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11 Million Homes Now Connected to Fibre

11 million homes connected to fibre

Repost from Digital TV Europe.

Are you living in a newly-upgraded full fibre area?

Some 11 million UK homes now have access to fibre broadband, up from seven million a year ago, according to regulator Ofcom’s Connected Nations autumn update.

According to the report, 37% of households can now get full fibre, capable of delivering download speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

This is an increase from 24% a year ago, when just under seven million homes were covered.

The number of properties unable to get a broadband speed greater than 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload has meanwhile fallen by 38% since last year to 83,000.

The number of homes able to get gigabit capable broadband is now almost 20.2 million homes or 68% of all UK homes, up from 19.3 million or 66% at the time of Ofcom’s last update.

Full fibre coverage now reaches 37% of homes, up from 33% in the four months between January 2022 and May 2022, an increase of four percentage points, with just over 11 million homes now covered. Superfast broadband coverage across the UK stands at 96%, with Northern Ireland, the leading region both for full fibre (83% coverage) and gigabit broadband coverage (85%) saw an increase of a percentage point in superfast coverage.

The number of premises unable to get decent broadband, when factoring in fixed wireless and fixed line, has dropped from 99,500 to 83,000 premises since Ofcom’s Spring update.

However, those unable to achieve decent broadband over a fixed line has increased from 506,000 to 513,000 over the same period.

Could you be eligible for fibre?

You can find out for free.

We’ve compared broadband deals from every ISP across the UK.

Tailor results today – all we need is your postcode to find you your next dream broadband plan!

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Business Water Bills Explained

Business Water Bills

Our Rundown of Business Water Bills

The cost of business water can quickly add up when you’re misinformed.

However, all businesses need running water.

In fact, research from Energy Costcutters shows that 67% of businesses across the UK and Scotland have been overcharged on their business water bills.

Here’s what you need to know.

It’s key to note that your business water bill varies depending on your area and your local utility company charges.

Consequently, there are over 20 different licensed water suppliers for UK businesses, but their charges are regulated and fortunately, predictable.

So how does it all work?

In simple terms, your bill is split up by the water coming and coming out of your business premises.

These are known as Water charges, and Wastewater charges.

Water charges

This cost relates to the supply of fresh water coming into your business premises and depends on how much water you and your team use.

Wastewater charges

These charges are for the removal of used water going out of your business premises into the local sewer system.

Being connected to the sewer system means that these charges apply to you.

Do you have a water meter?

You should submit your meter reading at least once a year (if not more), to avoid being charged for an estimated consumption.

Your bill will be an ‘estimated’, ‘read’ or ‘actual’ consumption.

The two charges your bill will be made up of are:

  • A fixed charge. Based on the type of water meter you have, and this covers both the readings and water meter maintenance.
  • A variable charge. Based on your overall business water usage.

No meter?

In this case, you’ll be paying a fixed price.

You’ll also be paying a charge relatable to the valuable of your business premises.

A lot of our customers find using a water meter offers more accurate and better-priced bills.

If you’re a small business, you’ll likely find that your water bill is similar to that of a household.

Large business owners should look for an alternative tariff better suited to high demand.

Our advice on reducing your business water bill

  1. Encourage all staff to get on board with saving water. Run fun competitions, ask for creative tips and urge staff to report any leaks
  2. Invest in efficiency. Geysers and water-efficient taps (or automatic taps) are worth buying to help you save in the long run. Dual-flush toilets are also a valuable investment.
  3. Leave notes around the office. Dishwasher in the breakroom? Leave a sign instructing staff to only turn it on when it’s full
  4. Get a water meter installed.

Looking to save more on your other business bills?

We compare business broadband, VoIP and mobile suppliers in one place.

It’s our mission to upgrade you whilst also saving you money.

Join countless other business owners in saving thousands today.

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Apple Users – Do You Need the iPhone 14?

Apple iPhones

It’s that time of year again – where a new iPhone hits the market.

Meet the iPhone 14 Pro, plus its slightly larger countermodel, the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

So you don’t have to, our Experts have already explored the main differences between the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 13.

First impressions

The 14 Pro is the same size and shape as the 13, featuring a 6.1-inch OLED screen and a stainless-steel edge.

However, even when the phone is locked, you’ll notice one key difference – an always-on display. Even on standby, you’ll see a dimmed version of your lock screen (useful for checking the time).

We’ve explained the other key changes below.

iOS 16

A new lock screen and features!

Every device runs on IOS 16, giving it a fresh and modern user experience.

The software even comes with a new revolutionary car-crash detection app, designed to sense the force of a collision and alert emergency services.

Speaking of this new update, it hit the headlines recently.

Its effectiveness (or rather, sensitivity) was noted by one American user, after their mobile identified a roller coaster as a high-impact car crash – mistakenly alerting the police to a theme park!

Imagine getting off a coaster and finding out your phone has called for help!

Battery and charging

Fit with the A16 Bionic chip, it’s 10x faster than previous models.

When it comes to battery life however, the 14 Pro isn’t too dissimilar to the 13. It offers 75 hours of audio playback and 23 hours of video.

The iPhone 14 Pro Plus is the new champion though, with 95 hours of audio and 29 hours of video playback available on full charge.

“Dynamic island”

You know that rectangular notch at the top of your iPhone screen? It’s now 31% smaller and interactive.

Just by clicking and expanding the notch, you can skip songs, stop timers, or open notifications.

Fondly called “Dynamic Island” by Apple, we can see why!

The main event – an impressive camera

Expect crisp and defined landscapes.

The new camera is what makes the 14 Pro that bit heavier than the 13 – and it’s worth it.

It features a 48-megapixel sensor and a slightly wider shot, plus a whole new image-processing technique called the Photonic Engine.

This Photonic Engine is particularly important for taking high-quality images in darker conditions.

The price

Our least favourite part.

Currently, the iPhone 14 Pro can be bought outright for £849.

The 14 Pro Max comes in at an even steeper £949.

Contracts are priced from around £39 per month, but you need to compare to find the best deal.

This way, you won’t get caught out by a hefty upfront fee or a ridiculously long contract.

Our conclusion

There’s no denying that the iPhone 14 Pro/Plus are impressive new phones, but this is certainly reflected in the price tag.

The iPhone 13 is also still an impressive phone – and now it’s more likely to drop in price.

However, we’re all trying to battle price rises right now, so you might not be interested in a super-luxurious mobile if it’s not necessary.

For now, you might be better investing in a new SIM deal to help save up for an upgrade

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Here’s Why you Need to Embrace 5G

ft image 5g blog

You may have noticed some tall masts in your area.

Sure, we know they’re a bit of an eye-sore.

But if you rely heavily on mobile internet, you’ll soon realise you’re actually in luck!

5G is set to change the way the entire world communicates, so here’s our expert deep dive.

First there was 3G – now we’re on another level

It was 10 years ago when 4G networks started taking over from 3G.

Fast forward 7 years to 2019, when 5G was first introduced by mobile networks EE and Vodafone.

5G was designed to be up to 10X faster than 4G.

Using smaller wavelengths and higher frequencies, this means that more users can connect simultaneously – without sacrificing speed.

This means the average mobile user connected to 5G could download nearly an hour of Netflix content in less than 20 milliseconds!

The issue of availability

You might be thinking, if 5G is so great, why aren’t we all connected to it?

There are two main issues preventing this being from being the case.

The issue of availability is still prevalent, with some more rural parts of the UK yet to see any developments.

New areas are becoming eligible every week, and 5G is expected to be available nationwide by 2025.

There’s also the issue of price – seeing as a lot of networks need you to buy their latest model.

This can quickly become off-putting if you compare alone, which is why we’ve made it easy to see every deal in one place.

Which networks offer 5G currently?­

EE, O2, Sky, Three, Vodafone and Tesco Mobile currently boast the most 5G coverage across the UK.

What’s more, major phone makes including Samsung, Apple and Huawei all offer 5G compatible models – and the list is always growing.

Why don’t you check your eligibility for free today?

What about 5G broadband?

5G broadband is already on the way. However, 4G broadband has been popular for years – and it’s not going away any time soon.

With 4G broadband, you essentially use a mobile router, which relies on air waves instead of a wired signal.

If you have strong mobile service where you are (but maybe not the best Wi-Fi options), this could be the solution for you.

Currently, EE, Three, Vodafone and Neatley, an independent supplier we’re proud to support, all offer 4G broadband deals.

If your network already offers 5G and mobile broadband, you’ll get the best of both worlds!

Will 5G replace 4G for good?

As previously mentioned, 5G isn’t predicted to be used across the UK until 2025.

Until then, 4G remains the go-to in a lot of areas.

This doesn’t mean incredible developments aren’t in the works every day. Plans for 5G use include high-tech bus shelters, street/traffic lights and modernised healthcare, just to include a few.

It also has the power to improve energy sustainability across the UK, with large businesses looking to invest.

Ready to upgrade?

Have we caught your attention?

It’s understandable – who wouldn’t want the fastest mobile speeds possible?

Regardless of how you plan on using 5G, we’ll make sure you get the right deal.

Before diving headfirst into plans and providers, you should compare with our friendly experts to ensure you find the right price.

 

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What the Election Means for the Energy Crisis

10 Downing Street. MOD 45155532

We’re all feeling the strain of sky rocketing bills right now due to the energy crisis.

Further price rises and supplier uncertainty have been at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

Since Liz Truss became the new Prime Minister, the nation has been waiting with bated breath to hear her plans for tackling the energy crisis.

Luckily for us, we haven’t had to wait too long.

What is the energy crisis?

Gas and electricity prices have risen to unprecedented highs this year.

Since 2021, we’ve seen supply issues spiralling across the industry, leading to a record number of suppliers going bust.

The situation has only been made more dire following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, further limiting Russia’s supply of gas to Europe.

Ofcom even urged the new Prime Minister to act “decisively and urgently” in helping UK households tackle the record-high cost of living.

So, on Thursday, 8th September, new PM Liz Truss addressed the nation.

We’ve explained below our breakdown and what to expect in coming weeks.

Major changes for October 2022

“It will curb inflation and boost growth”

Plans have changed – and a price freeze is “guaranteed”.

Instead of an eye-watering 80% increase to the price cap (which would’ve left the average homeowner paying over £3,500 a year), bills have been frozen at £2,500.

This has been introduced as the “Energy Price Guarantee” and it’s set to stay in place for two years.

Our Winter advice

This doesn’t mean every household will face a yearly bill of £2,500 – this is just the cap on what firms can charge customers.

We understand this new price freeze still isn’t welcome news to everyone, but it does mean you can take steps to lower your usage and your bill.

Our advice:

  • Take a meter reading. If possible, arrange for a meter reading to be taken as soon as possible – ideally on September 30th! Doing this before the changes come into effect means you won’t be charged for units you’ve not used
  • Invest in energy-efficient appliances. Investing now in upgrades like LED/Smart bulbs, new windows, or even a boiler servicing, will save you in the long run
  • Speak to your energy supplier. If you’re worried about your payments, or think you’re at risk of falling behind, speak to your energy supplier directly
  • Look to reduce your other bills. We’ve got every broadband and mobile deal on the market in one place for you.

We’ve helped countless other bill payers like you save hundreds of pounds per year by switching.

Start comparing for cheaper deals today.

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