Vodafone UK Launch Pro Broadband Packages and Super Wi-Fi

Mobile operator and ISP Vodafone UK have today launched a new range of fixed line “Pro Broadband” packages for homes, which give you better support, “Super Wi-Fi” (i.e. a mesh based WiFi solution to boost coverage) and a hybrid router solution that seamlessly switches between fixed line and 4G (mobile broadband) to keep you online.

The service also pledges to pro-actively monitor your broadband line in order to help tackle any problems when they arise, as opposed to waiting for customers to report a fault. If any of this sounds at all familiar then that’s because Vodafone appear to be copying BT’s HALO (inc. Complete Wi-Fi) product, as well as similar solutions from Sky Broadband and Virgin Media etc.

On top of this there’s also a “Faster Fibre Promise,” which simply means that Vodafone “promises to upgrade you to faster, more reliable broadband technology at no extra cost, when it becomes available for your home.” For example, if you take out one of their FTTC based “superfast broadband” packages and “full fibre” (FTTP) later becomes available on their platform then they’ll upgrade you for free.

Finally, there’s also a second tier of “Pro” plan called “Pro Xtra“, which adds in 4K Apple TV, unlimited landline and mobile calls, plus no in-contract price rises, as well as Apple TV+ which is included free for 12 months.

Summary of Vodafone Pro Broadband

Broadband back-up – providing an unbreakable internet connection with the router automatically using Vodafone’s 4G mobile network if the fixed-line connection goes down. Naturally, 4G speed and coverage will vary, so the usefulness of this will depend upon your location. This requires a 4G Dongle to be plugged into the router and it may only be used when your fixed line is down (50GB data included, but their WiFi Xperts may add extra data as needed at no additional cost).

Super Wi-Fi – delivering Wi-Fi signal into every room of the house by using boosters (mesh repeaters) to reach black spots. Customers who aren’t satisfied with their home Wi-Fi coverage will be offered the opportunity to leave their contract fee-free.

Wi-Fi Xperts – a dedicated team of highly trained broadband and Wi-Fi engineers who will proactively monitor and fix customers’ issues. They’ll be in touch in the first ten days to make sure you are set-up and your broadband is tailored to each customer’s home setup.

A Faster Fibre Promise – meaning that customers will get upgraded for free to full fibre to the premise (FTTP) broadband as soon as it rolls out in a customer’s street. If this is already available at their home they can choose fibre broadband packages with average speeds of up to 900 Mbps.

Pro Xtra plans (for £8 a month extra) – includes a 4K Apple TV, unlimited landline and mobile calls, plus no in-contract price rises, as well as Apple TV+ which is included free for 12 months.

Internet Security – We’ve also partnered with Norton to give all Pro customers winning anti-virus protection and parental controls for free in the first 12 months, and then at half price for the next year.

Finally, all Vodafone Pro customers who also have a Pay Monthly mobile plan with the operator will be entitled to up to £3 a month Vodafone Together discount (this is an existing discount).

Max Taylor, Vodafone UK’s Consumer Director, said:

“We’ve built Vodafone Pro Broadband to provide our customers with unbreakable broadband without breaking the bank.

Our customers tell us that fast, reliable and secure connectivity is more important than it’s ever been, and even when there is a return to ‘normal’ their demands for great broadband will continue.”

In terms of pricing for Pro Broadband, it seems to add about +£13 per month to the package fee (e.g. their entry-level 35Mbps FTTC tier goes from £22 to £35 per month) and that excludes the +£8 if you want Pro Xtra too. The use of the word “affordable” here by Vodafone may thus depend upon your perspective.

The savvy consumer could of course buy their own WiFi mesh system and get a cheap mobile broadband plan as a backup from a different operator, or indeed use their own 4G or 5G mobile plan for that purpose. In the longer term this will save you money, although you’d lose the extra support and other benefits that Vodafone’s package includes.