Having partnered with infrastructure provider CityFibre, the award-winning broadband provider Zen Internet is following the rollout of full fibre broadband across Reading to link as many homes as possible to a more reliable technology. Buffering and slow internet connections will soon be a thing of the past with full fibre broadband, providing speeds and reliability not previously experienced in the UK.

Zen was recently named the only Which? recommended provider for broadband for the fourth consecutive year. Earning a maximum five stars for customer service, technical support, communication, and value for money, the provider was one of only two providers to score maximum five stars for value for money, with 85 percent of its customers rating them highly in this area. This is partly thanks to Zen’s contract price promise that guarantees no mid-contract price rises on its residential broadband packages. 

Banning inflation-linked mid-contract price rises

As the broadband industry continues to enforce inflation-linked mid-contract price rises, new research from Zen reveals that almost half (49%) disagreed that they would consider a mid-contract price rise above inflation in their broadband contract fair, with three quarters (75%) in support of the proposed ban on this practice by telecoms regulator Ofcom.

In December regulator Ofcom announced a proposal to ban inflation linked mid-contract price rises, with a formal decision to be announced imminently. In the meantime, customers of the big four providers saw their contract prices hiked by as much as 8.8% in April.

As many as two fifths (39%) would not consider any mid-contract price rise fair in their broadband contract, however, fears of switching continue to hold people back. The hassle of switching (27%), cost of switching (19%), and fear of internet disruption (18%) have stopped or would stop people from switching provider in the future.

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In the same survey, a third (34%) of respondents revealed that they would switch broadband provider but find it difficult to know where to go. This comes as just over half (51%) say they would be more likely to consider switching services if switching broadband providers was easier and more hassle free. 

Nearly 90,000 homes across Reading can now access the award-winning Zen full fibre service over the CityFibre network, providing a faster and more reliable service.

Neil Madle, CityFibre’s Partnership Manager for Reading, said: “Our network’s symmetrical connectivity offers up to an incredible 900Mbps of bandwidth when both downloading and uploading, a game-changer for the people of Reading when it comes to digital capabilities.”  

A contract price promise

Zen’s contract price promise bucks the trend of the major providers who have inflation-linked price increases built into their contracts. Which? research demonstrates that this year’s increases, most of which came into effect from April, could see affected customers paying around the cost of a 13th month on top of their existing contract.

Richard Tang, CEO, Zen Internet, said: “Research shows price, reliability, and speed are top factors when choosing a broadband provider and Zen has again scored top marks across these categories. We also have a huge ethical focus putting people and the planet ahead of financial return for shareholders.”

If you’re looking for a broadband provider that puts your needs first, check out Zen’s award-winning broadband packages by entering your postcode on their website or call the team on 01706 902 745.

The Zen service over the CityFibre network can be accessed by thousands of homes in Reading at several speed options ranging from £28 per month for Full Fibre 100 up to £40 per month for the fastest product available, Full Fibre 900, all with free set-up.

 

The research for Zen Internet was carried out online by Censuswide throughout 08.03.2024 – 11.03.2024 amongst a panel resulting in 2001 UK adults (aged 18+) responding.  All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2010) in the UK and ICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. Censuswide is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and is fully compliant with the Data Protection Act (1998).