Wireless broadband tips for students

Wireless broadband can be quick to set up and easy to cancel. A few checks before you order make a big difference.

Check coverage properly

Use the provider's coverage checker for your exact address, not just your postcode. Ask housemates which mobile network gets the best signal indoors. If the provider offers a trial period or a money-back guarantee, test the router in different rooms in the first few days.

Put the router in the right place

4G and 5G routers work best near a window, high up and away from thick walls and metal. Upstairs is usually better than downstairs. Some providers sell an outdoor antenna if the signal is weak.

Know your data limits

Most 4G and 5G home broadband plans are unlimited. Some cheaper plans, and most satellite plans, have limits, fair use policies or lower priority when the network is busy. If several people stream or game, choose an unlimited plan.

Satellite and fixed wireless

• Starlink needs a clear view of the sky. You'll need somewhere to put the dish and usually your landlord's permission to mount it.
• Fixed wireless providers mount a small antenna on the outside of the building that points at a local mast. They usually need to check your address first, and the landlord has to agree.

Agree who's paying

One person has to be the account holder. Agree how you'll split the cost before anyone signs. Use the "People sharing the bill" option on the comparison table to see what each person would pay.

Cancel at the right time and return the kit

Rolling plans carry on until you cancel, and most providers need 30 days' notice. Cancel about a month before you move out, and get written confirmation. If the equipment is rented, return it in time to avoid a charge.

If something goes wrong

Complain to the provider first, in writing. If it isn't sorted out within six weeks, you can take your complaint to a free ombudsman scheme: the Communications Ombudsman or CISAS. Your provider will tell you which one it uses.