Live in Hull? Your choice of broadband provider is growing fast. Here's who you can pick now, and how to switch
Hull broadband, November 2026
Hull broadband at a glance
1 Nov
2026, for five years
Ofcom's Hull Area review takes effect.
80 to 90%
of premises
Can choose at least one network other than KCOM.
70 to 80%
of premises
Still buy broadband over KCOM's network.
£25
a month for 150Mbps
The first provider on KCOM's new wholesale full fibre.
Is Hull broadband opening up? Yes. Around 80 to 90% of premises in the Hull Area can now choose a network other than KCOM, including MS3, CityFibre (formerly Connexin) and Grain. Ofcom's new rules from 1 November 2026 make duct and pole access a regulated duty for KCOM, and Squirrel became the first provider on KCOM's new wholesale full fibre product in October. Check your postcode to see who reaches your home.
See every option at your Hull postcode
Put in your postcode and we'll show which networks and providers reach your home, with the full contract cost.
- ✓KCOM, MS3, CityFibre and Grain where available
- ✓Prices with the total cost over the contract
- ✓Free, independent, and your new provider handles the switch
Prefer to talk it through? Call us on 0330 122 1223
Key facts, verified 7 November 2026
- Ofcom published its Hull Area Review 2026 to 31 on 27 October 2026, covering the five years from November 2026 (Ofcom, via ISPreview, 27 October 2026).
- Ofcom found KCOM still has significant market power in Hull, because "network competition is not yet established" (Ofcom, via ISPreview, 27 October 2026).
- KCOM must now give other providers access to its ducts and poles, at rental charges benchmarked against Openreach's (Ofcom, via ISPreview, 27 October 2026).
- Around 80 to 90% of the Hull Area's roughly 198,000 premises can choose at least one network other than KCOM, but 70 to 80% still buy broadband over KCOM's network (Ofcom, via ISPreview, 27 October 2026).
- Squirrel became the first provider to sell over KCOM's newest wholesale full fibre product, from £25 a month for 150Mbps (ISPreview, 22 October 2026).
- MS3's network covered 238,806 premises across parts of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, and had 22,184 customers at the end of 2025 (MS3, via ISPreview, 9 June 2026).
- Since November 2025, more than 30 providers, including Sky, Vodafone and TalkTalk, have sold full fibre over CityFibre's network, which reaches over 80,000 premises in Hull and East Riding (CityFibre, 19 November 2025).
- KCOM's Power Fibre 150 costs £22.99 a month on a 24-month contract in HU1 to HU17, rising to £24.99 from March 2027 and £28.99 from March 2028 (KCOM, offer to 17 December 2026).
- KCOM's Full Fibre Flex social tariff costs £14.99 a month for 30Mbps for people on qualifying benefits (Ofcom, checked 7 November 2026).
- Neither KCOM nor Squirrel is in Ofcom's automatic compensation scheme, though KCOM pays its own automatic compensation at the same rates (Ofcom; KCOM, checked 7 November 2026).
Who this is for: households across Hull and the parts of the East Riding in the Hull Area, people who've only ever had KCOM, students and renters looking for a better deal, and small businesses in the city. We'll follow Leanne, an example built from the calls we take, not a real customer. Leanne works at a care home in east Hull, has been with KCOM for years, and her contract ends in December.
What's changing for Hull broadband?
Direct answer: Two things. Ofcom's new rules from 1 November 2026 make KCOM give rival networks access to its ducts and poles, at charges benchmarked against Openreach's. And KCOM has opened a new wholesale full fibre product, with Squirrel the first provider to sell over it.
How Hull got more choice
When it consulted in December 2025, Ofcom said that KCOM, "the incumbent provider, completed its rollout in 2019", and that Hull's homes and businesses "have historically had far less choice" than the rest of the UK. The new review covers "the five-year period from November 2026".
For you, the change is gradual rather than overnight. More networks reaching more streets means more providers to choose from, and more pressure on prices. It's worth checking your own postcode, because choice still varies street by street.
Why has Hull only had KCOM for so long?
Direct answer: Hull's phone network grew up separately from the rest of the UK, so KCOM, not Openreach, owns the lines. That meant the big national providers, which mostly rent Openreach lines, couldn't easily sell broadband in Hull, leaving KCOM with a near monopoly.
Hull is famous for its cream phone boxes, a reminder that the Hull Area is the only part of the UK where KCOM, not BT's Openreach, runs the original local phone network. Ofcom says this historically left KCOM "retaining a near monopoly at both the wholesale and retail level".
The upside is that Hull got full fibre early, years before most of the UK. The downside has been less choice. That's what Ofcom's review and the new networks are changing.
Leanne has never had another provider, because for most of the time she's lived in Hull there wasn't really one to choose. Now three networks reach her street: KCOM, MS3 and CityFibre.
What has Ofcom decided for Hull?
Direct answer: Ofcom found KCOM still has significant market power, so it stays regulated. KCOM must give rival networks access to its ducts and poles, at charges benchmarked against Openreach's, and keep offering wholesale access. Its specific duty to offer dark fibre is being removed.
Ofcom's main decisions
KCOM stays regulated
Ofcom found it still has significant market power in Hull.
Duct and pole access regulated
KCOM must give rivals access, at charges benchmarked against Openreach's.
Fair wholesale access
KCOM must keep offering wholesale services with no undue discrimination.
Dark fibre duty removed
With a three-year transition for orders already placed.
Ofcom said "network competition is not yet established and altnets face challenges in winning customers given KCOM's incumbency advantages", ISPreview reported. KCOM has offered duct and pole access since August 2025; the new rules make it a regulated duty, which should make it cheaper for rivals to reach more streets, though ISPreview notes many altnets have already slowed their building.
In its response to Ofcom's consultation, KCOM said it welcomed and supported the plans to improve access to its ducts and poles, but argued that "Ofcom has consistently underestimated the level and effectiveness of competition in the Hull area", and that its own retail market share "continues to decline at pace". Ofcom still found KCOM has significant market power, but both sides agree that choice is growing.
| Measure | Share of premises |
|---|---|
| Can choose another network | 80 to 90% |
| Still buy over KCOM's network | 70 to 80% |
| No other network yet | 10 to 20% |
Who is Squirrel, and what does it offer on KCOM's network?
Direct answer: Squirrel Internet is a small provider with more than 15,000 customers. On 22 October 2026, it became the first to sell broadband over KCOM's new wholesale full fibre product, from £25 a month for 150Mbps. It already sells over MS3 and CityFibre.
Squirrel said "we're delighted to be the first provider to launch on KCOM's new wholesale product", with prices starting at £25 a month for 150Mbps. That matters for the 10 to 20% of Hull Area premises that only have KCOM's network: they can now buy from a provider other than KCOM over the same line.
Before you sign, ask Squirrel about the contract length, any set-up fee and its faster speeds, which ISPreview's report of the launch didn't cover. Squirrel isn't in Ofcom's automatic compensation scheme, so ask what it offers if something goes wrong.
Same line, different provider
What stays the same
The line
KCOM's full fibre into your home.
Repairs
KCOM still owns the network; you report faults to Squirrel.
In your home
Uses the KCOM fibre already installed.
What changes
Who you pay
Squirrel instead of KCOM.
Price
From £25 a month for 150Mbps with Squirrel.
Terms
Contract, fees and service, so check before you sign.
Which other networks can I get in Hull?
Direct answer: MS3 and CityFibre, which bought Connexin's network in 2025, are the main rivals, each with around 30 or more providers: TalkTalk, Zen and Squirrel on MS3, and Sky, Vodafone and TalkTalk on CityFibre. Grain covers a smaller area. Which ones reach you depends on your street.
| Network | Who sells over it |
|---|---|
| KCOM | KCOM, and now Squirrel |
| MS3 | Around 30 providers, including TalkTalk, Zen and Squirrel |
| CityFibre (formerly Connexin) | Over 30 providers, including Sky, Vodafone and TalkTalk |
| Grain | Grain, in selected streets |
Which networks reach you depends on your street, so check your postcode.
MS3's results show its network covering 238,806 premises across parts of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire at the end of 2025, with 22,184 customers, and around 30 providers including TalkTalk, Open Fibre and Squirrel. Zen said in June 2026 that MS3's network is now live on its service for business and home customers.
CityFibre bought Connexin's network, then passing more than 80,000 premises, in 2025. Its then chief executive, Greg Mesch, said its "mature wholesale model will now bring Hull's homes and businesses increased choice", according to Computer Weekly. In November 2025, CityFibre opened the network to more than 30 providers, including Sky, Vodafone and TalkTalk.
Our guides to what altnets are and how wholesale broadband works explain why one network can carry many providers.
How much does broadband cost in Hull?
Direct answer: KCOM's current offer in HU1 to HU17 starts at £22.99 a month for 150Mbps on a 24-month contract, with fixed rises each March. Squirrel starts at £25 for 150Mbps on KCOM's network. Providers on MS3 and CityFibre set their own prices.
| Package | Now | Mar 2027 | Mar 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Fibre 150 | £22.99 | £24.99 | £28.99 |
| Power Fibre 500 | £28.99 | £31.99 | £34.99 |
| Power Fibre 900 | £32.99 | £35.99 | £38.99 |
KCOM's prices rise each March to the amounts shown. Prices differ outside HU1 to HU17, so check your own postcode.
KCOM's page says "in March each year, your price will increase to the prices shown above", so you can work out the full cost before you sign. Its offer runs from 3 November to 17 December 2026, so prices may change after that.
Compare the total over the contract, not just the first month. Our guide to price rises and your rights explains what providers must tell you about rises before you sign.
Don't pay for speed you won't use
RightSpeed is our free calculator. Tell it who's online in your home and what you do, and it works out the speed you actually need, so you don't overpay.
Try RightSpeed →Is there a cheaper social tariff in Hull?
Direct answer: Yes. KCOM's Full Fibre Flex costs £14.99 a month for 30Mbps on a rolling monthly contract if you get a qualifying benefit, such as Universal Credit with zero earnings or Pension Credit. If you get Universal Credit with some earnings, ask about Full Fibre Flex Plus, £19.99 for 50Mbps.
KCOM says its Flex prices "will not be subject to an Annual Price Increase". Ofcom says "if you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available", but each provider sets its own rules, so check before you apply. Providers on Hull's other networks may have their own social tariffs, so ask.
Our social tariffs guide lists every tariff we've checked, with the benefits that qualify. If you're struggling with bills, our guide to your options and rights can help.
Are KCOM and the Hull providers in Ofcom's compensation scheme?
Direct answer: KCOM and Squirrel aren't members, though KCOM pays its own automatic compensation at the same rates. Sky, Vodafone, TalkTalk and Zen, which all sell in parts of Hull, are members, though Ofcom notes restrictions apply for TalkTalk customers not on the Openreach network, so ask before you sign.
| Provider | In Ofcom's scheme? |
|---|---|
| KCOM | No, but pays its own at the same rates |
| Squirrel | No |
| Sky | Yes |
| Vodafone | Yes |
| TalkTalk | Yes, with restrictions off Openreach |
| Zen Internet | Yes |
Ofcom's list of providers in the scheme is BT, EE, Hyperoptic, Plusnet, Sky with NOW Broadband, TalkTalk, Utility Warehouse, Virgin Media, Vodafone and Zen Internet. If your provider isn't listed, check what its own terms promise when things go wrong.
Being outside the scheme doesn't mean poor service: KCOM's own policy pays "£10.34 for the missed repair time" and the same for each further full day, plus £32.31 for a missed appointment and £6.46 a day for a late start. If you're joining Zen on MS3, it's worth asking whether its scheme membership covers those lines. Our guide to automatic compensation rates explains the scheme.
How do I switch broadband in Hull?
Direct answer: Check which networks reach your postcode, compare the total cost, then order with your new provider. If you're a home customer, under One Touch Switch the new provider arranges the switch and you don't need to contact your old one. Check your contract end date first to avoid exit fees.
Five steps to switch in Hull
Check your end date
Look at your contract or account to avoid exit fees.
Check your postcode
See which networks reach your street.
Compare the total cost
Including the price rises each year.
Order with the new provider
It arranges the switch for you.
Test it
Make sure it works before returning old kit.
Ofcom's One Touch Switch means you only need to contact the provider you're moving to. KCOM's guide to leaving says "once your new provider requests the switch, we'll handle the process", and your KCOM service ends the day the new one starts. Return KCOM's router, or you could be charged up to £99.99. Ask your new provider whether you can keep your landline number if you use one.
Leanne checks her postcode, finds MS3 and CityFibre both reach her street, and compares the full two-year cost against staying with KCOM. She'll switch the week her contract ends, so there's no exit fee to pay.
What should I check before switching in Hull?
Direct answer: Check the total cost over the contract, including yearly rises, the contract length, any set-up fee, the router, whether the provider pays compensation for faults, and whether there's a social tariff if you qualify. Ask about keeping your phone number if you need it.
Six things to check before you switch
The total cost
Add up every month, including the yearly rises.
Contract length
And what it costs to leave early.
Set-up and router
Any fees, and which router you'll get.
Compensation
Whether the provider pays when faults drag on.
Social tariff
If you get Universal Credit or similar benefits.
Your phone number
Ask if you can keep it, if you still use a landline.
Our guides to checking a small provider and reading a contract summary walk you through the details, and our Hull broadband deals page shows what's available by postcode.
What should I do now?
Today
Check your contract end date, and put your postcode into a broadband comparison to see which networks reach your street.
This month
Compare the total cost of staying against switching, including yearly rises, and check whether you qualify for a social tariff.
When your contract ends
Order with your chosen provider. It will arrange the switch under One Touch Switch.
Compare broadband in Hull
See every network and provider at your Hull postcode, with the full contract cost.
- ✓KCOM, MS3, CityFibre and Grain where available
- ✓Total contract costs side by side
- ✓Independent and free to use
In summary
- Around 80 to 90% of Hull Area premises can now choose a network other than KCOM, though most still buy over KCOM's.
- Ofcom's new rules from 1 November 2026 keep KCOM regulated and make duct and pole access a regulated duty.
- Squirrel is the first provider on KCOM's new wholesale full fibre, from £25 a month for 150Mbps.
- KCOM's current offer starts at £22.99 a month for 150Mbps in HU1 to HU17, with fixed rises each March.
- KCOM and Squirrel aren't in Ofcom's automatic compensation scheme, though KCOM pays its own at the same rates, so check what each provider promises.
Alex's closing thought
Hull has had full fibre for years, but not much choice. That's changing, and it's good news for households across the city: more networks, more providers and more pressure on prices. If you're coming to the end of a contract, it's well worth a look. Ring us and we'll show you everything that reaches your street.
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Cite this page
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In a sentence: Around 80 to 90% of premises in the Hull Area can now choose a broadband network other than KCOM, Ofcom's new rules from 1 November 2026 make duct and pole access a regulated duty for KCOM, and Squirrel became the first provider on KCOM's new wholesale full fibre product in October 2026.
Martin-Smith, A. J. (2026, November 7). Hull's broadband is opening up: more choice beyond KCOM. BroadbandSwitch.uk. https://broadbandswitch.uk/insights/hull-broadband-more-choice-kcom-ofcom-2026/
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Sky or Vodafone broadband in Hull?
Yes, where CityFibre's network reaches you. Since November 2025, Sky, Vodafone, TalkTalk and more than 30 providers have sold full fibre over it. TalkTalk and Zen also sell over MS3's network. Check your postcode.
Is KCOM the only broadband provider in Hull?
No. Around 80 to 90% of Hull Area premises can choose another network, such as MS3, CityFibre or Grain, and Squirrel now sells over KCOM's own network.
What did Ofcom decide about KCOM in 2026?
Ofcom found KCOM still has significant market power, kept it regulated, and made duct and pole access for rival networks a regulated duty from 1 November 2026.
How much is Squirrel broadband in Hull?
Squirrel's prices on KCOM's network start at £25 a month for 150Mbps. Ask about contract length, set-up fees and faster speeds before you sign.
Does KCOM pay automatic compensation?
KCOM isn't a member of Ofcom's scheme, but it pays its own automatic compensation at the same rates: £10.34 a day if a fault isn't fixed by the repair date, £32.31 for a missed appointment and £6.46 a day for a late start.
Does One Touch Switch work in Hull?
Yes, for home customers. You contact only your new provider, including when you leave KCOM: KCOM says once your new provider requests the switch, it handles the rest. Business customers should ask their new provider.
Will KCOM's prices go up?
Yes. KCOM's current offer sets out fixed rises each March, for example from £22.99 to £24.99 in March 2027 for Power Fibre 150 in HU1 to HU17. Its Flex social tariffs have no annual rise.
Is there a social tariff in Hull?
Yes. KCOM's Full Fibre Flex costs £14.99 a month for 30Mbps for people on qualifying benefits, including Universal Credit with zero earnings. Full Fibre Flex Plus, £19.99 for 50Mbps, also covers Universal Credit with reduced earnings.
What is MS3?
A Hull-based full fibre network covering 238,806 premises across parts of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire at the end of 2025, with around 30 providers selling over it.
Who owns Connexin's network in Hull?
CityFibre bought Connexin's full fibre network in 2025, and since November 2025 more than 30 providers, including Sky, Vodafone, TalkTalk and Connexin itself, have sold broadband over it.
Can I keep my phone number if I leave KCOM?
Ask your new provider before you order. Many let you keep your number, but check, especially if you rely on your landline.
When is the best time to switch from KCOM?
When your contract ends, so you don't pay an exit fee. Start comparing a month or two before, so you're ready to order.
References
- Computer Weekly. (2025, March). CityFibre acquires Connexin's full fibre infrastructure. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366621145/CityFibre-acquires-Connexins-full-fibre-infrastructure
- ISPreview. (2026a, June 1). Zen Internet start selling broadband via MS3's UK full fibre network. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2026/06/zen-internet-start-selling-broadband-via-ms3s-uk-full-fibre-network.html
- ISPreview. (2026b, June 9). MS3 results reveal UK full fibre broadband network has 22,184 customers. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2026/06/ms3-results-reveal-uk-full-fibre-broadband-network-has-22184-customers.html
- ISPreview. (2026c, October 22). Broadband ISP Squirrel Internet first to launch via KCOM's wholesale product. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2026/10/broadband-isp-squirrel-internet-first-to-launch-via-kcoms-wholesale-product.html
- ISPreview. (2026d, October 27). Ofcom set out KCOM changes to boost competition and broadband in Hull. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2026/10/ofcom-set-out-kcom-changes-to-boost-competition-and-broadband-in-hull-uk.html
- KCOM. (n.d.-a). Home broadband. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.kcom.com/home/broadband/
- KCOM. (n.d.-b). One Touch Switch. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.kcom.com/home/one-touch-switch/
- Ofcom. (n.d.-a). Automatic compensation: what you need to know. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/service-quality/automatic-compensation-need-know
- Ofcom. (n.d.-b). Social tariffs. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs
- Ofcom. (2024, September 12). Simpler broadband switching is here. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/switching-provider/simpler-broadband-switching-is-here
- KCOM. (2026). Response to Ofcom consultation: Hull Area Review 2026 to 31. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/consultations/category-1-10-weeks/consultation-promoting-competition-and-investment-in-fibre-networks-hull-area-review-2026-31/responses/kcom.pdf
- Ofcom. (2025, December 18). Consultation: promoting competition and investment in fibre networks: Hull Area Review 2026 to 31; statement 27 October 2026. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/telecoms-infrastructure/consultation-promoting-competition-and-investment-in-fibre-networks-hull-area-review-2026-31
- CityFibre. (2025, November 19). Choice at last: CityFibre brings 30 ISPs to Hull. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://cityfibre.com/news/choice-at-last-cityfibre-brings-30-isps-to-hull
- ISPreview. (2025, July 31). KCOM to launch broadband infrastructure sharing in Hull on 1st August 2025. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2025/07/kcom-to-launch-broadband-infrastructure-sharing-in-hull-uk-on-1st-august-2025.html
- KCOM. (2026). What is automatic compensation? Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.kcom.com/home/media/gpphk44t/automatic-compensation-summary-010426.docx
- KCOM. (n.d.-c). Flex packages. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.kcom.com/home/packages/flex/
- KCOM. (n.d.-d). Switching services to another provider. Retrieved 7 November 2026, from https://www.kcom.com/home/help/account/switching-services-to-another-provider/