UK's 'best' broadband is not BT, Sky or Virgin - surprise winner confirmed

The UK's broadband has been put through its paces once again, and there's a surprise winner. The team at Broadband Genie have just dished out their yearly gongs, and the top prize hasn't gone to the big three providers. Instead of BT, Sky or Virgin Media filling their trophy cabinet, the winner of the 'best' broadband service is Plusnet.

The BT-owned platform beat all of its rivals to be crowned the winner and that's not all as the Internet Service Provider also won Most Reliable Provider and Most User Friendly as well.

Speaking about the result, Alex Tofts, Strategist at Broadband Genie said: "You won’t find any fancy frills with Plusnet, such as TV or phone bundles.

"And while flashy rewards for new switches are few and far between, its straightforward ‘broadband only ‘ deals are a real win. No set-up costs, no line rental, great support, and the peace of mind that comes with good customer service if anything goes wrong. Take to the podium, Plusnet!”

Plusnet isn't the only winner. Broadband Genie also handed out a swathe of other gongs, including Best Value for Money, Fastest Widely Available Provider and Best Customer Service.

ISPs picking up those prizes include NOW, Three Vodafone and Virgin.

Here is the full list of Broadband Genie winners

Best Provider: Plusnet

Fastest Widely Available Provider: Virgin Media

Fastest Wireless Provider: Three

Best Value for Money: Vodafone

Best provider for Speed Satisfaction: Virgin Media

Most Reliable Provider: Plusnet

Best Customer Service: NOW Broadband

Best Social Tariff: Vodafone

Best Provider for Home Working: Virgin Media

Best Provider for Online Gaming: Virgin Media

Best Provider for Streaming: Virgin Media

Most User Friendly: Plusnet

Along with announcing those big broadband winners, the latest survey has also revealed the providers and areas where improvements need to be made. According to Broadband Genie, customers were least satisfied with customer service. This category has the lowest scores of any, with providers Direct Save (58%) and Zen Internet (64%) significantly below the average in this area.

Value for money was also an issue with this category having the second-lowest average score. Virgin Media (64%), BT (64%), TalkTalk (67%) and Sky Broadband (68%) which form the majority of the broadband market were well off the pace of the front-runners.

“It’s no surprise that in a year when customers are once again having to swallow hefty mid-contract price rises that they feel they’re not getting value for money," added Tofts.

"This is more evidence and only affirms our stance that Ofcom needs to ban mid-contract price rises.”