About Vodafone broadband
Vodafone is best known as one of the UK’s major mobile network operators, but in recent years it has branched out into home broadband and now offers cheap fibre optic internet alongside mobile services.
Vodafone's standard broadband deals are streamlined, so you don’t get to choose from a huge range of packages and optional extras, but it’s also very cheap so might be near the top of your list if the cost is a priority. If you are looking to get more from your broadband deal, the Vodafone Pro packages provide some useful additional features in return for a higher monthly fee.
So what exactly does Vodafone offer, and is it any good?
Vodafone broadband: packages and speeds
Vodafone — in common with most other broadband providers — uses the Openreach telephone network to deliver its fixed-line home internet services. However, unlike most ISPs, you won’t find ADSL broadband deals from Vodafone as the provider has chosen to offer fibre optic only.
Vodafone Superfast 1
The entry-level Vodafone package provides a respectable 35Mb average speed. This is enough for a few people sharing the connection, so many households won’t need to look any further. Like all Vodafone deals, it has unlimited data and a free Wi-Fi router.
Vodafone Superfast 2
The Superfast 2 package has an average 63Mb download speed, which is recommended for anyone with busy shared or family homes, or individuals with high usage (lots of downloading, streaming, and gaming).
Unusually, there’s no price difference between Superfast 1 and 2, so if you’ve got the choice of both this is worth getting even if you don’t think you need the extra speed.
Vodafone Pro Superfast
Vodafone also offers Pro Superfast 1 and Pro Superfast 2. These have the same speeds as the above packages, but come with extra benefits:
- Automatic 4G backup connection
- Wi-Fi coverage guarantee
- Dedicated Wi-Fi expert help
- 12 months free Norton 360 Premium
- Optional 'Xtra' upgrade with free Apple TV 4K
Vodafone Gigafast
Gigafast is a new service that uses a full-fibre (FTTP) network to provide speeds up to 900Mb (though there is also the option of 100Mb and 200Mb if you don't need gigabit).
Unfortunately, few homes can get Gigafast right now. It’s only available in a few towns and cities, including Cambridge, Coventry, Edinburgh, Milton Keynes, Leeds, and Stirling.
Vodafone WiFi Hub router
All Vodafone broadband packages include a free WiFi Hub router. It supports dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi (which means you can get fast Wi-Fi on modern devices, while also using older Wi-Fi hardware too), and gigabit ethernet for high-speed wired networking. It also has USB ports for sharing hard drives and printers.
If you're not sure what this all means have a read of our beginner's guide to Wi-Fi for an introduction.
Vodafone Broadband app
The Vodafone Broadband app is a free tool for managing your home broadband network. Among other things, it lets you easily share the connection with a QR code, set up schedules for Wi-Fi access, create a guest network for visitors, and monitor connected devices.
These are all things you can do via the router’s administrator control panel, but the app provides a more user-friendly interface than most routers and makes it simple for novices to improve the security of their home network.
Does Vodafone offer home phone packages?
A landline is required for Vodafone internet, and line rental is included with all Vodafone broadband deals.
Inclusive calling is not provided with the standard Vodafone broadband packages, instead, you simply pay for what you use. This is all you’ll need if you don’t plan on using the phone regularly, otherwise, you’ll get the best value out of one of Vodafone’s inclusive calling plans.
Vodafone home phone packages include options for evening and weekend calls, anytime and mobile calls, and international calling.
Vodafone broadband and mobile deals
Although Vodafone does not specifically offer broadband and mobile bundles, Vodafone Mobile customers can get a discount of up to £3 per month on home broadband.
Mobile broadband, 30-day or 12-month SIM plans can claim a £2 discount. 18-month SIM-only and pay monthly customers can get a £3 discount.
Does Vodafone offer broadband and TV bundles?
Vodafone does offer some broadband and TV bundles which include a free Apple TV 4K box and a year’s subscription to Apple TV+. To get this, you'll need to sign up for either Vodafone Pro Xtra or a Vodafone Together package (a combined broadband and mobile plan).
Apple TV is a streaming box, so while you can’t use it for Freeview broadcasts, you can access a huge range of on-demand content. As well as Apple’s own TV+ service, the box also supports Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, to name just a few.
Vodafone Broadband extras and free gifts
Vodafone Broadband doesn’t include lots of extras, besides the usual free Wi-Fi router and Vodafone’s handy app. But its deals are often available with shopping vouchers and other free gifts.
Vodafone Broadband: pros and cons
| We like | We don't like |
|---|---|
|
|
To find out more read our full Vodafone Broadband review.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vodafone
-
What network does Vodafone use?
Vodafone uses the Openreach (BT telephone line) network for its Superfast 1 and Superfast 2 packages, which use FTTC technology like most other fibre providers.
Vodafone Gigafast uses the CityFibre network. This is an independent FTTP network which has a much smaller coverage area than Openreach.
-
Can I get Vodafone broadband in my area?
The majority of homes can get Vodafone Superfast 1 or Superfast 2 using a standard BT line.
Vodafone Gigafast is currently more limited, and only available to a relatively small number of homes in a few major towns and cities.
-
How long are Vodafone broadband contracts?
All Vodafone Superfast contracts have a 24-month minimum term. Vodafone Gigafast packages have an 18-month term.
Early cancellation can be expensive. If you think you might need to cancel within the minimum term, it might be better to choose a short term deal instead.
-
Are there upfront costs?
There is currently no setup fee for any Vodafone broadband package; even the broadband and TV bundles come with free setup.
-
How long will it take to install Vodafone Broadband?
Broadband installation usually takes around 14 working days. When you sign up to a Vodafone deal you’ll be given an estimated installation date, and notified of any changes to that date if there is a delay.
-
Does Vodafone have good customer service?
In our Home Broadband Survey, Vodafone Broadband received reasonably good scores in most categories, including an above-average rating for customer care.
-
How do I contact Vodafone?
You can call Vodafone customer service on 0333 3040 191.
Visit our guide to Vodafone customer services for other contact details.
-
How do I cancel Vodafone Broadband?
First, check that you’re outside the minimum contract term. If not, you’ll have to pay an early cancellation fee.
If you out of contract, you can cancel or switch without penalty. If you’ve got Vodafone Superfast 1 or Superfast 2, you can switch to another provider on the Openreach network (such as BT, Plusnet, TalkTalk, or many others) and the new provider will notify Vodafone that you’re leaving.
If you are on Vodafone Gigafast, or you no longer need broadband at all, you will need to contact Vodafone to notify them.
Read our guide to cancelling Vodafone for more help.