Want Some Broadband Advice Please In "simple Language".

[needawin]

I must advise that I am totally not "up to date" with computer technology and would like some info in simple terms.
I have Broadband with Virgin media.
Speed is 200 Mbps. Whatever that means! I am paying £56 per month which seems to be constantly increasing. Getting too much for me!
I also have a house phone on same package with free calls at weekends. It is rarely used to make outgoing calls due mobiles. Need for incoming.

I never download large files, films etc. No gaming.
Texting, calls, WhatsApp inc. chat and sending photos or searching Google only.
Only basic surfing, some "catch up". Netflix used only on smart TV.
No other device used at the same time as either my iPad or smart phone except tv of course.
No other device in house. Wife has mobile but does not use wifi.

I suspect I am paying a lot of money for something I need "less of".
Can anyone advise what speed of broadband would suffice for my needs.
Obviously just enough to satisfy my needs!
All advice greatly appreciated.

[Old_Geezer]

Does Virgin media have somewhere you can look at to let you knòw how much data your account has been using each month ? That would give you a guide as to a data amount you need to be paying for, although you should assume there will be heavier and lighter months so add a bit to cover that.

Video uses a fair chunk. So catch-up might be quite a bit.

Other than that you could look for a cheaper service provider.

[Old_Geezer]

200 Mbps = 200 megabits per second which is the max or expected speed data comes to you. The bigger the number the better, and more costly.

[hc4361]

You don't need 200Mbps. Phone them up, tell them you can't afford the monthly charge and ask to downgrade to their cheapest broadband speed - I bet you don't notice the difference.

Take the time first to compare prices with other providers using a comparison site:
https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/packages/

You can use the results to negotiate a good deal. I guarantee Virgin will drop the price and you won't notice any difference.

[jim360]

I'd probably need to see your full set-up to have further advice, but on the face of it if you want to find a cheaper deal with a slower internet speed then you'll have to leave Virgin and investigate either NOW Broadband or TalkTalk.

[hc4361]

Many people get less than 30Mbps and are able to do everything you do and more, so don't be frightened of dropping the speed.

[hc4361]

Jom, Virgin are still offering 50Mbps.

[hc4361]

They are offering broadband and phone for £28 a month for the first 12 months
https://www.virginmedia.com/shop/broadband/broadband-only?buspart=uk_ps_acq_cable_GOOGLE_Brand_Broadband_Exact+(Prospects)_Brand_Broadband_Virgin_Exact_virgin+broadband&CMP=DFA&medium=PPC&ds_rl=1067839&;gclid=Cj0KCQjwhdTqBRDNARIsABsOl98nFDiCejv1gfDJgnysDVCjAeU5Pc4Zc4Sn7h4pbHUK2K_VaqN8exEaAvNFEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[jim360]

My impression based on the virgin website was that the lower deal is for a 54Mbps "average", depending on the area you live for example.

It's still worth shopping around. Even if you decide to stay with Virgin, maybe threatening to switch could help to drive the price you pay down.

[hc4361]

I've been with Virgin for years and have always got a slightly faster speed than I'm contracted for. They use their own fibre cables

[HansUrbancka]

As has been said by hc4361..."You don't need 200Mbps." In fact I would suggest you follow his advice, fully.

Out of interest, you might be interested in my approach to a similar situation with BT.

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Computers/Question1630412.html

Hans.

[fiction-factory]

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