# How can I check the network speed in my area? Enter your postcode or address into an official checker. Ofcom's broadband coverage checker shows the highest predicted download and upload speeds by broadband type at your location, while Openreach's fibre checker reports what can be ordered at your address. Always confirm the actual service with a provider before signing up. Checking network speed in your area means two different things, and it helps to keep them separate. One is the speed you could get: the fastest services predicted or available at your address. The other is the speed you actually receive once connected, which depends on the package you buy and conditions at your property. Postcode checkers answer the first question. Only a real connection answers the second. References: [https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage](https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage). ## Step 1: Use the Ofcom broadband coverage checker Ofcom runs a postcode-based checker that lists the broadband services present at your location. You can type a postcode or let the site find your location automatically. The results table shows each broadband type, the highest available download speed, the highest available upload speed, and an availability indicator. References: [https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage](https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage). The speeds shown are the fastest estimated speeds predicted by the network operators serving the area, not a guarantee. Ofcom states clearly that actual availability at a property, or the speeds received, may be different. The availability icons tell you how widespread each category is: a green tick means packages in that category are generally available, an amber triangle means they are available to some but not all properties, and a red cross means that category is not available. References: [https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage](https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage). ## Step 2: Understand the speed categories - Standard broadband: download speeds of less than 30Mbps. - Superfast broadband: download speeds between 30Mbps and 300Mbps. - Ultrafast broadband: download speeds greater than 300Mbps. References: [https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage](https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage). These categories describe predicted maximums, not what every household will get. If your result shows an amber triangle, some homes on your street may be able to order a service that others cannot. References: [https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage](https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage). ## Step 3: Check the Openreach fibre checker for your address The Openreach checker works at address level. You enter a postcode, select your address, and it tells you which broadband product is available to order. Possible results include available to order now, available to order soon, currently being built, building planned within the next year, or no plans to build Full Fibre to the property yet. Openreach notes that availability can vary even within the same street, because the network is built in stages and factors such as access routes or landlord permissions for flats can affect timing. References: [https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker](https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker). ## Step 4: Check gigabit availability on gov.uk If you are in England or Wales, the Building Digital UK address checker tells you whether gigabit broadband is available or planned for your address. The underlying data comes from a published Open Market Review and is updated periodically, and the guidance states that complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed because suppliers change their delivery plans. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate services. References: [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-your-gigabit-broadband-availability](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-your-gigabit-broadband-availability). ## A worked example Suppose, purely as an illustration, you enter a postcode and the Ofcom checker shows superfast broadband with a green tick and ultrafast with an amber triangle. The green tick suggests superfast packages are generally available, so you could reasonably shop for one. The amber triangle on ultrafast means you should not assume your specific house can get it. Next, you run the same address through the Openreach checker. If it says Full Fibre is available to order now, you can take that result to providers and compare packages. If it says the area is being built, you know the ultrafast option is coming but not yet orderable, and you might choose a superfast package in the meantime. References: [https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage](https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage), [https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker](https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker). ## A decision checklist before you buy - Run your postcode through the Ofcom checker to see predicted speeds by broadband type. - Check your exact address on the Openreach fibre checker to see what can be ordered. - If relevant, use the Building Digital UK checker for gigabit availability in England or Wales. - Treat predicted speeds as estimates, not guarantees. - Confirm availability, installation costs and contract terms directly with a provider before committing. References: [https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage](https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage), [https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker](https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker), [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-your-gigabit-broadband-availability](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-your-gigabit-broadband-availability). One caution worth repeating: a regional build programme or a contracted premises figure is not evidence that service is live at your home. Address-level results are the only ones that count when you are choosing a package. References: [https://broadband99.com/](https://broadband99.com/). Your practical next step: run your postcode through the Ofcom checker today, then validate your exact address on the Openreach checker before contacting any provider. References: [https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage](https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage), [https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker](https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker). ## Sources - [https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker](https://www.openreach.com/fibre-checker) — accessed 2026-10-18 - [https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage](https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/en-gb/broadband-coverage) — accessed 2026-10-18 - [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-your-gigabit-broadband-availability](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-your-gigabit-broadband-availability) — accessed 2026-10-18 - [https://broadband99.com/](https://broadband99.com/) — accessed 2026-10-18 Published 2026-10-18. Broadband99 editorial; AI-assisted preparation. ## Next step - [Open broadband99.com](https://broadband99.com/) - [Project Gigabit](https://broadband99.com/project-gigabit/)