4th Utility Broadband Review 2025

Features

• Full fibre to the home with speeds from 100Mb up to 2.3Gbps
• Symmetrical speeds on most plans (upload speed equal to the download speed)
• Free standard installation included
• Icotera i4850-25 Wi-Fi 5 router supplied as standard
• Social tariff at £13.99 per month for eligible customers
• Trustpilot score above 4.0 from several thousand reviews

4th Utility broadband – quick overview

4th Utility is a smaller full fibre provider that focuses on specific buildings and developments rather than trying to cover every part of the UK. It uses a combination of its own full fibre network and CityFibre’s infrastructure across selected apartment blocks, housing schemes and urban areas.

All consumer packages are delivered over fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP), so the fibre line runs directly into the property. There is no copper in the last mile and no requirement for a landline. That means much lower latency and more consistent speeds than older FTTC and ADSL connections.

The provider’s main range of plans runs from about 100Mb up to 900Mb, with a multi-gigabit 2.3Gbps package available in some CityFibre areas. Most plans offer upload speeds equal to the download speed, which is still unusual among mainstream providers.

Contract options are flexible by industry standards. You will usually see 24-month deals, but 12-month and 30-day rolling options exist in many buildings, alongside a separate social tariff for low-income households.

There are no TV bundles or mobile tie-ins. Instead, 4th Utility keeps things focused on full fibre speeds, simple pricing, and predictable mid-contract rises

4th Utility Black Friday Deals

4th Utility broadband plans and pricing

Exact offers change frequently, but the residential range currently includes full fibre packages at these speeds.

• 100Mb full fibre
• 150Mb full fibre
• 250Mb full fibre
• 300Mb full fibre
• 500Mb full fibre
• 900Mb full fibre (often sold as “1Gb”)
• 2.3Gb full fibre in selected CityFibre areas

Most of these plans are available with symmetrical speeds, so a 500Mb package will usually offer a fully 500Mb upload speed as well as 500Mb download speed. That is a key difference from BT, Sky, Virgin Media and Vodafone in many locations, where upload speeds are far lower than the download figure.

All plans include:

• Unlimited data with no usage caps
• No setup fee
• No line rental charge

For a lot of households, 4th Utility sits between budget brands and the biggest national providers on monthly price, but the combination of symmetrical speeds and free installation can offer good value if you can make use of those uploads.

Speeds and real-world performance

Because 4th Utility uses a mix of its own FTTP network and CityFibre infrastructure, exact performance depends a little on where you live.

Main features:

• Full fibre directly into the property
• Symmetrical speeds on the main plans
• Modern backhaul capacity designed for streaming, gaming and home working

Here is how the most common packages tend to suit different types of use.

100–150Mb full fibre

This is the entry level for most developments. With symmetrical speeds, you get 100–150Mb for both downloads and uploads.

For a typical household with a couple of people streaming, browsing and using social media, this is usually enough bandwidth. HD streaming, video calls and cloud backups can run together without obvious slowdowns, as long as the Wi-Fi signal in the home is strong.

250–300Mb full fibre

These packages suit busy flats or family homes where several people are streaming at once. The extra bandwidth helps when:

• One person is watching 4K video
• Someone else is on a video call
• Another device is downloading game updates

Because the upload speed is equal to the download speed on most of these plans, sharing large files or backing up photos and videos to the cloud becomes significantly quicker.

500–900Mb full fibre

At this level you move into genuinely high-performance territory. These speeds are ideal for:

• Multi-device homes with several 4K streams and online gaming sessions
• Remote workers syncing large design or media files
• Households using cloud storage heavily across many devices

With a fully 500Mb or 900Mb upload speed, live streaming, online backups and sending large assets to clients feel very responsive, provided your devices and Wi-Fi set-up are configured properly.

2.3Gb full fibre

The multi-gigabit 2.3Gbps package is available only in selected CityFibre locations. It offers download speeds of up to 2.3Gbps, with upload speed usually set to the same figure on CityFibre network.

In practice, very few homes can pull that full bandwidth over Wi-Fi, and many laptops and consoles have gigabit Ethernet ports that cap out at about 940Mbps. This plan is only suitable for heavy users who run multiple wired devices, network-attached storage, servers, or more advanced home networks.

Latency and reliability

Full fibre connections from 4th Utility generally deliver low latency, which is important for online gaming, video calls and remote desktop work. Customer reviews often highlight consistent speeds close to the advertised figures, particularly on CityFibre-backed connections.

As with any provider, faults and local issues can occur, but compared with older FTTC and cable connections, full fibre reduces many causes of congestion and noise on the line.

Contracts, mid-contract rises and out-of-contract pricing

4th Utility broadband comes with following contract options:

• 30-day rolling plans
• 12-month contracts
• 24-month contracts

Not every building offers all three options, but 24 month deals are widely available, with 12-month and 30-day rolling plans in many developments.

Rolling contracts carry the highest monthly price but the lowest commitment. They are suited to renters, short-term lets and anyone unsure how long they will stay in the property. The notice period is usually 30 days.

12-month contracts balance commitment and cost, while 24-month agreements lock you in for longer in exchange for the lowest monthly rate on paper.

Mid-contract price rises

For fixed-term contracts, 4th Utility currently applies a flat £3 per month increase every March. It is a fixed pound amount, so you know in advance roughly how much the bill will change while you are in contract.

Some deals sold via comparison sites are described as “variable price”. In those cases, if a price rise was not clearly set out at the point of sale, you would usually have 30 days to leave penalty-free after being notified of an increase.

After the minimum term

Once the initial 12 or 24-month period ends, the promotional price usually ends as well. The monthly cost then moves to the provider’s standard rate for that package, which can be several pounds higher than the introductory figure.

At that point you can often:

• Recontract on a new deal with a fresh minimum term
• Switch to a rolling plan if available
• Move to another provider who offers better price.

Because the standard price plus the March increases can add up over time, it is worth setting a reminder to review your plan near the end of the contract.

4th Utility social tariff

4th Utility offers a dedicated social tariff for eligible customers on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and other income-related support.

At a glance:

• Price: £13.99 per month
• Speed: 30Mbps full fibre (with upload speed equal to the download speed on most connections)
• Contract: 30-day rolling, no early termination fees
• Setup: Free

A 30Mbps full fibre connection is fast enough for a small household to stream in HD, do schoolwork, use social media, join video calls and manage everyday online tasks. The symmetrical upload speed also helps with sending documents, homework files and photos.

Because this plan is on a rolling contract, there is no long lock-in. However, it is only available in premises already covered by 4th Utility’s network, so you need to check availability first via their postcode checker and then confirm eligibility through the support team.

Router and Wi-Fi: Icotera i4850-25

All residential 4th Utility plans currently come with an Icotera i4850-25 router as standard.

Key specs

• Wi-Fi standard: 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
• Antennas: internal, supporting MU-MIMO and beamforming
• Ethernet: four 1Gbps LAN ports
• Phone ports: two analogue ports for VoIP where available
• Management: browser-based interface with basic configuration options

This device is designed for gigabit-class full fibre connections and, in most flats and smaller homes, it can deliver the full speed of 4th Utility’s 150–500Mb packages over Wi-Fi in the same room and nearby rooms, with gigabit speeds available over wired Ethernet.

In larger or more complex properties, the built-in Wi-Fi may struggle to reach every corner, especially through thick internal walls. In those cases you can:

• Add Icotera mesh or extender units supplied by 4th Utility on a monthly rental; or
• Use your own mesh system or high-end router via a separate bridge device

Using your own router or mesh system

4th Utility officially supports using your own router. The process is:

1. Ask 4th Utility to supply a separate “bridge” device (an ONT) if one is not already installed.
2. Retrieve your PPPoE login details from your online account.
3. Connect your own router to the bridge using Ethernet and enter the PPPoE credentials.

This allows you to bypass the Wi-Fi functions of the Icotera and use more advanced hardware, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 routers, gaming routers or whole-home mesh systems.

Installation and setup

Because 4th Utility focuses on purpose-built fibre developments and multi-dwelling units, many buildings are pre-wired before residents move in.

Typical installation process

• If your flat or house already has a fibre termination point and cabling in place, setup can often be completed as a simple self-install. You plug the Icotera router into the wall port or bridge device, follow the instructions supplied, and the connection activates remotely.
• If the property has not yet been connected, 4th Utility arranges an engineer visit to run the fibre from the riser or basement cabinet into your home and mount the termination point.

Lead times vary by area, but new installs are commonly completed within 7–14 days of ordering. Some customers report shorter waits where the building is already fully wired.

There is no standard installation fee for residential customers. If you move home to another building served by 4th Utility, you can usually transfer the service, although an extra visit may be required.

Customer service, reviews and complaints

As a smaller provider, 4th Utility does not appear in Ofcom’s annual complaints league tables yet. The best public data comes from review platforms and user reports.

Trustpilot rating

On Trustpilot, 4th Utility currently holds a score in the low-to-mid 4s out of 5 from several thousand reviews (4.3 out of 7,100+ reviews). Most recent comments praise:

• Engineers who take time to route cables neatly and explain the setup
• Speeds that match the promised figures, particularly on gigabit plans
• Helpful support staff once you get through on the phone or live chat

Negative reviews are usually about:

• Long wait times on the phone at busy periods
• Delays with installation appointments in some areas
• Occasional difficulty arranging router replacements

Overall, the tone is better than many large providers, but not flawless. Response rates to public reviews are high, and the company often replies to negative posts to arrange follow-up.

Customer Support

Support is UK-based and available via:

• Phone: 0333 888 4050 for existing customers
• Sales enquiries: 0800 066 2833
• Live chat on the website
• WhatsApp, linked from the help pages
• Online account portal for billing and basic management

Opening hours are typically extended daytime and evening rather than 24/7. If you rely heavily on your connection overnight, that is worth keeping in mind.

Complaints and escalation

4th Utility publishes a complaints code of practice on its website and is a member of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme. If a fault or billing issue is not resolved through normal support, you can escalate to a formal complaint and, if needed, to the ADR after the usual deadlock period.

Is 4th Utility broadband any good?

In buildings where it’s available, 4th Utility is a really good full fibre broadband option.

If you live in a block or development served by 4th Utility and you value fast uploads as much as fast downloads, it deserves a place very near the top of your shortlist.

Pros and cons of 4th Utility broadband

Pros

• Full fibre (FTTP) connection
• Symmetrical speeds on most plans, including many gigabit options
• Multi-gigabit 2.3Gbps package in selected CityFibre areas
• 30-day rolling, 12-month and 24-month options
• Free setup
• Social tariff at £13.99 per month for 30Mb full fibre
• Official support for using your own router or mesh system via a bridge device
• Good Trustpilot rating of 4.3 from 7,104 reviews

Cons

• Limited availability, mostly in selected new-builds and city developments
• Router is Wi-Fi 5 only; you need your own hardware for Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7
• Mid-contract £3 rise still adds cost over time
• No bundled TV service or mobile perks

Alternatives to 4th Utility

BT

BT Full Fibre broadband is widely available across the UK and typically offers:

• Download speeds from 36Mb up to about 900Mb
• Asymmetric uploads (for example 900Mb down with 110Mb up on the top plan)
• The Smart Hub 2 router and optional Complete Wi-Fi discs
• BT TV and sports bundles, plus digital home phone services

BT’s contracts usually last 24 months and BT full fibre broadband packages can be more expensive than 4th Utility at similar speeds, but it offers extras like bundled TV, free public wifi and add-ons.

Sky

Sky Broadband uses the Openreach network for its FTTP and FTTC products and offers:

• Full fibre speeds up to 900Mb in most areas.
• Bundling with Sky Stream or Sky Glass for premium TV
• 24 month contracts, often with first-year discounts

Sky broadband deals are often a better option if you want broadband plus a full TV package on one bill. For broadband only, 4th Utility is often more attractive where symmetrical upload speeds and simpler pricing are a priority.

Virgin Media

Virgin Media has its own cable and full fibre network separate from Openreach. It offers:

• Download speeds from 132Mb (M125) up to 1.3Gbps.
• Asymmetric uploads (for example 1.13Gb down with 104Mb up on Gig1)
• Bundled TV packages and Volt benefits if you also take O2 mobile

Virgin has much wider coverage than 4th Utility and comes with longer contracts. If download speed and TV bundles matter most, Virgin Media broadband packages are attractive. If you want symmetrical uploads for home working or content creation, 4th Utility is better suited where available.

Vodafone

Vodafone uses both Openreach and CityFibre for its full fibre products, with speeds up to about 910Mb.

• Often cheaper than BT or Sky
• Optional Pro packages with Wi-Fi guarantee and 4G backup
• Mobile discounts for existing Vodafone customers

Vodafone’s upload speeds are usually lower than its download speeds, except on CityFibre-based plans. In buildings where both are present, Vodafone broadband plans may win on initial price, while 4th Utility offers faster upload speeds.

Hyperoptic

Hyperoptic broadband is probably the closest national comparison to 4th Utility:

• Own-network FTTP focused on apartment blocks and new-builds
• Symmetrical speeds up to 1Gb
• 24-month, 12-month and 30-day rolling contracts

Hyperoptic has a larger coverage than 4th Utility in some cities and offers Wi-Fi 6 hardware on many packages. If you can get both, it is worth comparing exact prices, contract lengths and how each provider’s support performs in your building.

Community Fibre

Community Fibre broadband is available in London only but offers:

• Full fibre plans up to 3Gbps
• Symmetrical speeds across the range
• Affordable pricing, particularly on mid-range speeds
• Mesh pods and extras included with some deals

If you live in London and your building is wired for Community Fibre, it will usually offer faster top speeds and better pricing than 4th Utility. Outside London, 4th Utility fills a similar role in the buildings it serves.

When to consider a different provider

4th Utility is not the best option for every situation. You may prefer an alternative if:

• You want a broadband and TV bundle with sports, cinema or premium channels
• You already take mobile service from a provider that offers strong multi-service discounts
• You live in a house or area not covered by 4th Utility or CityFibre
• You need 24/7 phone support rather than extended daytime and evening hours
• You value rock-bottom pricing above symmetrical upload speeds or shorter contracts

4th Utility broadband – FAQ

1. What is 4th Utility broadband?

4th Utility is a UK-based full fibre broadband provider that focuses on specific buildings and developments. It offers FTTP connections with speeds typically ranging from 100Mb up to 900Mb, plus a 2.3Gbps package in some CityFibre areas.

2. Is 4th Utility full fibre?

Yes. All residential broadband plans from 4th Utility use fibre-to-the-premises. The fibre line runs directly into your property, with no copper segment in the final stretch.

3. What speeds can I get?

Most premises see options such as 100Mb, 150Mb, 250Mb, 300Mb, 500Mb and 900Mb. In selected CityFibre locations, a 2.3Gbps plan is also available. Availability depends on your building and local network.

4. Are upload speeds symmetrical?

On most full fibre plans the upload speed is equal to the download speed. For example, a 500Mb package typically offers a fully 500Mb upload speed. This may vary where legacy arrangements exist, so always check the speed summary for your specific address.

5. Where is 4th Utility available?

4th Utility mainly serves new-build apartments, purpose-built developments and selected urban areas connected either to its own FTTP network or to CityFibre. You need to use the provider’s postcode checker to confirm availability for your building.

6. Does 4th Utility increase prices mid-contract?

Yes. Fixed-term contracts currently include a £3 per month increase every March. Some variable-price deals sold via comparison sites may handle rises differently, often with the option to leave penalty-free if an un-specified increase is applied.

7. What router does 4th Utility supply?

Residential customers receive an Icotera i4850-25 router. It is a Wi-Fi 5 device with four gigabit Ethernet ports and dual-band wireless. It is capable of handling the provider’s gigabit-class speeds over wired connections.

8. Can I use my own router or mesh system?

Yes. You can request a separate bridge device from 4th Utility and then connect your own router using PPPoE credentials from your online account. This is the best route if you want Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7 or more advanced networking features.

9. Does 4th Utility have a social tariff?

Yes. The social tariff costs £13.99 per month and offers a 30Mbps full fibre connection, usually with equal upload and download speeds on the same FTTP network. It is available on a 30-day rolling basis for eligible households.

10. How long does installation take?

If your property is already wired, setup can often be completed as a simple self-install once the router arrives. If an engineer visit is needed, installation is commonly completed within 7–14 days, although this can vary by area and building access.

11. Who are the main alternatives?

Depending on your location, common alternatives include BT, Sky, Virgin Media, Vodafone, TalkTalk, Hyperoptic and Community Fibre. The best option depends on whether you want symmetrical uploads, TV bundles, multi-service discounts or the lowest possible monthly price.

12. Who is 4th Utility best suited to?

4th Utility is ideal for renters and homeowners in supported buildings who want fast, symmetrical full fibre broadband with predictable mid-contract rises, and who do not need bundled TV or mobile on the same bill.