90,000 homes can now access the Zen full fibre broadband service over the CityFibre network in Northampton.

Buffering and slow internet connections will soon be a thing of the past with this full fibre broadband, providing speeds and reliability not previously experienced in the UK

The award-winning broadband provider Zen Internet has joined up with infrastructure provider CityFibre, creating a partnership which will see many homes linked to a more reliable technology.

In Northampton that means 90,000 homes will have access to super-fast broadband at a more reliable and speedier service.

Zen’s popularity has been soaring recently and it was named the only Which? recommended provider for broadband for the fourth consecutive year.

It won five stars for customer service, technical support, communication, and value for money. The provider was also one of only two to gain a maximum five stars for value for money – 85 per cent of its customers rated them highly in this area.

Zen’s contract price promise has been a big factor in that popularity, as well as the quality service it provides.

A ban on inflation-linked mid-contract price rises

The broadband industry widely imposes inflation-linked mid-contract price rises, but research from Zen revealed almost half (49%) disagreed that was fair, and three quarters (75%) supported a proposed ban by telecoms regulator Ofcom.

Ofcom wants to ban inflation linked mid-contract price rises and a final ruling is expected imminently. Ofcom says customers of the big four providers saw their contract prices hiked by up to 8.8% in April.

There were 39% in Zen’s survey who would not consider any mid-contract price rise fair in their broadband contract. But fears of switching hold people back. The hassle was blamed by 27%, the cost by 19%, and fear of internet disruption 18% for stopping people from switching provider.

In the same survey, a third (34%) said they would switch but found it difficult to know where to go. And 51% said they would switch if it was easier.

Charlie Kitchin, CityFibre’s Partnership Manager for Northampton, said: “We are really excited to be bringing this reliable and lightning- fast broadband service to thousands of homes in Northampton. All of us as consumers of technology are increasingly reliant on reliable connectivity, and full fibre broadband over the CityFibre network is delivering just that.”

Zen’s contract promise

Zen pledges to buck the trend of inflation-linked price increases built into their customers’ contracts. Which? research said theses rises equate to an extra 13th month on top of existing bills.

Richard Tang, CEO, Zen Internet, said: “Research shows price, reliability, and speed are top factors when choosing a broadband provider and Zen has again scored top marks across these categories. We also have a huge ethical focus putting people and the planet ahead of financial return for shareholders.”

Zen’s award-winning broadband packages can be found by entering your postcode on their website or calling the team on 01706 902 745.

There are several speed options available with Zen over the CityFibre network ranging from £28 per month for Full Fibre 100 up to £40 per month for the fastest product available, Full Fibre 900, all with free set-up.