Skip to content
  1. HomeHome/
  2. Guides/
  3. Rural Broadband
  2. / Guides
content image

What is Rural Broadband?

Rural broadband is any broadband connection in a remote location. Whether you're surrounded by rolling hills, tucked away in a coastal village, or living life with more green space than grey. If you're off the beaten track, you're likely using rural broadband.

Some areas get part-fibre, others are lucky enough to have Full Fibre (yes, even where the nearest neighbour is a field of wildflowers). Just bear in mind: rural broadband speeds can be slower than in cities, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for sluggish streaming.



Types of broadband available

The broadband you can get depends on where you live — but wherever that is, we’ve got you covered.

  • Full Fibre broadband - Our most reliable, fastest, broadband yet. With average download speeds up to 900 Mbps, it’s 24x faster than standard broadband and handles up to 128 devices without breaking a sweat. Full Fibre uses fibre optic cables straight to your home for max speed and stability. It’s rolling out across the UK, especially in towns and cities
  • Part-Fibre broadband - Also known as fibre to the cabinet (FTTC), this setup uses fibre to your street and copper to your home. With average speeds up to 65 Mbps, it’s great for households with 5+ devices. You’ll get a powerful Wi-Fi Hub and a fuss-free setup
  • Fast broadband - No fibre? No problem. Fast broadband is ideal for homes where fibre isn’t available yet. With speeds up to 10 Mbps, it’s perfect for light browsing on 1–2 devices. You’ll still get our Wi-Fi Hub and a landline with free TalkTalk-to-TalkTalk calls

Can rural areas get full fibre broadband?

Full Fibre broadband is expanding fast across the UK, bringing superfast speeds to more homes every day. Right now, most of the rollout is focused on cities and urban areas, so if you live rurally, it might not have reached you just yet.

Availability in rural areas is a bit of a postcode lottery, but it’s changing all the time. Use our helpful availability checker to see if Full Fibre is live where you are. If it’s not, don’t worry, we’ll show you the best TalkTalk broadband options for your home, no matter how off-grid you are.


Why can rural broadband be slower?

Rural broadband often lags behind urban speeds, and it’s all down to the tech. Fibre broadband uses speedy fibre-optic cables to your street, but from there, old-school copper wires take over. The longer that copper stretch to your home, the slower your connection can get.

That’s why rural homes - often further from the cabinet - can see lower speeds than city dwellers.

Want to know how your broadband’s holding up? Run our broadband speed checker to find out.

With TalkTalk, 96% of the UK can get fibre broadband with speeds between 35-65 Mbps and yes, that includes many rural areas. Full Fibre is still rolling out, so if it’s not at your door yet, it could be soon.


How to improve broadband speed?

Slow broadband? Don’t settle. Here’s how to give your connection a kick, especially if you’re in a rural area:

  • Reposition your router - Put it in a central spot to help the signal reach every corner. Yes, even that Wi-Fi blank spot in the back bedroom
  • Use a Wi-Fi booster - Stretch your signal further and strengthen it where it counts
  • Upgrade your router - Old routers can’t keep up with modern demands. A newer model could mean faster speeds and better coverage
  • Limit connected devices - Too many gadgets online at once? Your broadband’s juggling act might be slowing things down. Trim the load for smoother performance
  • Switch providers - Infrastructure may have improved since you signed up. Use our availability checker to see if TalkTalk broadband can give you better speed

Find the best broadband for rural areas

If you're in a rural area, it’s worth checking what broadband deals are now available, as things may have changed since you last signed up. Switching to TalkTalk could mean a stronger connection and faster speeds at home.

Use our availability checker to see what’s on offer in your area, then compare our broadband packages to find the one that works best for your setup, whether you're streaming, Zooming or running your side hustle from the shed.


content image

Full Fibre broadband

Take your broadband further. Connect up to 128 devices for smooth browsing, streaming and downloading on speeds up to 900 Mbps.
Discover full fibre

TV and Fibre bundles

Everything you love to watch, in one place. Lose yourself with 170+ live-channels, 30 top streaming apps, stunning 4K, and voice control.
Discover TV & Fibre

Compare deals

Want to take your package to the next level? We hear that. We’ve made it easier to view all the options available to you.
Compare deals

    • From £26.00 a month. Increasing to £30.00 from April 2026 then to £34.00 in April 2027, on a 24 month contract with no set up fees.


      See www.talktalk.co.uk/legal/annual-price-change for more details.


      This plan has part-fibre broadband with average speeds of 35Mbps. Average speeds are based on the download speeds of at least 50% of our customer base at peak time (8pm-10pm). Speeds will vary depending on a number of different factors. Your exact speed estimate will be given at point of sale. Fibre 35 data only broadband may require installation by an engineer. An appointment date and arrival time slot will be agreed when you place your order; this can be changed up to 48 hours prior to the appointment date. Installation typically takes 1–2 hours. If the appointment is missed due to the engineer being unable to access your property, you may be charged.

    • From £26.00 a month. Increasing to £30.00 from April 2026 then to £34.00 in April 2027, on a 24 month contract with no set up fees.


      See www.talktalk.co.uk/legal/annual-price-change for more details.


      You’ll need to sign a new contract and will be subject to certain terms. All plans are subject to specific conditions (including location), and payment must be made by Direct Debit.


      Fibre 65 data only broadband may require installation by an engineer. An appointment date and arrival time slot will be agreed when you place your order; this can be changed up to 48 hours prior to the appointment date. Installation typically takes 1–2 hours. If the appointment is missed due to the engineer being unable to access your property, you may be charged.


      Fibre 65 data only broadband average speed: TalkTalk’s Fibre 65 data only average download speeds are based on providing an Openreach 80Mbps download product to the connection point in the home, with an adjustment made based on the typical performance seen across our broadband products. You can check the estimated speed to your property prior to purchase.

    • From £26.00 a month. Increasing to £30.00 from April 2026 then to £34.00 in April 2027, on a 24 month contract with no set up fees.


      See www.talktalk.co.uk/legal/annual-price-change for more details.


      You’ll need to sign a new contract and will be subject to certain terms. All plans are subject to specific conditions (including location), and payment must be made by Direct Debit.


      Fibre 65 data only broadband requires installation by an engineer. An appointment date and arrival time slot will be agreed when you place your order; this can be changed up to 48 hours prior to the appointment date. Installation typically takes 1–2 hours. If the appointment is missed due to the engineer being unable to access your property, you may be charged.


      Fibre 65 data only broadband average speed: TalkTalk’s Fibre 65 data only average download speeds are based on providing an Openreach 80Mb/s download product to the connection point in the home, with an adjustment made based on the typical performance seen across our broadband products. You can check the estimated speed to your property prior to purchase.

    • From £24.00 a month. Increasing to £28.00 from April 2026 then to £32.00 in April 2027, on a 18 month contract with no set up fees.


      See www.talktalk.co.uk/legal/annual-price-change for more details.


      Full Fibre 150 requires installation by an engineer. An appointment date and arrival time slot will be agreed when you place your order; this can be changed up to 48 hours prior to the appointment date. Installation typically takes 1–2 hours. If the appointment is missed due to the engineer being unable to access your property, you may be charged.


      You’ll need to sign a new contract and will be subject to certain terms. All plans are subject to specific conditions (including location), and payment must be made by Direct Debit.


      Up to 13x faster than standard fibre broadband: when compared to average download speeds on our standard Fibre 35, which has average download speeds of 35Mbps.


      UK’s fastest, most reliable broadband technology: For more detailed information about the UK’s fastest, most reliable broadband, click here for our Ofcom report.

    • No setup fee. Latest offer £30.00 a month, Increasing to £34.00 from April 2026 then to £38.00 in April 2027, on a 24 month contract.


      See www.talktalk.co.uk/legal/annual-price-change for more details.


      Full Fibre 500 requires installation by an engineer. An appointment date and arrival time slot will be agreed when you place your order; this can be changed up to 48 hours prior to the appointment date. Installation typically takes 1–2 hours. If the appointment is missed due to the engineer being unable to access your property, you may be charged.
      You’ll need to sign a new contract and will be subject to certain terms. All plans are subject to specific conditions (including location), and payment must be made by Direct Debit.
      Up to 13x faster than standard fibre broadband: when compared to average download speeds on our standard Fibre 35, which has average download speeds of 35Mbps.
      UK’s fastest, most reliable broadband technology: For more detailed information about the UK’s fastest, most reliable broadband, click here for our Ofcom report.

    • From £36.00 a month. Increasing to £40.00 from April 2026 then to £44.00 in April 2027, on a 24 month contract with no set up fees.


      See www.talktalk.co.uk/legal/annual-price-change for more details.

      Full Fibre 900 requires installation by an engineer. An appointment date and arrival time slot will be agreed when you place your order; this can be changed up to 48 hours prior to the appointment date. Installation typically takes 1–2 hours. If the appointment is missed due to the engineer being unable to access your property, you may be charged.
      You’ll need to sign a new contract and will be subject to certain terms. All plans are subject to specific conditions (including location), and payment must be made by Direct Debit.


      Up to 24x faster than standard fibre broadband: when compared to average download speeds on our standard Fibre 35, which has average download speeds of 35Mbps.


      UK’s fastest, most reliable broadband technology: For more detailed information about the UK’s fastest, most reliable broadband, click here for our Ofcom report.

    • From £28.00 a month. Increasing to £32.00 from April 2026 then to £36.00 in April 2027, on a 24 month contract with no set up fees.


      From £31.00 a month. Increasing to £35.00 from April 2026 then to £39.00 in April 2027, on a 24 month contract with no set up fees.


      From £34.00 a month. Increasing to £38.00 from April 2026 then to £42.00 in April 2027, on a 24 month contract with no set up fees.


      See www.talktalk.co.uk/legal/annual-price-change for more details.


      TalkTalk U is a full fibre connection and may require installation by an engineer. If so, an appointment date and arrival time slot will be agreed when you place your order; this can be changed up to 48 hours prior to the appointment date. Installation typically takes 1–2 hours. If the appointment is missed due to the engineer being unable to access your property, you may be charged.


      You’ll need to sign a new contract and will be subject to certain terms. All plans are subject to specific conditions (including location), and payment must be made by Direct Debit.

      Your speed may increase or decrease over time as TalkTalk U automatically adapts it to your usage. Speed changes will not affect your monthly payments.

      UK’s fastest, most reliable broadband technology: For more detailed information about the UK’s fastest, most reliable broadband, click here for our Ofcom report

    • £29.95 a month. Increasing to £33.95 from April 2026 then to £37.95 in April 2027, on a 24 month contract with no set up fees.


      See www.talktalk.co.uk/legal/annual-price-change for more details.


      This plan includes broadband with average speeds of 11Mbps. Average speeds are based on the download speeds of at least 50% of our customer base during peak time (8–10pm). Speeds will vary depending on a number of factors. Your exact speed estimate will be provided at the point of sale.

    • TalkTalk TV is available to all TalkTalk Fibre and Full Fibre customers. The TalkTalk TV Access Fee is paid on a rolling monthly basis. TalkTalk TV can be added at any time, and your broadband contract will remain unaffected. The minimum commitment is 30 days and can be cancelled with 48 hours’ notice any time thereafter (broadband contract length still applies and cannot be cancelled mid-contract). If the TalkTalk TV Access Fee is cancelled partway through a billing cycle, a credit for the remaining part of the month will be applied in the next cycle.


      TalkTalk TV Hub

      The TalkTalk TV Hub should be connected to the internet and to a TV aerial. It features pause and rewind (for up to 90 minutes), and access to over 70 Freeview channels, with 15 in HD and 7-day catch-up. The number of SD and HD channels may vary over time. 7-day catch-up is available on certain channels; however, it may not be possible for all programmes on these channels. Please visit the Freeview coverage checker for expected channel availability.


      The TV Hub provides access to on-demand content and subscription apps (additional subscriptions may be required). Available apps include BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Prime Video, NOW and YouTube, plus access to the Google Play Store to download other apps and streaming services. Use of the TV Hub requires agreement to YouView terms. Use of the available apps may require you to sign up to additional terms and conditions before use, as well as to create an account. You will need a Google Account and must agree to their terms and conditions before accessing Google Play. Please note that use of any applications downloaded via Google Play may require additional sign-up and acceptance of terms and conditions. Terms apply. Google and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

    • Eligibility for TalkTalk plans with Total Home Wi-Fi depends on location. Properties outside eligible locations will not be able to receive Total Home Wi-Fi.


      The Total Home Wi-Fi add-on is an upgrade available to all customers on the Openreach footprint. If you don’t achieve Total Home Coverage (as detailed below) with your Fibre or Full Fibre service, we’ll provide additional configuration and technical support and, where necessary, extra Boosters to help you achieve it.


      Our Total Home Coverage Promise: Total Home Coverage means you have a download speed of at least 3Mbps in all eligible rooms on Full Fibre 150/500/900, and 3Mbps on Fibre 35/65 and Full Fibre 65. We’ll help you achieve Total Home Coverage where your home meets the following parameters:

      (i) up to six bedrooms; (ii) no basements, cellars or below street-level rooms; (iii) no outbuildings or garden rooms; and (iv) any other reasonable parameters notified by us from time to time.

      Where you aren’t achieving Total Home Coverage, you agree that we may send an engineer to investigate.


      The Total Home Wi-Fi add-on is subject to an initial phone or online home assessment. If your home doesn’t pass our assessment, you won’t be eligible for our Total Home Coverage Promise, as we may be unable to help you achieve Total Home Coverage. However, we may still be able to help improve your home broadband coverage. If you still wish to purchase the Total Home Wi-Fi add-on despite such ineligibility, you may do so, but you won’t be able to use the cancellation option noted in the optimisation period section below.


      A new 18- or 24-month minimum period will apply to your Full Fibre service and Total Home Wi-Fi add-on from your upgrade date, as agreed with you and detailed in your order confirmation email.


      We won’t charge you for the remaining duration of your current Full Fibre service or apply an upgrade fee, but you’ll need to pay the ongoing monthly charges for your Full Fibre service and Total Home Wi-Fi add-on for the new minimum period, as agreed and detailed in your order confirmation email.


      What you must do: Provide any reasonable information requested by us, and follow reasonable instructions given by us regarding the Total Home Wi-Fi add-on.


      Optimisation period: If you don’t achieve Total Home Coverage within the first 45 days of your upgrade, you may cancel your Total Home Wi-Fi add-on (but not any other service) without paying a contract breakage fee, provided: (i) you notify us before 5.30pm on day 45; (ii) if requested, you allow us to conduct an in-person home assessment to validate the failure to achieve Total Home Coverage; and (iii) any Boosters provided as part of the Total Home Wi-Fi add-on are returned to us in accordance with our instructions, and in the condition they were provided.


      If you cancel your Total Home Wi-Fi add-on within your minimum period after day 45, or fail to return the applicable Boosters, you’ll be charged a contract breakage fee equal to £8 for each full month remaining in your minimum period. If you cancel any other services, other contract breakage fees may apply.

    • Award-winning online security


      The anti-virus technology used in SuperSafe, powered by F-Secure, has consistently been awarded the Best Protection award by AV-Test—a leading independent organisation—for six out of the last eight years, more than any other company.

    • Calling Boosts Monthly Calling Boost charges are additional to your plan and are subject to change. All Boosts have a minimum duration of one month. Once added, you’ll continue to receive the Boost until you opt out or your broadband service ends (we require 48 hours’ notice to terminate). We’ll activate the Boost as soon as possible and confirm when it goes live via an activation email. Boosts are billed in advance.


      International Max Calling Boost

      Includes 1,500 inclusive anytime minutes to 55 international destinations, plus the Channel Islands. Applies to calls made to standard-price landline and mobile numbers, and excludes calls to international premium, satellite, and non-geographic numbers. Click here for list of destinations the Boost applies to. If you exceed your allowance, you’ll be charged at a discounted rate. All non-inclusive international landline and mobile calls will be charged at a discounted rate, with a per-call connection fee applied.


      Unlimited UK Calling Boost

      Unlimited calls to UK landline numbers starting 01, 02, 03, and standard UK mobile numbers only (excluding 070 and 076). Excludes calls to the Channel Islands, dial-up internet, indirect access, premium mobile services, and all other numbers. The maximum call time is 60 minutes per call.


      Evening and Weekend Calls Boost Unlimited calls to UK landline numbers starting 01, 02, 03, and mobile numbers only (excluding 070 and 076). Excludes calls to the Channel Islands, dial-up internet, indirect access, premium mobile services, and all other numbers. The maximum call time is 60 minutes per call, and the call must start between 7pm and 7am on weekdays or anytime at the weekend.

    • A TalkTalk router is included with all our plans. Limited to one per household.

    • For full terms & conditions please visit our legal terms and policies.

    • Broadband Speed Code of Practice

      At TalkTalk, we’ve voluntarily signed the residential version of Ofcom’s Code of Practice. This means we share speed information—both upload and download—and details about factors affecting speed, either upfront or after sale, with our customers.


      Speed estimates are based on actual performance metrics from customers using the same product during peak hours, following Ofcom’s methodology. This helps customers make informed decisions when selecting our products. These speeds refer to the connection from TalkTalk to your router or hub and do not include Wi-Fi speeds between your hub and wireless devices.


      We provide the following information across various customer touchpoints:


      1. Speeds: Normally available (download and upload), minimum (download and upload), maximum (download and upload), and advertised/headline (download and upload).

      2. Traffic: Explanation of actual speeds, influencing factors, speeds required for common uses, and any policies that could affect speed.


      The Code gives customers the right to exit their contract without penalty if their speed falls below the Guaranteed Minimum Download Speed we promised. Specifically, if your actual download speed falls below the minimum guaranteed download speed provided at the point of sale on a daily basis for at least three successive days—whether continuously or intermittently—after reporting a speed issue, and we’re unable to resolve it within 30 days, you may cancel without penalty.


      If you're a new customer on the Fibre 35/65 or Ultrafast 150/250, your line will go through a stabilisation period of 10 days, when your speeds may fluctuate.


      For more details about how the methodology, our commitments, and your rights under the Code, please visit Ofcom's dedicated page here.


      If you’re using an eero device provided by TalkTalk, we recommend using the speed test within the eero app. For other devices, please visit our speed test page. To help determine the right speed for your needs, please check our speed guidance page.


      Please note:

      • The Broadband Speed Code of Conduct (post- 1 March 2019) protects you if your throughput speed is lower than what we promised when you signed up.

      • The Broadband Speed Code of Conduct (pre- 1 March 2019 protects you if your sync speed is lower than what we promised when you signed up with us.

    • All TalkTalk packages include a monthly billing allowance. If you exceed your allowance, you will be barred from making outgoing calls from your TalkTalk landline (excluding calls to emergency services), and you will be unable to access on-demand TV services. You will still be required to pay for all charges that exceed your allowance limit. Please check My Account for further details.

    • Unlimited Fibre 35 Broadband

      On average, 4x faster compared to TalkTalk’s average download speed on Fast Broadband. TalkTalk’s average download speeds are based on the download speeds of at least 50% of our customer base during peak time (8–10pm). Speeds will vary depending on a number of factors. You can check the estimated speed to your property prior to purchase.


      Unlimited Fibre 65

      On average, over 6x faster compared to TalkTalk’s average download speed on Fast Broadband. TalkTalk’s average download speeds are based on the download speeds of at least 50% of our customer base during peak time (8–10pm). Speeds will vary depending on a number of factors. You can check the estimated speed to your property prior to purchase.

    • We may from time to time need to contact you with information about the relationship we have with you. These are service based messages.


      We know over the duration of a contract, your needs, uses and circumstances can change, and you may benefit from moving to different services, products, or tariffs. As such, we would like to also contact you with details of those available to you, special promotional offers such as TV boost offers or products that we think you may be interested in.


      You can opt into receiving these messages along with the communication channels you prefer us to use, such as for example, email, telephone, SMS, Whatsapp, or post.


      If you would like us to keep you updated on products, services, and offers which may enhance your user experience, you can let us know and update you marketing preferences at any time via My Account or by contacting us via phone, online chat, email or by post.


    • You can cancel your Faster Fibre contract within 30 days of your line being connected provided that you cancel by calling 0345 172 0088.


      You will be charged for the period prior to your cancellation, including any set up or delivery charges. This does not affect your cooling off period. Offer does not apply to existing customers.

    • Digital Voice, also known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), is a phone service that operates over your internet connection rather than traditional phone lines. As this service is provided through your broadband router, please be aware that in the event of a power outage, your router—and subsequently your Digital Voice service—will not function. This means you won’t be able to make or receive calls, including emergency calls to 999.


      Additionally, services that rely on a traditional phone line, such as care alarms or burglar alarms, will no longer work with Digital Voice. This service is not suitable for customers who require these functions.


      We recommend that all customers have access to a mobile phone for use in emergencies. If you rely on your landline to make emergency calls and do not have a mobile phone or mobile signal in your home, please speak to us about our free battery backup option. This will keep your broadband router powered for up to one hour in the event of a power cut.


      Customers on Wi-Fi Hub packages can plug their handset directly into the router and will need three available power sockets.


      If you choose to keep your current phone number, we will port it from your existing supplier. Alternatively, we can provide you with a new number if required.


      CallSafe can be added via My Account once your broadband connection is live.