The maximum broadband speed available at your address depends on the type of broadband infrastructure connected to your home, not just what's available in your area.
That's why two houses on the same street can have very different maximum speeds.
The simple answer
The maximum broadband speed at your address is determined by the fastest network technology that physically connects to your home.
This is why an address check is more accurate than a postcode check.
Why is broadband speed limited by technology?
Different broadband technologies have hard speed limits.
For example:
- ADSL
- Maximum speed: around 10-24 Mbps
- Uses copper phone lines
- Speed drops with distance
- Part-fibre (FTTC)
- Maximum speed: around 80 Mbps
- Fibre to the cabinet, copper to the home
- Distance still affects speed
- Cable broadband
- Maximum speed: up to 1 Gbps
- Uses a dedicated cable network
- Availability is street-specific
- Full fibre (FTTP)
- Maximum speeds now reaching 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps)
- Fibre runs directly into your home
- Speeds are consistent and future-ready
Your maximum speed can never exceed what your connected technology supports.
Why advertised speeds aren't always available?
You'll often see "up to" speeds - but:
- These are technology limits, not guarantees
- Your address may support lower or higher tiers
- Older wiring can cap achievable speeds
That's why providers show estimated speed ranges for your home.
Why neighbours can get faster broadband than you?
This usually happens because:
- Fibre has reached their property but not yours
- Their home is closer to a cabinet
- Their building has permission for fibre installation
- They're on a different network route
Broadband availability works at address level, not street level.
How to check the true maximum speed at your address?
To get an accurate answer:
- Use a broadband availability checker
- Enter your full address, not just postcode
- Look for the fastest technology listed
- Check the top speed tier shown, not the cheapest plan
This shows the true maximum potential, even if you don't choose it.
Does my router or Wi-Fi affect the maximum speed?
Yes - but only after installation.
Even if your address supports 1 Gbps:
- Old routers may cap speeds
- Wi-Fi can reduce real-world performance
- Wired connections show true maximums
The network sets the limit, but equipment affects delivery.
Will the maximum speed at my address increase in the future?
In many cases, yes.
Maximum speeds can increase when:
- Full fibre is installed
- New networks roll out
- Existing fibre is upgraded
That's why it's worth checking availability regularly.
The key takeaway
The maximum broadband speed at your address depends on the fastest network technology physically connected to your home - with full fibre now supporting speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Check your address with V4 Consumer to see the maximum broadband speed available at your home.
Visit the V4 Consumer website to explore your options, or call 033 004 314 34 to speak to a broadband expert and get a plan built around your needs.