1. Broadband
2. Providers
3. SSE Broadband
4. Review

An energy company may not be the first place you’d go to for broadband but as one of the UK’s ‘big six’, SSE is a solid business. With regular discounts for existing energy customers and no long-term contracts, is SSE broadband any good?

SSE is one the UK’s ‘Big Six’ energy companies, and since 2015 it has been offering broadband deals in addition to gas and electricity. So what do you get, and is SSE broadband any good?

Overview

Broadband speeds

SSE previously offered standard ADSL broadband in addition to fibre, but now it simply offers Unlimited Fibre, with average download speeds of 35Mbps, and Unlimited Fibre Plus, with average download speeds of 63Mbps. There are no data caps on either deal, so you won’t have to be concerned with hitting a limit and being charged. These speeds are typical of what’s offered by most fibre broadband providers.

A fibre connection should comfortably support a home with several devices being used at once, whether that’s a mobile, a laptop, a games console or any other internet-connected household appliance such as a smart meter. If you’re not sure what internet speed is right for your household, take a look at our guide to what broadband speed you might need.

Upload speeds

Upload speeds determine how quickly you can send emails and upload files to the internet. SSE offers standard average speeds of 9Mbps and 19Mbps, respectively, with its two fibre packages. This reflects what most other providers offer, and these speeds are easily fast enough for sending photos by email or uploading images to social media.

Router and installation

Router

When you sign up to SSE you will be sent a TG589vac Wi-Fi router. The device offers dual-band technology so you will always get a good signal throughout your home. It also has four ethernet ports that can support up to 1,000Mbps.

If you want to leave before the 18-month contract is up you will have to return the router and you may have to pay a fee. On the other hand, SSE does offer a 60-day Happiness Guarantee. This means that if you are not happy with the service, you can leave within the first 60 days without penalty. This is much more generous than other providers who only offer a two-week window in which you can cancel without penalty.

Installation

SSE does not charge any upfront costs, even for router delivery, and your service should be up and running within 18 days.

If an engineer needs access to your home, SSE will let you know as an adult will need to be in at the time. If not, the switch will be made remotely. If you need a new phone line for any reason, you will be charged £60. This is the standard cost imposed by Openreach and passed on by all broadband providers.

Check out our guide for more information on how to switch broadband providers.

Customer service

You can call the SSE customer service helpline on 0345 026 2658 from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturday and Sunday. Or you can send an email by using the web messaging service. The provider also has active social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook where you can get in touch.

Our final verdict

If you’re looking for a no-frills broadband provider and you aren’t bothered about all the extras on offer from the likes of BT and Sky, then SSE could be a good option. Especially if you’re already an energy customer and can enjoy a £75 credit on your energy bill. Plus, if you decide it’s not for you, you can leave without penalty in the first 60 days. Check out the latest SSE broadband deals here.

Back to top