usually takes 1-2 weeks. Some providers offer same-day activation if the line is already active.

Mobile Setup

  1. Choose a Provider: Decide between a contract or pay-as-you-go plan.
  2. Order a SIM: Order online or visit a local store (e.g., EE, Vodafone, or O2 stores in Leeds city centre).
  3. Activate the SIM: Follow the instructions provided with the SIM card.
  4. Top-Up (Pay-As-You-Go): Use the providerโ€™s app, website, or local shops to top up your balance.

Local Tips and Considerations

  1. Compare Deals: Use comparison websites like Uswitch or MoneySuperMarket to find the best deals for both internet and mobile services.
  2. Bundle Discounts: Some providers (e.g., Virgin Media, Sky) offer discounts if you bundle broadband, TV, and mobile services.
  3. Student Discounts: If youโ€™re a student, check for special deals from providers like BT, Virgin Media, and Giffgaff.
  4. 5G Coverage: Leeds has good 5G coverage in central areas. If you need high-speed mobile internet, choose a 5G-enabled plan.
  5. No-Contract Options: For flexibility, consider rolling monthly contracts or pay-as-you-go plans.
  6. Local Stores: Visit provider stores in Leeds city centre (e.g., Trinity Leeds shopping centre) for in-person assistance.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to choose the best internet and mobile services in Leeds, ensuring a smooth transition to life in the city.