The ultimate guide to buying broadband for your new home

March 8, 2024

Moving homes can be hectic, and often comes with a lengthy – and at times stressful — list of things to do. Somewhere near the top of that list is often getting your Wi-Fi sorted, especially in the age of remote working. 

Finding the right internet solution for your new home isn’t always easy. So, to help, we’ve created this guide exploring two different types of broadband you might want to consider when moving home. Whether you need temporary internet while waiting for installation, or want broadband for a newly built home, we’re here to help you work out what might work best for you.

1. 4G and 5G home broadband

Looking to upgrade your Wi-Fi when you move house? You might want to consider 4G and 5G home broadband which offer the latest advancements in home internet connectivity. 

4G and 5G home broadband are effectively wireless alternatives to traditional fixed broadband. They use fixed wireless access technology to provide internet access without the need for a landline.

The benefits of choosing 4G and 5G broadband for your new home

Moving home can be super stressful, so anything to make that process easier is a win. A huge advantage of using 4G and 5G broadband is the ease of setup. As neither require a landline, you won’t need to wait for an engineer to arrive to install one. One less thing to worry about and another job checked off on the to-do list, fast! No landline. No engineer. No waiting.

If you're wondering whether 4G or 5G home broadband is right for you, it’s a good idea to consider the type of property you're moving into:

1.       New build homes: Traditional fixed-line broadband services are often unavailable or not yet installed in newly constructed homes and installation can often take a while to arrange. 4G or 5G home broadband offers a great alternative, immediate Wi-Fi solution, providing reliable connectivity for new build home movers.

2.       Flats: Apartments and flats can bring challenges when it comes to getting wired broadband installed. With 4G and 5G internet, you can skip the hassle and enjoy high-speed internet within days of ordering your home broadband plan.

3.       Rented property: If you’re moving into a rented property, you may not want to or be able to get fibre installed. 4G or 5G broadband allows you to set up an internet connection that you can take with you whenever you move to your next rental home.

4.       Student: Whether you’re living in student accommodation or moving into your very first house share, 4G or 5G broadband is the perfect Wi-Fi solution. You can enjoy super-fast broadband for streaming, gaming, and, of course, studying.  

Rural or remote areas: Moving to the countryside or an area that has limited access to fixed broadband? 4G or 5G broadband may be the way to go. In remote areas, wireless broadband is often considered a better option than traditional fibre. 

How to get 4G or 5G broadband ready for your home move

With Three’s 4G and 5G home broadband hubs, you can enjoy super-fast internet for uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and gaming. And, thanks to our plug-and-play setup, you can get online from the moment you move into your new home. Plus, if you’re moving in quickly and getting connected is a priority, you can enjoy free, next working-day delivery if you order before 8pm.

So, whether you work from home, use the internet for fun, or both, we’ve got you covered.

We offer a range of 1-month and 24-month contracts on our 4G and 5G broadband hubs. All our home broadband deals come with truly unlimited data, meaning no data caps. Enter your postcode into our coverage checker to see what home broadband is available at your new address then explore our unmissable home broadband deals. 

2. Mobile broadband 

Want to stay connected during every step of the move? Take a look at our mobile broadband options.

Mobile broadband uses cellular networks with a SIM card to create an internet connection, allowing you to get online on the go. This can be incredibly handy if you need to stay connected during your house move. By using a mobile dongle or portable Wi-Fi router, you can access the internet wherever there’s mobile coverage. 

Why mobile broadband can be useful while moving home

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is often essential — even during transitional periods like moving house. With a mobile broadband solution, staying online is one less thing to worry about when you’ve already got a lot on your plate:

1.       No waiting for broadband installation: Mobile broadband offers the perfect temporary internet solution if you’re waiting for your fixed-line broadband to be installed. It ensures you stay connected in those tricky weeks without Wi-Fi.

2.       In between homes: If you’ve got a bit of time before moving into your new home and don’t want to have two home broadband contracts, mobile broadband can be a total lifesaver. It gives you the freedom to take your Wi-Fi with you, whether you’re at your old place or your new home.

3.       Renovating your new house: If you’re doing some DIY or undertaking renovations in your new property before moving in, mobile broadband can help keep you entertained and motivated. With seamless connectivity, you can blast music through your speaker or listen to your favourite podcast while painting the bathroom walls.

4.       Moving to temporary accommodation: If you’re moving into short-term accommodation, setting up a home broadband contract might not be practical. Mobile broadband provides a flexible and convenient alternative, allowing you to have internet access wherever you go.  

Connectivity blackspots: If your new home isn’t in a 4G or 5G home broadband zone, you may be able to rely on mobile broadband to get you online.

How to get mobile broadband for moving home

If you’re on the hunt for a mobile Wi-Fi option to use while moving, look no further than our 4G MiFi.

This pocket-sized Wi-Fi router allows you to create a portable internet connection that can be used while on the go. It connects to Three’s 4G network and provides fast, stable Wi-Fi that you can share with multiple devices wherever there is a 4G mobile signal. It’s also incredibly easy to set up — simply switch the mobile Wi-Fi router on, and you’re good to go.

We offer our 4G MiFi on a selection of flexible 1-month, 12-month, and 24-month plans.  You can choose between 10GB, 40GB, and unlimited data allowances, depending on your internet needs.

Ensure a smooth and seamless move to your new home by staying connected with our reliable broadband services. Check out our broadband online or visit us in person by finding your nearest store.