Broadband Providers
Compare broadband providers available at Skelton Gate. Most properties have access to full-fibre (FTTP) connections.
FTTP (Full Fibre to the Premises)
OFNL - Avant Homes
Avant Homes are supplied by OFNL (Open Fibre Networks Limited), an independent residential broadband provider supplying new build estates.
Various providers are available on the network, see the OFNL provider list and comparison spreadsheet for recommendations. Best viewed on a PC, check the comments fields for reasonings.
If you don’t want to review that, then InternetTY are a good option and used by a lot of people on the estate. Merula, MTH Networks and Pulse8 also come out well in comparisons.
Openreach - Evans & Countryside Homes
Openreach provides the fibre infrastructure to Evans and Countryside properties at Skelton Gate. Choose from multiple ISPs including BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet, and others. Compare prices and packages on ISP comparison sites.
Money-saving tip: most of the big ISPs pay £20–100 signup cashback if you order through a cashback site (free to join — you just click through to the ISP from their site before ordering, and they pass back a share of their commission). TopCashback is the one we’d suggest, and that referral link also helps a little towards this site’s running costs. No obligation, as ever.
Features:
- Gigabit-capable connection
- Multiple ISP choices
- Reliable fiber connection
- No copper phone line needed
Router placement and WiFi tips#
- The fibre box (ONT) is usually tucked out of the way — in Avant homes it’s typically in the coat/shoe cupboard near the front door; in other homes check your cupboards and utility spaces. The router normally ends up sitting next to it, which isn’t a great spot for WiFi coverage.
- If WiFi from there doesn’t reach the whole house, the practical fixes are a mesh WiFi system (main unit by the ONT, satellite units where you need the signal), powerline adapters, or having an ethernet run neatly installed to somewhere more central. The routers supplied by most providers also have fairly weak WiFi, so swapping in a better router of your own can help too.
- Wherever your router or mesh units end up, keep them out in the open — tucking them behind the TV, inside a cabinet, or behind mirrors kills the signal, as glass and metal severely restrict WiFi. Shoulder height or higher on open shelving works well.