Internet providers: UK’s most complained-about broadband providers named - EE, TalkTalk and Vodafone top list
New data highlights where customers are most frustrated 📡
- Ofcom has revealed which broadband providers received the most complaints between July and September
- EE, TalkTalk and Vodafone topped the broadband complaints table, each with 10 per 100,000 customers
- Plusnet attracted the fewest broadband complaints during the quarter
- TalkTalk also led landline complaints, while O2, Sky Mobile and Three topped mobile grievances
- Switching provider is now simpler under the One Touch Switch system, making it easier to move for a better deal
Households unhappy with their broadband service may want to take note of the latest complaints data from the UK’s communications regulator.
New figures from Ofcom reveal that EE, TalkTalk and Vodafone were the most complained about broadband providers in Britain during the third quarter of last year, covering July to September.
According to the watchdog, overall complaint levels across telecoms services were broadly flat compared with the previous quarter. But broadband complaints were more heavily concentrated among a handful of major providers.
EE, TalkTalk and Vodafone each generated 10 complaints per 100,000 broadband customers during the period.
Ofcom said EE’s complaint levels were similar to the previous quarter, while both TalkTalk and Vodafone saw an increase in grievances from customers.
At the other end of the table, Plusnet, which is owned by BT, attracted the fewest broadband complaints, suggesting higher levels of customer satisfaction relative to its rivals.
The report also highlighted issues beyond broadband. TalkTalk was the most complained about landline provider after a rise in complaints quarter-on-quarter, while Utility Warehouse generated the fewest landline complaints.
In the mobile market, O2, Sky Mobile and Three topped the complaints table. O2 and Sky Mobile customers most frequently raised concerns about how their complaints were handled, while Three customers mainly reported issues related to faults, service problems and getting connected.
By contrast, EE, Tesco Mobile, Vodafone and iD Mobile received the fewest complaints for pay-monthly mobile services. In pay-TV, EE recorded the highest complaint levels, while Sky and TalkTalk received the fewest.
How to switch – and find a better deal
If you are unhappy with your broadband provider, switching is often simpler than many people expect.
Since the introduction of the “One Touch Switch” system, your new provider can typically handle the process for you, including notifying your old supplier.
Before moving, compare deals using price comparison websites and check the total monthly cost, including any mid-contract price rises, contract length and exit fees, average download speeds in your postcode, and customer service ratings and complaint levels
You should also check whether your current contract has ended. If you are out of contract, you are free to switch without paying early termination charges.
Shopping around regularly can help ensure you are not overpaying, and that you are with a provider that delivers reliable service and better customer support.