8Mb broadband

8Mb broadband explained

Until fairly recently, 8Mb broadband was the speed of the future. But the pace of technological change means that it is now a standard speed, though it is still fast enough for most users. At 160 times the speed of dial-up internet, 8Mb broadband is a force to be reckoned with.

What is broadband speed?

The speed of your broadband signifies the speed at which information can transfer from the internet to your computer. So, a connection speed at 8Mb can transfer eight megabytes of information per second.

8Mb broadband is the most common broadband download speed on the market in the UK today. Despite its popularity, however, most UK broadband users cannot access 8Mb and therefore such packages are advertised as "up to 8Mb".

As broadband speed drops the further you go from the telephone exchange, only those living in the first 100 metres of any phone line are likely to experience the 8Mb holy grail. Even if you live just a few miles from the telephone exchange, but in a built up area, your broadband speed may drop down as low as 0.5Mb. Use our postcode checker to see which providers offer 8Mb broadband in your area.

Find out more about broadband speeds in our broadband speeds guide.

Want faster than 8Mb broadband?

See our fast broadband page fast broadband

Broadband technology is developing fast, driven by innovations like the iPlayer as well as widespread downloading of films and music to iPods. This is resulting in massive speed increases for broadband products, as providers react to the shift in consumer habits.

Not sure what broadband speed you want? Compare all the bestselling broadband packages on our home broadband page.