Alternative network providers, commonly called altnets, are companies that build and operate their own full-fibre broadband networks, competing with the larger, established providers. They often focus on specific areas, building fibre to the premises (FTTP) in particular towns, streets or regions. The short answer for households is that an altnet can be a strong option where it has built its network, sometimes offering full fibre in areas the larger networks have not yet reached, but availability is the key factor since altnets serve specific locations.
Altnets differ from the big providers mainly in that they own their networks rather than reselling access to a shared one, which can affect availability, pricing and terms. Whether an altnet is an option for you depends entirely on whether one has built to your address.
This guide explains what altnets are, how they differ from the big providers, what they tend to offer, and what to check before choosing one. Because availability and offerings vary by area and change over time, confirm what is available at your address with the relevant providers.
What are altnets?
Altnets are alternative network providers that have built their own full-fibre infrastructure, separate from the main national network. Rather than relying solely on a shared network, they run fibre directly to homes in the areas they cover. There are a number of altnets across the UK, each typically focused on particular regions or communities where they have invested in building fibre.
Because they own their networks, altnets can offer full fibre in areas they have chosen to build, which sometimes includes places the larger networks have not yet reached. This is part of why altnets have expanded the availability of full fibre in many areas. Their coverage is, however, specific to where they have built, so they are not available everywhere.
The larger, established providers, by contrast, often deliver broadband over a widely shared network, giving them broad availability. Altnets add competition and choice in the areas they serve, which can benefit households there. Understanding this difference helps you see where an altnet might fit.
How do altnets differ from the big providers?
The main differences relate to network ownership, availability and terms. The table below summarises them in general terms.
| Aspect | Altnets | Big providers |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Own full-fibre network in covered areas | Often a widely shared network |
| Availability | Specific to where they have built | Generally broad |
| Offerings | Often full fibre, varied terms | Wide range of plans |
| Coverage check | Depends on their build at your address | Depends on the shared network reach |
The table shows that altnets are defined by their own networks and area-specific coverage, while the big providers typically offer broad availability over a shared network. This means an altnet may be a strong option where it operates, but you need to check whether one serves your address. The big providers may be available more widely but the connection type depends on the network at your address.
What do altnets tend to offer?
Altnets generally focus on full fibre, since they have built FTTP networks, which can mean access to higher speed tiers where they operate. As newer entrants competing for customers, some altnets offer terms designed to attract people in their areas, and some are noted for approaches such as not applying certain mid-contract price rises, though this varies by provider.
Because they own their networks, altnets may have flexibility in how they package and price their services. The specific plans, speeds and terms differ between altnets, so what one offers is not the same as another. The common thread is full fibre in their coverage areas, but the details vary.
It is worth noting that offerings change over time as altnets grow and compete. So while an altnet may offer attractive full-fibre options where it operates, the specifics should be confirmed directly. The key advantage is the availability of full fibre in areas they have built, which can be a benefit for households there.
What should you check before choosing an altnet?
The most important check is availability: confirm whether an altnet has built its network to your address, since their coverage is area-specific. If one is available, check what it offers in terms of speed, contract length, pricing and any terms such as how it handles price rises. Comparing this with what the big providers offer at your address helps you weigh the options.
It is also worth understanding what an installation would involve, since connecting to an altnet's full-fibre network may require a new installation and equipment if you are not already on full fibre. Knowing the process and any setup involved helps you plan. Considering the provider's terms, including contract length and support, rounds out the picture.
Because availability and offerings vary by area and change over time, confirm the current details with the relevant providers for your address. The right choice depends on what is available where you live and how the options compare for your needs, so an address-level check is the practical starting point.
Frequently asked questions
What is an altnet?
An altnet, or alternative network provider, is a company that builds and operates its own full-fibre broadband network, competing with the larger established providers. Altnets typically focus on specific areas, building fibre to the premises in particular towns, streets or regions.
Are altnets available everywhere?
No. Altnets serve specific areas where they have built their networks, so availability is area-specific. An altnet may offer full fibre in some places, including areas the larger networks have not yet reached, but you need to check whether one serves your address.
How do altnets differ from big providers?
Altnets own their full-fibre networks and cover specific areas, while the big providers often deliver broadband over a widely shared network with broad availability. Altnets add competition and choice where they operate, frequently focusing on full fibre with varied terms.
What should I check before choosing an altnet?
Check whether an altnet serves your address, then compare its speed, pricing, contract length and terms with the big providers available to you. Understand what any installation would involve. Because availability and offerings vary, confirm the current details for your address.
Conclusion
Altnets are alternative network providers that build their own full-fibre networks and compete with the larger established providers, often in specific areas and sometimes reaching places the bigger networks have not. They differ mainly in owning their networks and offering area-specific coverage, frequently focused on full fibre with varied terms. The key check is whether an altnet serves your address, after which you can compare its offering with the big providers. Because availability and offerings vary by area and change over time, confirm the current details with the relevant providers for your address.