Your broadband choice should be based on the number of guests you are going to be accommodating and their likely internet usage. First of all find out what is available to you with our postcode checker. Then consider these factors:
Speed requirements
A minimum of 50-100 Mbps is recommended, especially if multiple guests will be streaming or working remotely. So fibre broadband is a must.
Even in the smallest of properties, forget about choosing the cheapest ADSL (standard) broadband as it has an average speed of just 10Mbps. It uses existing phone lines to deliver broadband and is slow, unreliable and will soon become totally defunct as this technology is all being switched off by 2027. Only opt for this if it’s the only option as it might lead to complaints.
Mobile broadband
If you don’t have access to fibre broadband, mobile broadband could be another option for your guest house. Rather than fixed fibre-optic cables or a Wi-Fi network, mobile broadband just needs a 4G or 5G signal to deliver your broadband. Find out more whether it could be a good choice for you with our mobile broadband guide.
Test the Wi-Fi throughout to make sure that there are no signal dropouts or dead zones. Have a look at our best place to put your router guide to get the best coverage as this can be an easy win.
However, a single router may not be sufficient for large properties. Improve coverage with:
Mesh Wi-Fi systems
A mesh router system is a network of multiple routers working together to provide strong and consistent Wi-Fi coverage across your home. Unlike a standard single-router setup, which can struggle to reach every corner of a property, mesh systems use multiple access points – often called ‘nodes’ or ‘satellites’ – to distribute the Wi-Fi signal more effectively.
Lots of UK broadband providers now have mesh routers as an optional add-on to their broadband packages to help customers get the best from their Wi-Fi. Or, you can purchase your own from Amazon. Have a look at our Mesh Wi-Fi guide to find out more.
Wi-Fi boosters
Wi-Fi boosters (also known as Wi-Fi extenders or repeaters) are devices designed to improve wireless coverage by amplifying and retransmitting your router’s Wi-Fi signal. These are useful if you have dead zones or areas where the signal is weak.
Many broadband providers supply Wi-Fi boosters. Either as part of their service or as whole-home Wi-Fi solution add-ons. Or you can get third-party boosters from Amazon or Currys. Check out our guide to using Wi-Fi boosters.
A guest Wi-Fi network is the safest way of letting visitors use your internet. Your router allows anyone connected to a guest Wi-Fi network to use the internet, but prevents them from accessing any other smart devices like printers, thermostats and secure doorbells. It works by offering a different sub-network from where the other devices live. So if they accidentally download malicious software or any cyber risks, it will essentially quarantine these in an isolated internet-only area.
Simple set up
These days setting up a guest network is easy. Most recent routers won’t require you to go fiddling around with rules and subnets and VLANs on your own. There should be an option via an app or web browser and it will probably be a case of just clicking ‘enable guest network’. Then you’ll just have to choose a name and password you want your guests to use.
Many guests rely on fast internet for their trip, and it’s essential for guests who work remotely. Airbnb research shows that Wi-Fi is one of the amenities guests search for most often and that adding a laptop-friendly workspace to a listing’s amenities can help hosts increase their earning.
So show off your speed, any work-friendly features like dedicated workspaces and smart TV and streaming service options.
Airbnb also allows hosts to showcase their Wi-Fi speed directly in their listing by using the Wi-Fi Speed Test feature. This helps guests make informed decisions and can make your property more appealing to remote workers and digital nomads.
Investing in a fast and stable broadband connection improves your guest experience and can lead to better reviews and repeat bookings. Compare broadband deals todayto find the best option for your property, ensuring reliability, speed and security for your guests.
