POP Telecom is an independent UK provider offering part-fibre, full-fibre and home phone packages. It uses Openreach across much of the UK and Freedom Fibre in selected areas.
- Low initial prices on selected packages
- 12-month contract options available
- Full-fibre speeds reaching 2.5Gbps
- Home phone packages and POP Mobile SIMs available
Quick verdict POP Telecom offers good value when its complete cost remains lower after adding the router and optional services. Customers who prefer an inclusive router, whole-home Wi-Fi and more extensive Ofcom protections should also compare Plusnet, Vodafone and Zen.
POP Telecom at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Broadband networks | Openreach and Freedom Fibre |
| Connection types | ADSL, part-fibre FTTC and full-fibre FTTP |
| Average download speeds | From 11Mbps to 2.5Gbps |
| Contract options | 12, 18 and 24 months |
| Router | Charged separately on many packages |
| Annual increase | £3 a month each April on standard deals |
| Data allowance | Unlimited |
| Home phone | Available with selected packages |
| Mobile service | Separate SIM-only plans available |
| Customer service | Telephone, email and live chat |
| Trustpilot rating | 4.5 out of 5 from more than 11,000 reviews |
| Maximum speed | 2.5Gbps in selected Freedom Fibre areas |
Top POP Telecom deals this month
Prices increase by £3 a month each April. Router rental is charged separately and has been included in the initial monthly totals below.
POP Fibre 40
- 38Mbps average download speed
- 24-month contract
- Free setup
POP Full Fibre 80
- 77Mbps average download speed
- 24-month contract
- Free setup
POP Full Fibre 115
- 109Mbps average download speed
- 24-month contract
- Free setup
POP Full Fibre 220
- 207Mbps average download speed
- 24-month contract
- Free setup
POP Telecom offers packages for light internet use, typical households and homes that regularly transfer large files. The best option depends on the number of users, connected devices and full-fibre availability.
For areas without full fibre
Suitable for one or two people browsing, making video calls and streaming television.
Adds more bandwidth for a home using several phones, computers and streaming devices.
Everyday full-fibre packages
Ideal for smaller households using streaming services, video calls and connected home devices.
Suitable for several video streams, remote working, online gaming and multiple connected devices at the same time.
POP Full Fibre 1000
Better for larger households, frequent game downloads, 4K streaming on several televisions and heavy cloud use.
A gigabit package adds useful capacity when several heavy users share the connection.
POP UltraFibre 2500
Offers much faster upload capacity for content creators, home workers and customers who regularly transfer very large files.
This Freedom Fibre package is unnecessary for most households. Using its full speed also requires a multi-gigabit router, Ethernet port and compatible devices.
POP Telecom pros and cons
Pros
- Low initial prices on selected broadband packages
- 12-month contracts available
- Full-fibre speeds up to 2.5Gbps
- Equal download and upload speeds on selected Freedom Fibre packages
- Broadband and inclusive-call packages available
- UK-based customer service
- Unlimited data
Cons
- The router costs extra with many deals
- Standard packages increase by £3 a month each April
- Equipment and package details vary between networks
- Optional assurance services can increase the bill
- No widely available whole-home Wi-Fi guarantee
- POP is not part of Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme
- POP has not joined Ofcom’s voluntary Broadband Speeds Code
Is POP Telecom any good?
POP Telecom now offers ADSL, part-fibre and full-fibre broadband through Openreach and Freedom Fibre, with its fastest packages reaching 2.5Gbps.
Packages are available through the Openreach and Freedom Fibre networks.
UltraFibre 2500 is available in selected Freedom Fibre areas.
Selected packages offer a shorter alternative to a two-year commitment.
The router costs extra with many POP Telecom broadband deals.
POP Telecom is suitable for
- Customers seeking low initial broadband prices
- People who prefer a selected 12-month contract
- Homes with access to Freedom Fibre’s faster packages
- Customers who compare every charge before ordering
POP Telecom is less suitable for
- Customers who want an inclusive router
- People who prefer the same equipment across every package
- Homes seeking a widely available whole-home Wi-Fi guarantee
- Customers who want additional service guarantees
Good value when every cost is checked
POP Telecom is a good choice for customers who compare the broadband price, router rental, annual increases and optional services as one complete cost. Customers seeking an inclusive router, standardised equipment and additional guarantees will find better options elsewhere.
POP Telecom router and Wi-Fi
POP Telecom does not issue the same router with every package. The model depends on the connection type, broadband speed and router rental selected during the order.
POP router at a glance
Older ADSL and part-fibre packages use Wi-Fi 5 equipment. Selected newer full-fibre bundles include a Wi-Fi 6 router.
Router specifications by connection
| Connection | Router equipment | Wi-Fi | Wired connections |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADSL, Fibre 40 and Fibre 80 | TP-Link Archer VR400 or Archer VR1210v | Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 | Gigabit Ethernet available |
| Selected full-fibre packages | Model varies with the package | Selected bundles include Wi-Fi 6 | Port number and speed vary |
| Full Fibre 1000 and UltraFibre 2500 | Confirm the supplied model before ordering | Check the order summary | A 2.5Gbps port is required for multi-gigabit wired speeds |
A router limited to Gigabit Ethernet prevents one wired device from exceeding 1Gbps. Customers ordering Full Fibre 1000 or UltraFibre 2500 should confirm the Ethernet port specification before signing up.
Router details to check before ordering
POP Telecom speed and performance
POP’s broadband performance partly depends on whether the premises uses an Openreach or Freedom Fibre connection.
Performance by connection type
- Fibre 40 and Fibre 80: These FTTC packages use a copper telephone line between the street cabinet and the home. Longer copper lines usually deliver slower and less consistent speeds.
- Openreach full fibre: Fibre-optic cabling extends into the premises and removes the copper section. This gives more consistent performance for streaming, video calls, gaming and large downloads.
- Freedom Fibre: Selected packages offer an upload speed equal to the download speed. This benefits cloud backups, large video uploads and live streaming.
Gaming and latency
Moving from 150Mbps to 1Gbps does not automatically reduce gaming latency. The following factors usually have more influence:
- Using an Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi
- The location of the game server
- Other downloads, streams and uploads using the connection
- Wi-Fi interference and router placement
Speed estimates and customer protection
POP does not publish enough independent peak-time performance data for a detailed comparison with the largest broadband providers.
Customers should:
- Keep the personalised speed estimate supplied before activation
- Check the minimum speed stated in the order summary
- Confirm POP’s remedy if speeds repeatedly fall below the estimate
POP has not joined Ofcom’s voluntary Broadband Speeds Code, so its own speed-related policies and contract information apply.
POP Telecom home phone and mobile services
Home phone packages
POP continues to offer broadband with inclusive home phone calls. This gives customers an alternative to providers that have removed call packages from their broadband range.
Anytime Calls includes calls to UK numbers beginning 01, 02 and 03. Calls to UK mobiles do not form part of the standard allowance unless the selected package specifically includes them.
The home phone service can operate through the broadband router rather than a traditional analogue line. This follows the UK’s move to digital telephone services.
A digital phone normally stops working during a power cut because the router and fibre equipment require electricity. Customers who depend on the phone for emergency or accessibility needs should discuss backup options with POP before switching.
POP Mobile
POP Mobile offers separate SIM-only plans using the O2, Vodafone and EE networks. The range includes 5G access, unlimited calls and texts, and different data allowances.
Customers can choose an eSIM for compatible phones or request a physical SIM by post. POP also transfers existing mobile numbers using a PAC code and lets customers set a monthly spending cap.
The mobile service remains separate from the home broadband connection. The standard POP router does not include automatic mobile broadband backup.
POP Telecom customer service
POP offers customer service by telephone, email and live chat. Its telephone team is based in the UK and operates seven days a week.
| Contact method | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer service telephone | 0343 538 6611 |
| customer.service@poptelecom.co.uk | |
| Postal address | PO Box 12927, Ingatestone, CM4 9YW |
| Online assistance | Live chat and online contact options |
| Independent complaint escalation | CISAS |
POP Telecom had a Trustpilot rating of 4.5 out of 5 from more than 11,000 reviews when checked in September 2026.
Positive reviews frequently mention patient employees, short telephone waits and useful assistance with router installation. Some customers also report quick solutions to connection and account problems.
Negative reviews include billing disputes, unexpected optional charges, cancellation difficulties and equipment-return fees. These complaints make it important to keep the order confirmation, bills, cancellation correspondence and router postage receipt.
POP is too small to appear separately in Ofcom’s quarterly broadband complaints figures. Its absence from the report does not indicate better or worse customer service.
POP Telecom compared with other providers
POP’s low initial prices should be compared with Plusnet, Vodafone and Zen using the complete contract cost rather than the broadband price alone.
| Provider | Pricing | Router | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| POP Telecom Flexible contracts | Low initial prices, but router rental, annual increases and optional services can raise the complete cost. | Charged separately with many packages. The model varies by connection and selected rental. | Selected 12-month contracts and full-fibre speeds reaching 2.5Gbps. |
| Plusnet | Compare its complete contract cost and annual increases with POP. | The Hub Two router is included with the broadband package. | Lower maximum speed than POP, but a simpler equipment arrangement. |
| Vodafone | Prices and available packages depend on the full-fibre network serving the premises. | A standard router is included. Premium packages add whole-home Wi-Fi equipment. | Premium options include automatic mobile broadband backup. |
| Zen Internet | Usually costs more, but keeps the broadband price fixed during the minimum contract. | A router is included with the package. | Participates in Ofcom’s Broadband Speeds Code and automatic compensation scheme. |
About POP Telecom
POP Telecom is an independent telecommunications provider based in Essex. It offers residential broadband, business connectivity, home phone and mobile services.
The company uses wholesale broadband networks rather than owning a nationwide connection into homes. Openreach and Freedom Fibre operate the local infrastructure, while POP manages packages, billing, customer service and fault reporting.
POP Telecom FAQs
Is an engineer required for POP Telecom installation?
An existing Openreach part-fibre service can usually be activated without an engineer visit. POP sends the router, and the customer connects it on the confirmed activation date.
A new full-fibre connection can require an engineer. The engineer brings fibre-optic cabling into the premises and installs an optical network terminal. The broadband router connects to this small powered unit.
Does Freedom Fibre require a separate installation?
Freedom Fibre uses its own network equipment and installation team. An engineer visit is normally required when the premises does not already have an active Freedom Fibre connection.
Is POP Telecom available at my premises?
Availability depends on the Openreach or Freedom Fibre network serving the premises. The available packages, maximum speed and installation requirements can therefore differ between areas.
Complete a postcode check to see which POP Telecom packages are available at your home.
Does POP Telecom use One Touch Switch?
Yes. The customer places the new order with POP, which coordinates the change with the existing provider.
The existing provider supplies information about any early termination charges before the switch proceeds. Customers should review these charges before confirming the change.
Does POP Telecom offer a 14-day cooling-off period?
Customers receive a 14-day cooling-off period after placing an online or telephone order.
Charges can still apply for broadband already used or installation completed during the cooling-off period. Customers requesting an early activation should check these costs before the service begins.
Does POP Telecom pay automatic compensation?
POP is not part of Ofcom’s automatic compensation scheme. Customers should not assume they will automatically receive the standard payments for delayed activation, a missed engineer appointment or a prolonged loss of broadband service.
Check POP’s own compensation and complaints procedure if one of these problems occurs.