Broadband Providers
Compare broadband providers available at Skelton Gate. Most properties have access to full-fibre (FTTP) connections.
FTTP (Full Fibre to the Premises)
OFNL - Avant Homes
Avant Homes are supplied by OFNL (Open Fibre Networks Limited), an independent residential broadband provider supplying new build estates.
Various providers are available on the network, see the OFNL provider list and comparison spreadsheet for recommendations. Best viewed on a PC, check the comments fields for reasonings.
If you don’t want to review that, then InternetTY are a good option and used by a lot of people on the estate. Merula, MTH Networks and Pulse8 also come out well in comparisons.
Openreach - Evans & Countryside Homes
Openreach provides the fibre infrastructure to Evans and Countryside properties at Skelton Gate. Choose from multiple ISPs including BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet, and others. Compare prices and packages on ISP comparison sites.
Money-saving tip: most of the big ISPs pay £20–100 signup cashback if you order through a cashback site (free to join — you just click through to the ISP from their site before ordering, and they pass back a share of their commission). TopCashback is the one we’d suggest, and that referral link also helps a little towards this site’s running costs. No obligation, as ever.
Features:
- Gigabit-capable connection
- Multiple ISP choices
- Reliable fiber connection
- No copper phone line needed
Router placement and WiFi tips#
- The fibre box (ONT) is usually tucked out of the way, and where it is varies by house type — on the Avant side residents have found theirs in the coat or shoe cupboard by the front door, in a kitchen cupboard, and in the lounge. Check your cupboards and utility spaces. The router normally ends up sitting next to it, which isn’t a great spot for WiFi coverage.
- Can the ONT be moved? Ask your internet provider, not the network operator — OFNL and Openreach don’t deal with householders directly, your ISP arranges any work on your line. Expect it to be chargeable. Before going down that route, it’s usually cheaper and quicker to leave the ONT where it is and improve the WiFi: a good WiFi 6 or 7 router, a mesh system, or an ethernet run from the ONT to a more central spot (often easiest through the loft).
- If WiFi from there doesn’t reach the whole house, the practical fixes are a mesh WiFi system (main unit by the ONT, satellite units where you need the signal), powerline adapters, or having an ethernet run neatly installed to somewhere more central.
- Wherever your router or mesh units end up, keep them out in the open — tucking them behind the TV, inside a cabinet, or behind mirrors kills the signal, as glass and metal severely restrict WiFi. Shoulder height or higher on open shelving works well.
Cheaper options and social tariffs#
If you’re on Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain other benefits, most large providers offer a social tariff at well below their standard prices.
At least two OFNL providers sell one, both 30 Mbps down / 5 Mbps up and both needing proof of Universal Credit or Pension Credit:
- Ashford Fibre — £20 a month at the time of writing, and currently the cheapest of the two.
- Pulse8 — short minimum term.
Other OFNL providers may do something similar, so it’s worth asking.
Ofcom keep a list of social tariffs across all providers. Switching to one doesn’t usually count as breaking your contract.