What to do if you can't get fibre broadband in your area?
The majority of homes can get basic (ADSL) broadband using a BT phone line, so if fibre is not available you can still get internet access. However, ADSL is much slower than fibre so you may wish to look into alternatives that can provide a similar performance to fibre.
Your options include 4G/5G mobile broadband, wireless broadband, and satellite broadband.
4G or 5G mobile networks can provide fast internet speeds (especially 5G, which is quicker than many home services). And there are now packages designed for home use which include appropriate data limits and equipment. But strong network reception is essential to ensure you get a fast and reliable connection.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is also an option in some locations. This uses a network of masts which communicate via radio waves to receivers attached to the outside of homes, providing reasonably fast speeds without a phone line or any other wires. This can be an excellent choice for rural areas that lack fast fixed-line broadband, but the catch is that it is a niche service with only a handful of providers serving specific locations.
If all else fails, there's always satellite broadband. Satellite internet works anywhere, so long as you are able to mount a dish with a clear view of the sky. It can also deliver some fairly respectable speeds. The major drawback with satellite is it can be quite expensive. Most satellite broadband also suffers from very high latency (a delay in sending and receiving data). The exception is SpaceX Starlink, which beams down fast, low-latency broadband from a vast constellation of satellites in low earth orbit. But that service comes at a premium.
Written in collaboration with Broadband Genie.