Our overall rating:
Only just heard of Lit Fibre? Well it's actually been operating a small but successful broadband business since 2021, but thanks to a recent partnership (March 25) with the CityFibre network its name is about to go nationwide. This is because Lit can use the full fibre technology that CityFibre has already put in place to deliver its broadband, opening it up to over 4 million more households.
Lit Fibre is everything you'd expect from an alternative network. It offers full fibre speeds of up to 1 gig – this will increase to 2.5Gb soon, too – that are all symmetrical (upload is just as fast as download). And unlike most of the bigger mainstream providers it gives a guarantee of no mid-contract price hikes.
Lit Fibre’s prices are reasonable, but not the lowest on the market. However what it lacks in cheap as chips offerings, it makes up for in quality – its router and booster options are top notch.
The positives
The negatives
In our full review we take a look at the pros and cons of each area in more detail: speed, full fibre review, cost, setup and customer service.
Very fast! It uses newer full fibre technology to deliver lightning-fast speeds. Smaller, independent networks like Lit are transforming our digital landscape with their fibre optic networks.
Full fibre gives you the fastest broadband speed possible. It relies entirely on fibre optic cables that run from the broadband exchange to your property, which is also why they can be known as ‘fibre to the premises’ (FTTP). There’s no need for anything in between. Using this technique it is possible to get speeds exceeding 1,000Mbps (1Gbps). Issues like buffering and outages will become a thing of the past.
But remember, where you live will also play a big factor. We’ll list everything below, but you’ll also need to check your postcode to see what is currently available.
Find out what Wi-Fi is available with our postcode checker.
Enter your postcode to see packages available in your area:
Speed is often the biggest consideration when choosing a broadband package. If you have multiple people using the internet at one time, then a higher speed and bandwidth will be essential. Equally, if it’s a small household using the internet for everyday usage, paying for business-grade bandwidth will probably end up being a waste.
You should decide what speed is right for you, based on your broadband habits at home. Here’s a handy guide to help show what bandwidth usage your different applications need.
There are three full fibre options. All are symmetrical. This means that they give the same upload and download speeds. Upload speeds are normally considerably lower, which makes this a great choice if you need a connection that can handle very large file uploads and gaming.
Lit 100
With 100Mbps average download and upload speed, this plan is great for smaller family homes and can easily cope with a couple of people online at one time.
Lit 500
This super speedy service is great for larger households. Gamers will be kept happy with its equal-to-download speeds of 500Mbps.
Lit 1000
Incredibly fast connection, perfect for large households, multiple devices and downloading and streaming movies and videogames in UHD (ultra high definition). This has an average download and upload speed of 900Mbps.
What exactly is full fibre?
Full fibre is the fastest available internet in the UK.
Around two-thirds of homes in the UK can now access ultrafast broadband via fibre-optic technology called ‘G.fast’ or ‘Fibre To The Premises’ (FTTP).
Full fibre is the next generation of broadband. It removes the need to rely on copper phone lines and instead connects fibre cables straight to your home. This means there’s no slowdown on the data between the street cabinet and your property and the speed and strength are much more powerful than any previous fibre broadband technology as a result. Common internet issues like buffering and outages become almost non existent.
This technology will future-proof homes and businesses across the UK because, once it’s installed, properties won’t need to install new cables for their broadband for decades.
All of Lit’s packages are full fibre broadband.
Lit runs on its own full fibre network and the full fibre services of CityFibre to deliver its internet services. This is different to most of the big suppliers (main exception Virgin Media or any of the smaller, alternative networks) who rely on Openreach’s copper network for their connections. Having an independent network can often be a good thing as it doesn’t have to depend on another company to fix any faults or dictate their rollout locations.
Lit isn’t currently signed up to Ofcom’s voluntary code practice on better broadband speeds, but customer scores are above average on its Trustpilot rating for connectivity.
For an extra £5 a month you can add Lit Wi-Fi to your package. This add-on uses Wi-Fi extenders to make sure you get seamless coverage all around your home.
Starting from £34.49 a month for full fibre speeds, Lit isn’t necessarily the cheapest of the smaller alternative networks, but it certainly gives the bigger providers – BT, Virgin Media, Sky – a run for their money.
Lit has no one-off upfront set-up costs or hidden fees. It also has a price lock that promises never to unexpectedly increase your price mid-contract, so your deal will stay the same for the whole time.
Average price guide
Lit Fibre's contracts are 18 or 24 months. You’ll pay slightly more for the shorter 18 month option. At the end of these as prices rise and you’ll default to a higher rolling monthly payment.
Lit Fibre doesn’t have TV or mobile packages you can bundle with its broadband, it just focuses on full fibre broadband.
Like a lot of other alternative networks, Lit doesn’t offer any landline phone services with its broadband. Instead it recommends using VOIP (voice over internet protocol) Wi-Fi calling options alongside its broadband.
Lit Fibre has a refer a friend incentive. Share your unique code with friends and family and if they sign up you’ll both get £40 cashback.
No, it doesn’t. It stands against the practice of mid-price hikes. On Lit Fibre’s homepage and throughout the sign up process you’ll find plenty of no price hikes promises.
Once your order is placed, Lit aims to connect your broadband service within 2 weeks. Because it uses its own full fibre network, you’ll need an engineer visit.
Your new fibre optic connection happens in two stages:
Lit engineers put in fibre optic cables to the outside of your property, either through underground ducting or via overhead cables attached to nearby poles. Which is used all depends on what’s already in place in your local area.
These fibre optic cables are then bought into your property and connected to an ONT (optical network terminal) which is fixed on your wall. The ONT is then connected to your brand-new Lit Hub router. Your engineer will then configure the router and help you set up Wi-Fi and test the speeds to make sure everything is working as it should.
Standard installation and activation is free. However, some properties may need additional infrastructure put into place and this could mean an engineer charge. But you should be told all of this before any of the work starts.
Every Lit Fibre broadband package includes a free Lit Hub. This compact box of tricks is your gateway to ultrafast internet. This isn't just fast, it's ultrafast. The Lit Hub is equipped with the latest WiFi-6 technology to ensure a fast, reliable wireless connection.
This router also includes two gigabit network ports, perfect for 1Gb users or anyone who prefers a wired connection. And if your home requires serious Wi-Fi coverage, they can help extend it using additional Lit Wi-Fi devices. This can then all be managed through the My Lit Fibre App.
Trustpilot gives Lit Fibre a strong 4.7 for its customer support score with 92% scoring the provider 5-stars. There’s plenty of positive feedback that points towards prompt, polite and friendly service. Have a look at the latest reviews here.
Lit Fibre’s customer service team is available via: 0330 460 4610
Monday-Sunday: 8am - 8pm
Live chat (click on the bottom righthand tab): here
Post here: facebook/LitFibre
Tweet here: @litfibre
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