Both Be and O2 offer broadband internet coverage in the UK. Both rank at around 80% customer service satisfaction from current customers, and both offer coverage throughout the majority of the UK. So how do you decide between the two?
Both offer services at 8 Mb and 20 Mb; Be Broadband offers one package at the 8 Mb level while O2 offers 4 packages at that level. Both companies offer four packages at the 20 Mb level.
If you’re a light to moderate user, one of the 8 Mb packages might work for you. Be’s “Be Value” Home Light package includes 8 Mb transfer speed, free setup and only a £7.50 per month fee, including VAT. This is, however, on a 12-month contract, so you would need to be sure that this would suit your needs. Upgrades during the contract are permitted however, so it usually pays to start small and upgrade if and when needed.
O2’s selection is a bit broader, with four 8 Mb plans available, two for current O2 mobile telephone customers and two for non-customers. These plans are also priced for a 12-month contract, with the customer contracts priced slightly lower. For example, the Standard plan includes upload speeds up to 1.3 Mb, one McAfee security licence to help keep viruses away from your computer, up to ten O2 e-mail addresses and up to 100 free web texts per month. The Access plan for non-customers is priced £10 per month higher, with up to three anti-virus licences, but only 448 kbps as the maximum upload speed.
Compare the two services at a site like Broadband Finder, where you can check them side-by-side, and decide which one looks the best for you.