Full Fibre Providers Like Quickline, BRSK and Oli: Are They Better Than BT and Sky?

The Rise of Independent Full Fibre Networks

While BT, Sky and Virgin Media dominate the UK broadband landscape, a new generation of full fibre specialists is quietly transforming internet access across the country. Companies like Quickline broadband, BRSK broadband and Oli broadband are building their own networks from scratch, often reaching areas the big players have overlooked.

These alternative network providers (altnets) bypass Openreach's ageing copper infrastructure entirely, delivering genuine gigabit speeds through dedicated fibre-optic cables. The question is whether their competitive pricing and superior technology make them worth switching to.

How Quickline Compares to Traditional Broadband Giants

Quickline broadband has established itself as a leading altnet, primarily serving Yorkshire and Lincolnshire with its own full fibre network.^[2] Unlike traditional providers who rely on Openreach infrastructure, Quickline maintains complete control over fault management and network deployment.

The provider's entry-level 200Mbps package delivers consistent speeds suitable for remote working, 4K streaming and multiple connected devices. Pricing starts from £14 per month with introductory offers, while standard monthly rolling contracts begin at £33 for the 200Mbps service.^[2]

Key advantages include no mid-contract price rises, zero setup fees, and faster speeds at better value than major providers. Quickline has earned a 9 out of 10 rating and often represents the only full fibre option in rural areas within its coverage zones.^[2]

Current Quickline Package Comparison

BRSK and Oli: Expanding the Full Fibre Revolution

BRSK broadband targets rural and semi-rural communities, competing directly with established players in northern regions. The provider focuses on delivering reliable gigabit connectivity to areas previously underserved by traditional networks.^[4]

Oli broadband follows a similar model, offering full fibre speeds up to 1Gbps in its coverage areas. These providers typically price their services competitively, with packages starting around £25-30 per month for speeds between 500-900Mbps.

Coverage remains postcode-specific, so availability varies significantly by location. However, these networks are expanding rapidly as they secure funding and regulatory approval for new areas.

Speed and Performance: How Full Fibre Specialists Compare

The fastest broadband widely available nationally remains Vodafone's Full Fibre 1.6 plan, delivering average download speeds of 1.6Gbps to over 20 million homes on the Openreach network.^[1] However, Sky's 5Gbps symmetrical service on CityFibre networks represents the current speed champion, though coverage is limited to 4.7 million premises.^[1]

Full fibre specialists like Quickline broadband, BRSK broadband and Oli broadband typically offer speeds up to 1Gbps, matching or exceeding many Openreach-based services. The key advantage lies in consistency, as dedicated fibre connections avoid the interference and speed degradation common with copper-based FTTC services.

Virgin Media's cable network still reaches approximately 15 million homes with speeds up to 500Mbps, but full fibre alternatives often provide better upload speeds and more stable connections.^[4]

Pricing and Contract Terms

Alternative providers generally offer competitive pricing compared to traditional giants. Entry-level full fibre packages from specialists typically start around £25-30 per month, similar to Sky Full Fibre's 500Mbps service at £28 monthly.

Contract terms usually follow industry standards with 24-month agreements, though some providers offer monthly rolling contracts at higher rates. Setup costs are commonly waived as an incentive, and many altnets avoid the aggressive mid-contract price rises that affect major providers.

When comparing costs, factor in potential price increases during your contract term. Traditional providers typically implement annual rises of £3-4, usually taking effect each April.

Coverage Limitations and Availability

The main limitation of full fibre specialists remains coverage. While traditional providers like BT and Sky offer services nationwide through Openreach, altnets focus on specific regions where they've built infrastructure.

Quickline broadband concentrates on Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, while BRSK broadband and Oli broadband target other regional markets. This means availability is entirely postcode-dependent.

Before considering a switch, check whether these providers serve your exact address. Coverage maps on provider websites offer the most accurate availability information.

Making the Switch: When It Makes Sense

Switching to a full fibre specialist makes sense if you're currently on FTTC broadband experiencing slow speeds or frequent dropouts. The upgrade to genuine gigabit connectivity can transform your internet experience, particularly for households with multiple users or smart devices.

Rural customers often find these providers offer their first taste of superfast broadband, as Openreach infrastructure may not support high-speed services in remote locations.

Services like Join Lodo can handle the switching process for you, comparing available options and managing the paperwork automatically. This saves time researching individual provider websites and completing multiple application forms.

Consider switching if your current provider has announced significant price increases or if you're approaching the end of your contract term. Broadband black friday deals and promotional offers often provide additional incentives for new customers.

Frequently Asked Questions