Neil Cumins

Neil is our resident tech expert. He's written guides on loads of broadband head-scratchers and is determined to solve all your technology problems!

What does the World Broadband Association do?

You probably haven’t heard of the World Broadband Association, but their mission is to improve global internet access and connection quality

How to take screenshots – and why you might want to

Knowing how to take screenshots can simplify many aspects of online life, from password management to complaints escalation

The value of broadband line speed checks

Broadband line speed checks serve numerous purposes – including advising your ISP on where connection problems may lie

What is the Wayback Machine, and how can I use it?

The Wayback Machine is more than just a glimpse of bygone times – it’s a genuinely useful resource

Coping strategies when online services go offline

When online services go offline, the initial response may be more panicked than is really necessary

Why you shouldn’t turn your broadband router off overnight

It may be tempting to turn your broadband router off overnight, but it’s a bad idea for several reasons.

Social media algorithms can literally change your mind

Social media algorithms may be designed to reinforce existing beliefs, but they’re also rewiring our brains without us realising

How to use What3Words

When used correctly, What3Words can be an invaluable navigation tool, even if you’re not especially tech-literate

Why are 5G masts so unpopular, and what are the alternatives?

5G masts are a literal and metaphorical lightning rod for complaints, but alternatives are emerging to support home broadband services.

What can – and can’t – you do with generative AI?

Generative AI promises to solve many problems, though it’s advisable to approach it with caution at this early stage.

The most important factors when choosing a new ISP – ranked

Choosing a new ISP involves a variety of competing attributes. We explain how to prioritise the most important ones

What are Trojans?

What are Trojans? Only the most insidious – and potentially damaging – form of malware

When to use a VPN – and when not to

We explain when to use a VPN (and when not to) depending on your need for privacy, speed and safety

What are the differences between NOW TV and Sky TV?

NOW TV and Sky TV both offer live and on-demand content across your internet connection, but there are significant differences

The best broadband routers in 2024

The best broadband routers will make you wonder why you persevered with your ISP-supplied hardware for so long

Should I consider no-contract broadband?

Signing up to no-contract broadband frees you from long-term commitments, but it does involve some compromises

How is broadband defined?

If someone asked how is broadband defined, only 16 per cent of Brits would know what to say

Should there be automatic compensation for broadband outages?

Automatic compensation for broadband outages is being discussed for businesses, mirroring a scheme already offered to consumers

How to handle the closure of a cloud storage provider

A cloud storage provider closing could cause anxiety, but it’s relatively easy to switch cloud hosting providers

Would you move house for faster broadband?

Few of us would move house for faster broadband alone, but the prospect of better connectivity could swing a finely balanced decision

How to resolve the most common broadband complaints

Common broadband complaints often have surprisingly simple solutions which mean you don’t need to call your ISP or switch provider

Fed up with the Spotify algorithm? There are alternatives…

Amid growing consumer concerns around Spotify and its rivals, we look at alternatives to music streaming services

What’s the latest on broadband mid-contract price rises?

Mid-contract broadband price rises aren’t guaranteed, but they can be an unwelcome expense.

What are paywalls?

Paywalls are the main alternative to advertising when it comes to making online services economically viable

When will 3D printers become the norm in every home?

Few of us own 3D printers, yet these remarkable machines can be incredibly useful around the home.

How does UK broadband compare to the rest of the world in 2024?

Global broadband speeds vary greatly, so how does the UK compare to other nations in terms of connectivity?

Should we mourn the end of the landline?

It’s the beginning of the end of the landline, but are consumers worse off without fixed-line telephone services?

The best job websites in the UK

Whether you’re looking for a new career, a freelance role or a side hustle, the best job websites in the UK have you covered

Where to watch live football online this season

With a new season almost upon us, there are plenty of ways to watch live football online, with and without a subscription

Five things your next computer needs – and five things it doesn’t

There are some things your next computer needs, and many features you could probably live without.

Home Broadband Providers:

Mobile Broadband Providers:

Business Broadband Providers:

Neil Cumins

What does the World Broadband Association do?