now internet reviews

NOW Internet Reviews: What Real Customers Are Saying in 2025
When it comes to broadband in the UK, there are plenty of options to choose from. From full-fibre to budget-friendly providers, navigating the market can be overwhelming. One name that consistently pops up in conversations is NOW Broadband, often simply called “NOW Internet.” It’s part of the Sky Group, which gives it a bit of brand recognition. But brand names aren’t everything — what really matters is how customers feel about the service once they’ve signed up.
So, what’s the real story behind NOW Internet in 2025? Is it worth your money? What are users actually saying about it — and not just the flashy headlines or cherry-picked reviews?
Let’s dive deep into what you need to know, straight from the user experience side of things.
The Basics: What Is NOW Broadband?
If you’ve been shopping around for broadband in the UK lately, there’s a good chance you’ve come across NOW Broadband. It’s one of those names that seems to quietly sit alongside bigger players like BT and Virgin Media — not shouting too loud, but still catching your attention. But what exactly is NOW Broadband, and how does it fit into the broadband market?
First things first: NOW Broadband is owned by Sky, so it’s not some unknown, fly-by-night operation. In fact, it was originally launched as a more flexible, low-cost alternative to Sky’s more premium broadband and TV bundles. Over the years, it’s become a popular choice for people who want solid internet service without the hassle of long contracts or confusing bundles.
So, What Do You Actually Get?
NOW keeps things pretty simple, which is honestly refreshing. They offer three main broadband packages, depending on what kind of speed you’re after:
- Brilliant Broadband: This is the most basic package, with speeds up to 11Mbps. It runs on ADSL, which is fine if you’re only using the internet for browsing, email, or the occasional YouTube video.
- Fab Fibre: This one jumps up to around 36Mbps, which is good for most homes with a few users streaming or working online at the same time.
- Super Fibre: The fastest option from NOW, offering up to 63Mbps. This is ideal for families, remote workers, or anyone who relies on a steady connection for video calls, gaming, or multiple devices.
All of these packages use the Openreach network — the same one used by BT, EE, TalkTalk, and others — so you’re getting reliable infrastructure without paying extra for a big-name brand.
Flexible Contracts — A Big Selling Point
One of the standout features of NOW Broadband is its contract flexibility. While most providers try to tie you down to 18-month commitments, NOW offers rolling 30-day contracts as an option. That’s a big deal if you’re renting short-term, moving house, or just don’t want to be locked in for over a year.
It’s worth noting that these no-contract plans do come with a slightly higher monthly fee and an upfront setup cost, but a lot of people find the tradeoff worth it for the flexibility alone.
What About the Extras?
Unlike other providers, NOW doesn’t try to bundle in loads of extras. That can be a good or bad thing depending on what you’re after. There’s no flashy app to control your network, no fancy router, and no full-fibre speeds — but on the flip side, you’re also not paying for things you may not need.
You can add a call package if you still use a home phone (though many don’t these days), and there are optional NOW TV memberships for those who want entertainment on the side. But none of it is forced on you.
In a Nutshell
NOW Broadband is a solid choice if you want simple, reliable broadband at a fair price. It’s not the fastest on the market, and it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles — but for everyday internet use, it does the job well.
For students, renters, or anyone tired of being stuck in long contracts, the flexibility it offers can be a real game-changer. And knowing it’s backed by Sky doesn’t hurt either.
If you’re looking for a straightforward broadband provider that just works — and won’t empty your wallet — NOW is definitely worth a look.
What the Reviews Say: Good, Bad, and Mixed
When you’re picking a broadband provider, it’s easy to get lost in the marketing fluff — all the promises of “lightning-fast speeds” and “unbeatable value.” But the real truth? That lives in the reviews.
NOW Broadband gets talked about a lot online. Some people swear by it, others have had less-than-great experiences. Like most budget providers, it’s got a mix of glowing praise and sharp criticism — and then there are those who fall somewhere in between.
We’ve gone through reviews from places like Trustpilot, Reddit threads, ISP review sites, and even social media posts. Here’s what people are actually saying — no filters, no corporate spin.
Where It Shines: The Good Stuff
Let’s give credit where it’s due. A lot of users say they’re pleasantly surprised by what they get for the price.
- Affordability is by far the most praised feature. With monthly prices starting below £25 and occasional deals with no setup fee, people feel like they’re getting their money’s worth.
- Simple setup earns points too. If you already have a phone line, NOW sends you a router in the post, and setup is usually just a matter of plugging it in.
- No-contract options make a big difference for renters and students. You’re not tied down, and people like that kind of freedom — even if it costs a bit more.
One reviewer on a broadband comparison site wrote:
“Honestly didn’t expect much, but it’s been rock solid. I just needed something cheap and reliable while I’m in uni, and it’s been perfect so far.”
Where It Stumbles: The Not-So-Great
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and smooth streaming. Some users have had frustrating experiences, and certain issues pop up more than once.
- Customer support is the biggest complaint. Long wait times, unclear answers, and tricky cancellation processes are often mentioned.
- Router quality is another weak point. It’s basic, and in larger homes, it might not provide strong coverage without help from Wi-Fi boosters or mesh systems.
- Speed fluctuations — while less common — do come up, especially during peak times. This might depend more on the area and line quality than the provider itself.
A Trustpilot review summed it up bluntly:
“You get what you pay for. It’s fine when it works, but getting through to someone when it doesn’t? Nightmare.”
The Middle Ground: It Works… Mostly
There’s also a healthy portion of reviews that sit somewhere in the middle. These customers aren’t singing its praises, but they’re not ranting either. For them, NOW Broadband is just… fine. It works well enough, especially if you don’t expect premium features.
Here’s how one Reddit user put it:
“It’s cheap and it works. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’ve got a big family all online at once, but for me, working from home and streaming Netflix? It’s been good enough.”
This “good enough” sentiment is common. And frankly, it’s not a bad place to be for a provider that’s aimed at simplicity and low cost.
Final Thoughts: Manage Your Expectations
What the reviews really tell us is this: NOW Broadband delivers value if you know what you’re signing up for. It’s not trying to be the fastest, the flashiest, or the most customer-obsessed. It’s trying to be affordable and straightforward — and in many cases, it delivers exactly that.
If you want blazing-fast speeds, full-fibre access, or world-class support, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re on a budget and just want decent internet that gets the job done, NOW might be a good fit.
As always, your experience may vary. But with this mix of reviews, you can go in with your eyes open — and that’s what matters most.
Setup and Installation: A Mixed Experience
Let’s be honest — nobody really gets excited about setting up broadband. You just want it to work. And while NOW Broadband claims to offer a straightforward installation process, the actual experience can vary a lot depending on your situation.
Some users breeze through the setup in 15 minutes flat. Others… not so much. Whether you’re a tech-savvy type or just hoping to get online without stress, it’s worth knowing what you might run into before your router even arrives at your door.
The DIY Setup Process
NOW Broadband keeps things pretty simple. If you’ve already got an active phone line, they’ll send you their standard router, and you’re expected to plug it in yourself. The package comes with easy-to-follow instructions — nothing fancy, just the basics.
In ideal cases, it really is plug-and-play. One user commented:
“Router arrived on time, plugged it in, followed the steps — done in under 20 minutes. Internet was up and running without a hitch.”
For a lot of people, especially those who’ve switched providers before, this kind of quick setup is a welcome relief. No need to wait for an engineer. No need to take time off work. Just a router, a phone socket, and a bit of patience.
But Then There Are the Exceptions…
Unfortunately, it’s not always smooth sailing. Some customers find that delivery of the setup kit is delayed, or the activation date comes and goes with no connection in sight. That’s when the frustration kicks in — especially if you’re stuck trying to get through to customer service.
One review read:
“They said it would be live on Monday. It’s Thursday and I’m still waiting. Called support and got bounced around for an hour.”
Sometimes the issue lies with Openreach — the network provider — rather than NOW itself. But for the average customer, that distinction doesn’t matter. All they see is a router that isn’t doing its job.
The Router: Just Okay
NOW sends out a fairly basic router — it’s a rebadged version of the Sky Hub. For light use, it gets the job done. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi and has the usual LAN ports, but it’s not exactly top-of-the-line gear.
In small flats or single-room setups, it usually works fine. But in bigger houses, especially those with thicker walls or multiple floors, the signal can drop off quickly. That’s a common complaint in forums and reviews.
One Reddit user said it best:
“It’s okay if you’re near it. Upstairs, I had to buy a Wi-Fi extender. The router just doesn’t have the power of a BT or Virgin one.”
Engineer Visits: Rare, But Sometimes Necessary
In most cases, you won’t need an engineer — unless your home doesn’t have a working phone line or the line hasn’t been used in a while. If that’s the case, NOW will arrange an Openreach visit, usually within a week or so. The appointment windows can be a bit long (typically a four-hour window), so be prepared for that.
The engineers are generally well-reviewed, though. Most folks who needed one said the process was handled professionally. The issue is really more about the wait time than the quality of the install.
Tips to Make It Go Smoother
- Double-check your activation date and keep an eye on your email — NOW usually confirms setup instructions a day or two before.
- Have your master phone socket ready — plugging the router into an extension socket can lead to slower speeds or dropped connections.
- If your home’s large, consider picking up a mesh Wi-Fi system or a booster. The standard router isn’t designed for big coverage.
- Take photos or notes of any error lights on the router if something goes wrong — support may ask for them.
The Bottom Line
For many people, setting up NOW Broadband is a smooth and painless experience. But for others, delays or weak Wi-Fi coverage can turn what should be a simple process into a minor headache.
It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker — especially when you consider the low cost of the service — but it does mean you should go in with realistic expectations. If everything clicks into place, you’ll be online in no time. If it doesn’t, you may need a bit of patience (and maybe a Wi-Fi booster).
Either way, it’s not the worst setup process out there — but it’s far from flawless.
Customer Support: A Common Complaint
When people talk about NOW Broadband, there’s one topic that keeps coming up over and over again: customer service. And unfortunately, it’s not always in a good way.
NOW Broadband markets itself as a simple, no-frills internet provider. That approach works well when everything is running smoothly. But when problems arise — a late activation, a faulty router, or a billing issue — customers often report that getting help is harder than it should be.
The Usual Frustrations
Dig through forums, review sites, or even social media, and you’ll see a pattern. Many customers say they’ve waited on hold for a long time, been passed from one department to another, or gotten vague responses that don’t really solve the issue.
“I spent 45 minutes on the phone just to be told someone else would call me back. No one did. I had to chase it up again the next day.”
— Claire, Trustpilot review
This kind of experience isn’t unique to NOW — a lot of budget providers struggle with customer service. But because NOW is owned by Sky, some users expect a higher standard. The gap between expectations and reality can lead to frustration.
Contacting Support: What You’re Dealing With
NOW doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app for broadband issues, which means your options are mostly limited to:
- Calling the helpline during business hours
- Using their online help articles or FAQs
- Starting a live chat session (though availability can be spotty)
While the website does offer a decent library of support guides, they can be a bit generic. If your problem isn’t a common one, you’ll likely need to speak to someone — and that’s where the waiting game often begins.
Billing and Cancellations: Pain Points
Several users also mention that billing queries and cancellation requests are particularly tricky. Some report being charged after cancelling, while others say they had to make multiple calls to get their account closed properly.
“I cancelled my broadband a week before the end of my contract. Got charged for the next month anyway. Took three calls to fix it.”
— Daniel, BroadbandReviews.co.uk
This kind of thing is frustrating, especially for customers who chose NOW specifically because of its flexible contract options. When flexibility turns into a hassle, it defeats the purpose.
Not All Bad News
To be fair, not every support experience is negative. Some customers report that once they did get through to the right person, their problem was resolved quickly and professionally. It’s just that getting to that point can sometimes feel like a marathon.
One Reddit user posted:
“Took me a while to get someone on the phone, but once I did, the rep was actually really helpful. Fixed my speed issue in a day.”
So the problem may not be with the staff themselves — it’s more about access, wait times, and communication channels.
Tips If You Need Help
- Try calling early in the day — first thing in the morning tends to have shorter wait times.
- Document everything — keep a record of who you spoke to, what was promised, and when.
- Use social media if needed — occasionally, tweeting at NOW gets a quicker response than calling.
- Be persistent — if something isn’t resolved the first time, don’t be afraid to follow up. You’re not being a nuisance — you’re being a customer.
The Verdict
NOW Broadband delivers decent value on paper — good prices, flexible plans, and solid performance for basic needs. But when something goes wrong, getting help can be the most frustrating part of the experience.
If you’re tech-savvy and unlikely to need much support, this might not be a dealbreaker. But if you value easy access to customer service and expect quick resolutions when things break, it’s something to think about.
In short: great price, average service, and support that needs some serious improvement.
Performance: Speed and Stability
One of the biggest factors in deciding whether an internet provider is worth your money is, quite simply, how well it performs. NOW Broadband positions itself as a value option — but what does that actually mean for speed and stability in day-to-day use? Let’s unpack what real customers are experiencing in 2025.
Speed That’s Just “Okay” for Most Users
NOW Broadband isn’t a fibre-first service. Most of its packages still rely on the Openreach copper network (although fibre-to-the-cabinet is common), which means it’s never going to compete with full-fibre giants when it comes to raw download or upload speeds. That said, users on the standard plan often report average download speeds between 10–17 Mbps — enough for light browsing, social media, and a bit of streaming, but not ideal for households with multiple devices streaming in HD or gaming online.
The faster “Fab Fibre” plan claims speeds of around 36 Mbps, and many customers say they regularly achieve that figure — though others complain of wide fluctuations, especially during peak hours. If you’re looking for ultra-fast broadband, NOW might not be your best bet. But for casual use, it’s often “good enough.”
Stability: Less Reliable Than the Competition
Speed is only half the equation. The other is consistency. And this is where things get mixed.
Some users describe their NOW connection as rock-solid for weeks or even months. But others, especially in more remote or busy areas, say their connection drops out unpredictably or suffers from slowdowns without warning. This can be frustrating, especially for remote workers or anyone relying on Zoom calls or cloud-based tools.
Online forums and review sites are filled with comments like “fine most of the time, but sometimes just dies for no reason.” It’s not the kind of issue you want when you’re in the middle of a work call or streaming a live football match. Unfortunately, those problems seem to be hard to troubleshoot — which adds to the frustration when support is slow to respond (as we covered in the previous post).
Ping and Gaming Performance
If you’re a gamer, low latency is just as important as high speed. Unfortunately, many gamers find NOW to be less than ideal in this regard. Reports of ping spikes and jitter are fairly common, making competitive gaming hit-or-miss. It’s not unusable, but it’s definitely not built with gamers in mind.
For casual online play — think Animal Crossing, casual mobile games, or basic co-op titles — it’ll usually suffice. But if you’re serious about competitive titles like Call of Duty or FIFA, it may let you down at the worst moments.
Overall Verdict on Performance
NOW Broadband’s performance is a bit of a balancing act. If your expectations are modest — checking email, watching a bit of Netflix, browsing social media — it might actually perform better than you’d expect for the price. But if you’re looking for consistent, high-speed internet that works seamlessly day in and day out, it might leave you wanting more.
Ultimately, it all comes down to what you need from your connection. For budget-conscious users with basic requirements, NOW’s performance is often “good enough.” But if speed and stability are non-negotiable, you might want to look elsewhere.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose NOW Internet?
Choosing a broadband provider isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works wonderfully for one household might be a disaster for another. With NOW Internet, that principle certainly holds true. It’s not trying to be the fastest or most cutting-edge option on the market — and it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, NOW Broadband caters to a specific slice of users. So, the real question is: are you part of that group?
Who Should Consider NOW Internet?
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: If you’re looking to keep your monthly costs low and don’t mind trading off ultra-fast speeds or premium customer support, NOW could be a smart choice. The plans are simple and affordable — a big win for students, renters, or anyone watching their budget.
- Light to Moderate Internet Users: Households that mainly use the internet for browsing, emailing, streaming in HD (not 4K), and occasional video calls are likely to find NOW’s performance acceptable. It’s not built for heavy downloading or competitive gaming, but it handles the basics reliably.
- Short-Term Residents: NOW’s flexible contract options — including no-contract plans — make it attractive to people who move frequently, like students or those in temporary housing. You’re not tied to long-term agreements, which can be a relief.
- People Who Already Trust Sky: Because NOW is part of the Sky Group, there’s a certain familiarity and trust that comes with it. If you’ve had decent experiences with Sky in the past, you may feel more comfortable giving NOW a try.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Heavy Streamers and Gamers: If your household regularly streams in 4K, hosts online multiplayer gaming sessions, or depends on ultra-low latency, NOW’s speed and stability might not keep up. It’s better to look at full-fibre providers with higher guaranteed speeds.
- Remote Workers with High Bandwidth Needs: For professionals relying on stable Zoom calls, large file uploads, or VPN connections, consistency matters. Unfortunately, some users report fluctuating speeds and occasional dropouts, which can be disruptive to productivity.
- People Who Value Premium Support: NOW’s customer service has drawn criticism for long wait times and limited responsiveness. If you’re someone who needs quick solutions and regular support, the experience might prove frustrating.
- Tech-Savvy Households: Advanced users who want granular control over their router settings, full IPv6 support, or future-proof equipment might find NOW’s offerings a bit limiting. It’s designed to be plug-and-play, not tweak-friendly.
Final Thoughts
NOW Internet makes sense for a specific kind of customer — someone who wants a no-frills, low-commitment broadband service at a fair price. If you don’t need blazing speeds or round-the-clock tech support, it can be a solid deal. But for households demanding high performance, consistent uptime, and exceptional service, it might not tick every box.
In the end, the best choice depends on how you use your internet — and how much you’re willing to compromise for a lower monthly bill.
Comparisons With Other ISPs
NOW Broadband is often marketed as a simple, budget-friendly solution for UK households, but how does it stack up against the competition? To answer that, we need to take a close look at what the big players — and even the lesser-known alternatives — offer, and where NOW sits in that lineup.
NOW Broadband vs BT
BT is often seen as the standard bearer in the UK broadband space. It has the infrastructure, the customer service network, and the brand power to match. But that all comes at a price. BT plans tend to be more expensive, especially when bundling services like TV and phone lines. NOW, in contrast, strips things back. It offers fewer frills, but the monthly bills reflect that. If you’re not in need of ultra-fast fibre and want to avoid hidden charges, NOW has an edge in terms of value. But for those who rely on top-tier speed and robust support, BT usually comes out on top.
NOW Broadband vs Virgin Media
When it comes to raw speed, Virgin Media leaves NOW Broadband in the dust. Virgin is famous (and occasionally infamous) for its lightning-fast fibre connections that are available in most cities. Gamers, streamers, and large households may prefer Virgin purely for the higher bandwidth. However, Virgin’s service comes with its own caveats — higher monthly costs, stricter contracts, and reports of mixed customer service experiences. For casual users who don’t need lightning speeds, NOW’s affordability makes it more attractive.
NOW Broadband vs Sky
This one’s interesting, considering NOW Broadband is owned by Sky. The difference mainly comes down to packaging and flexibility. Sky tends to lock customers into longer-term deals with bundled TV and broadband, whereas NOW operates more like a no-strings-attached service. That makes NOW a better fit for renters, students, or people who just want internet without a 12- or 18-month commitment. Sky does tend to offer faster options, especially if you’re willing to pay a bit more. But in terms of flexibility and low upfront costs, NOW usually takes the lead.
NOW Broadband vs TalkTalk
TalkTalk and NOW often compete in the same value-for-money category. Both target users who want broadband that “just works” without bells and whistles. Where TalkTalk sometimes edges ahead is in promotional offers and bundled packages. But NOW holds its ground by being refreshingly straightforward — its pricing is clear, setup is simple, and there are fewer upsells. However, customer support complaints appear to affect both providers equally, so it may come down to location, available speeds, and individual experience.
NOW Broadband vs Plusnet
Plusnet is another provider that has built a name for itself by focusing on customer service and reliability. It’s often regarded as a step above NOW in terms of technical support and consistency. However, Plusnet’s pricing can be higher depending on the plan. If you want a barebones internet package for a reasonable price and can live with occasional hiccups in support, NOW makes sense. But if you’d rather pay a bit extra for the peace of mind that comes with better customer care, Plusnet is a solid alternative.
Final Thoughts
In the grand scheme of things, NOW Broadband doesn’t try to beat everyone on all fronts. It knows its place in the market: no-nonsense internet at a low monthly cost. It won’t win any awards for blazing speeds or premium features, but it’s not trying to. The comparisons with other ISPs show that NOW fills a very specific niche — it’s a “good enough” solution for users who want a basic connection without a fuss.
Ultimately, choosing an ISP comes down to priorities: speed, reliability, price, contract length, and customer service. If cost and flexibility top your list, NOW could be your match. If you’re after performance and premium extras, one of the bigger names might be worth the splurge.
Real-Life Customer Reviews (2025)
If there’s one thing you can trust more than flashy marketing, it’s real stories from people who’ve actually lived with the service. NOW Internet, as a budget-friendly broadband option in the UK, has received its fair share of customer feedback — some glowing, others not so much.
Let’s take a look at what actual users are saying in 2025, across social media, review sites, and online forums.
Positive Experiences: It Works Well for the Price
Some customers genuinely feel they’ve landed a good deal. One Reddit user commented, “Been using NOW for over a year — never had major outages, and it’s fine for streaming Netflix and Zoom calls. You get what you pay for.”
Many positive reviews highlight the simplicity of the service. It’s a no-frills broadband provider, and when it works, it works well. People who don’t need blazing-fast speeds or gamer-level ping times seem to walk away happy with what NOW offers.
Neutral to Mixed Reviews: Expectations Matter
There’s a recurring theme in many customer reviews: expectations. People who switch from premium providers like BT or Virgin Media sometimes feel underwhelmed. As one Trustpilot review stated, “The speed is okay but drops in the evening. It’s not terrible, but it’s not premium either.”
Others mention that while the price is attractive, performance can vary depending on location. That inconsistency is a major factor in mixed reviews. Customers in urban areas often report more stable connections than those in rural or suburban spots.
Negative Experiences: Customer Service Frustrations
Unsurprisingly, many of the more critical reviews focus on customer service. One Facebook commenter wrote, “Getting help was a nightmare. I spent two hours on hold only to be told to reboot the router again.”
Technical issues, billing errors, and delayed installations are other pain points for dissatisfied customers. While not everyone has problems, those who do often feel the support experience falls short.
Common Themes Across Reviews
- Price: Most users agree it’s competitively priced and affordable.
- Speed: Acceptable for basic usage, but not reliable for heavy multitasking or gaming.
- Stability: Varies widely depending on your location.
- Customer Support: Often cited as a weak point.
In summary, real-life reviews of NOW Internet paint a picture of a decent, low-cost broadband solution — as long as you’re not expecting elite-level performance or concierge-style customer service.
As always, your personal experience may vary, but going in with realistic expectations seems to make all the difference.
Final Verdict: Is NOW Internet Worth It?
After diving into all the details — from pricing and setup to speed and customer feedback — it’s time to answer the big question: Is NOW Internet worth your money in 2025?
The short answer? It depends on what you’re looking for.
When NOW Internet Makes Sense
If you want a no-nonsense, affordable broadband plan without the pressure of long contracts, NOW is definitely worth considering. It’s particularly well-suited for:
- Students or renters who need flexible month-to-month options.
- Light internet users who mainly browse, stream in HD, and do casual work from home.
- Anyone on a budget who prioritizes price over premium speeds or extra perks.
Its simplicity is actually one of its strongest points. You get straightforward plans, clear pricing, and a reasonable level of performance without getting bogged down in upsells or confusing bundles.
When You Might Want to Look Elsewhere
That said, if your household relies on ultra-fast speeds for heavy streaming, gaming, or large file uploads, NOW’s performance might feel a bit limiting. Similarly, if you need top-tier customer service or guaranteed stability, the support experience can sometimes fall short.
Providers like BT, Virgin Media, or Plusnet might be more expensive, but they often deliver faster speeds and stronger support — which could be worth the extra cost if you value those things.
Bottom Line
NOW Internet is a solid choice for those who want a simple, budget-friendly broadband service and can live with occasional hiccups. It won’t wow you with blazing-fast fibre or award-winning customer care, but it does the basics well enough for most everyday users.
As with any ISP, success comes down to managing expectations and understanding what the service is designed for. If that matches your needs, then yes — NOW Internet is worth it.
Quick Tips Before You Sign Up for NOW Internet
Thinking about signing up with NOW Internet? Before you hit that “subscribe” button, there are a few things worth keeping in mind to make sure you get the best experience possible. Here are some straightforward tips based on real customer feedback and common experiences.
1. Check Your Area’s Coverage
NOW Broadband relies largely on the existing Openreach network, so your location makes a big difference. Visit their website or use online tools to check what speeds and service quality you can realistically expect in your postcode. If you live in a rural or fringe area, speeds might be slower or less stable.
2. Know What Speeds You Actually Need
Don’t just chase the highest numbers. Think about how you use the internet. If you mostly browse, stream in HD, and do light work, the entry-level plans will likely do fine. But if you have multiple heavy users or stream 4K, you might want to consider faster plans or a different provider.
3. Consider Your Wi-Fi Setup
NOW’s router is basic and may struggle in larger homes. If your house has thick walls or multiple floors, you might need to invest in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system for better coverage.
4. Read the Fine Print on Contracts
One of NOW’s selling points is flexibility, including no-contract options. Still, check cancellation policies and potential fees carefully before signing up. Sometimes “no contract” plans come at a slightly higher monthly price.
5. Be Prepared for DIY Installation
Most NOW plans require you to set up your router yourself. The instructions are straightforward, but if you’re not comfortable with tech stuff, you might want to ask a friend for help or prepare for possible delays if an engineer visit is necessary.
6. Keep Customer Support Expectations Realistic
Customer service is often cited as a weak point with NOW. If you run into issues, be patient and persistent when contacting support. Document your calls and keep track of promises made.
7. Look Out for Deals but Watch Renewal Prices
NOW sometimes offers promotional prices or waived setup fees to new customers. These can be great — but remember that prices may increase after the introductory period, so keep an eye on renewal rates.
8. Ask Around Locally
Sometimes the best insight comes from neighbours or local community groups. Ask if anyone nearby uses NOW and how their experience has been with speed and reliability.
Wrapping Up
NOW Internet can be a good fit for those seeking a budget-friendly, straightforward broadband plan — but like any provider, it’s not perfect for everyone. Doing a bit of homework ahead of time can save you hassle later and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.