Frequently asked questions

Better Broadband for Norfolk aims to transform broadband speeds across the county by installing high-speed fibre optic networks.

This will make superfast broadband (24 Megabits per second and above) available to as much of Norfolk as possible. Currently 94% of the county is able to access speeds of 24Mbps+.

What is broadband?

Broadband is a form of internet in which a wide range of frequencies is available to transmit information. This means that more information can be sent or received in a given amount of time, making your internet access faster.

Basic broadband is broadband which delivers access line speeds of at least two megabits per second (Mbps). Fast broadband is broadband which delivers speeds higher than 15Mbps.

Public subsidy can only be used to fund broadband schemes where speeds are not fast.

How fast is my broadband?

To find out how fast your broadband speed is currently, you can try contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Alternatively you can type 'broadband speed test' into your browser, choose a link and follow the instructions on screen. This will give you your download speed and sometimes your upload speed. 

Your download speed is the rate that information is transferred from the internet to your computer, for example how long it takes a web page to load.

Your upload speed is the time it takes for information to be transferred from your computer to the internet, for example when you send an email.

What are the benefits of better broadband?

Better broadband brings you better access to online shopping, banking and public services. It also makes it easier to stay in touch with your family and friends.

With faster broadband children can do their homework and learn independently online. It also provides adults with more opportunities for lifelong learning.

You might even be able to run your own business from your own home.

What are the advantages of faster broadband for businesses?

Better broadband will make businesses more efficient and cheaper to run. This is because it will bring businesses access to things such as:

• Cloud computing
• Improved communication systems
• Collaborative working on shared documents
• Social media access

Faster broadband will also mean data transfer speeds are quicker, so you will be able to send and receive large files. You can make use of remote data storage to securely back up your data.

Studies say the Better Broadband programme is expected to deliver an additional 1,337 jobs to Norfolk over 10 years.

How do I get better broadband?

You can check our better broadband map to find out if your property can receive faster broadband yet.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will use the broadband infrastructure created by Better Broadband for Norfolk to offer broadband packages to customers.

If your current internet package meets your requirements you do not need to do anything. If you want a different package you can choose from any ISP that offers what you're looking for.

You may need extra equipment and your ISP will tell you what you need or provide it for you.

Ofcom has a list of accredited broadband price comparison sites (opens new window) if you're looking for more information about different broadband packages offered by different ISPs.

Can I get better broadband if I live in a remote location?

Some locations are so remote that superfast broadband may not be possible for cost or technical reasons.

However, a basic broadband service is available to all Norfolk properties through the Government's Better Broadband Voucher Scheme (opens new window).

I'm a service provider: where can I get information?

Service providers can register with  BT Openreach (opens new window)  to find out more about the location of the Better Broadband infrastructure and how they can get access to it.