Ethically Switch Broadband Provider
Which broadband providers are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Broadband Providers Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Ethical issues to consider before you switch broadband provider
Wi-Fi is an essential feature in most UK homes, with the Office for National Statistics reporting that 96% of British households had internet access in 2020. Many broadband providers now offer packages for Wi-Fi and a TV contract in one deal, often cheaper than purchasing the two separately. But how do we ensure we are purchasing our broadband and TV contract from a company that cares about the Environment, Animals, and People? If you are looking to switch ethical broadband in the UK and find a new TV contract, this article will provide you with the insight you need to identify the most ethical broadband provider.
The GOOD Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on their ethical and sustainability credentials since 2001. To find out more about how our research works, visit our History of Ethical Shopping page.
Unfortunately, many broadband providers are involved in a range of ethical issues. Firstly, did you know that the company behind your broadband may be making political donations? These donations can influence the decision-making of governments and political parties. The Electoral Commission regulates political donations in the UK and publishes records of corporate contributions.
Broadband Providers and Political Tangling
At The GOOD Shopping Guide, we consider this a serious issue, as politics should focus on the wellbeing of its citizens, not the company with the biggest budget. Companies involved in political lobbying may also be campaigning against some of the most important policy changes to serve their own interests. Lobbying in the past has seen companies push back on critical issues. Policies on climate change, workers’ rights, and other human rights issues can be negatively affected.
Some of the UK’s leading broadband providers are involved in the defence industry. Some of the broadband providers on this list have been found to be involved in the creation of military intelligence. The Campaign Against Arms Trade tracks corporate involvement in the arms and defence sector, and is a useful resource for consumers concerned about this issue. War causes poverty, loss of homes, loss of civilian life, damage to the environment and devastation across the planet, so we recommend avoiding companies involved in military activities when you switch broadband provider.
Fortunately, our Ethical Broadband Providers Ratings Table shows you everything you need to find the most ethical broadband provider. This saves you the time and energy of doing the research yourself. Compare the most ethical broadband provider options at the top of our table and find the best deal for you.
Our research findings: Companies to avoid in your search
Our latest research into broadband providers has revealed that some companies are involved in unethical practices. Political donations and lobbying is a big issue within this sector. A recent example of this is Comcast Corporation, which owns Sky, a leading provider of both broadband and TV contracts.
Comcast Corporation has donated over $28,000 to top supporters of anti-LGBT legislation since 2020, despite publicly demonstrating their support for the LGBTQ+ community. This is a notable contradiction for a company that publicly markets itself as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. When you switch broadband provider, we recommend avoiding companies that actively campaign to limit the rights of marginalised groups.
The scores in our Ethical Broadband Providers Ratings Table show a clear divide across the sector. The gap between the highest and lowest-scoring providers is significant. Smaller, independent providers tend to perform most strongly, with cleaner records on political donations, defence involvement, and environmental reporting. The data is there to help you choose.
Our advice: the most ethical broadband provider options
All of this information about unethical companies may be concerning, but don’t worry. If you decide to switch broadband provider, there are plenty of ethical choices available for you. If you are looking for the most ethical broadband provider, we recommend choosing from one of the top companies in our ethical comparison ratings table, whilst avoiding the unethical companies we have mentioned in this article.
For the most ethical broadband provider options, Zen and Gigaclear currently perform the best in our research. Zen, the highest rated company, has a commitment to becoming Net Zero and places a strong emphasis on reducing its broadband carbon footprint and environmental impact. Neither Zen nor Gigaclear have been found to be involved in any of the controversial activities we have discussed, making them great options for green broadband in the UK. Both offer full fibre broadband connections. Brands that hold The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation have had their ethical credentials independently verified, giving consumers an additional layer of confidence. Unfortunately, Zen and Gigaclear do not offer a TV contract alongside internet access. If you are looking to switch broadband provider and get a new TV contract at the same time, you may want to consider other ethical options on our list, such as TalkTalk.
When comparing broadband providers on ethics, a few key questions are worth asking. Does the provider publish an environmental report? Has it made commitments on carbon reduction? Does it have a clear human rights and supply chain policy? And has it been subject to any public criticisms relating to lobbying, political donations, or defence involvement? The answers to these questions are visible in our Ethical Broadband Providers Ratings Table.
Broadband, and the internet it provides, is invaluable to most households in the UK. In Britain, four companies hold monopolies over this industry, and they are hugely powerful and make their top team members into multi-millionaires [link to be verified]. Therefore, ethical customers might want to try other options.
See our Ethical Broadband Providers Ratings Table to compare brands.
The most well-known tech firms have been ranked and rated by The Good Shopping Guide so that consumers can choose Broadband Providers that are ethically and environmentally responsible. But in addition to ranking the brands in each research area, we have also compiled comprehensive research articles on each brand included in our tables. To find out more about a brand’s ethics, background, sustainability certifications, and policies, click on the brand’s name.
Zen, Gigaclear, TalkTalk, SSE, Utility Warehouse, Vodafone, BT, EE, NOW, plusnet, Community Fibre, KCOM, Sky, Virgin Media, Cuckoo, Onestream, Trooli, italk and Shell Broadband.
Why should I consider ethics when choosing a broadband provider?
With 96% of British households having internet access, broadband is one of the most widely purchased services in the UK. Many providers now bundle broadband with TV contracts, making the choice of provider even more significant. Yet many of the biggest names in the sector are linked to a range of ethical concerns, from involvement in the defence industry and political lobbying to poor human rights records. The Good Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table assesses providers across environmental, animal, and people criteria, giving consumers the information they need to choose a provider that aligns with their values.
Are broadband providers involved in political donations and lobbying?
Political donations are a significant ethical concern in the broadband sector. Companies that make political donations can influence government decision-making in ways that serve their own commercial interests rather than the public good. Lobbying has historically been used by powerful corporations to push back on important policy reforms, including those related to climate change and workers’ rights. The Good Shopping Guide considers political donations a serious issue and assesses broadband providers accordingly. Consumers who are concerned about corporate influence on politics should prioritise providers that receive a top rating for Political Donations on The Good Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table.
Are any broadband providers linked to the defence industry?
Several broadband providers in The Good Shopping Guide’s research have been found to be linked to the defence industry, either through their parent companies or through involvement in supplying components or services for military purposes. War causes immense suffering, loss of civilian life, displacement, environmental destruction, and lasting poverty, and The Good Shopping Guide recommends avoiding companies involved in military activities where possible. The Armaments criterion in The Good Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table allows consumers to identify which providers have been flagged for these concerns and make more informed choices.
Which broadband providers perform best in The Good Shopping Guide’s ethical research?
Gigaclear and Zen are the joint top-scoring broadband providers in The Good Shopping Guide’s research, both performing strongly across all assessed criteria with no notable ethical concerns identified. Zen has a public commitment to becoming Net Zero and places a strong emphasis on reducing its environmental impact. Neither provider has been found to be involved in political lobbying, defence activities, or human rights concerns. For consumers who also require a TV contract alongside their broadband, TalkTalk is among the higher-scoring providers that offers bundled services. All three brands appear in the green section of The Good Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Gigaclear an ethical broadband provider?
Gigaclear sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Human Rights credentials. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Gigaclear with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Zen an ethical broadband provider?
Zen sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Human Rights credentials. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Zen with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Cuckoo an ethical broadband provider?
Cuckoo sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Animal Welfare, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Cuckoo with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Trooli an ethical broadband provider?
Trooli sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Animal Welfare, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Trooli with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Utility Warehouse an ethical broadband provider?
Utility Warehouse sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across most assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Human Rights credentials, though it receives acceptable rather than top ratings in its Other Criticisms assessment. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Utility Warehouse with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is italk an ethical broadband provider?
italk sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Animal Welfare, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide italk with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is SSE an ethical broadband provider?
SSE sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Animal Welfare, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and receives acceptable rather than top ratings in its Other Criticisms assessment. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide SSE with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Shell Broadband an ethical broadband provider?
Shell Broadband sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Animal Welfare, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and receives acceptable rather than top ratings in its Other Criticisms assessment. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide Shell Broadband with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is TalkTalk an ethical broadband provider?
TalkTalk sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Animal Welfare, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and receives acceptable rather than top ratings in its Other Criticisms assessment. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide TalkTalk with a recognised means of formally demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Virgin Media an ethical broadband provider?
Virgin Media falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Animal Welfare, Armaments, and Political Donations ratings. Consumers seeking broadband providers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Vodafone an ethical broadband provider?
Vodafone falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Fossil Fuels, and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Armaments and Other Criticisms ratings and receives acceptable rather than top marks for its Political Donations and Human Rights assessments. Shoppers seeking broadband providers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is BT an ethical broadband provider?
BT falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Power, and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Armaments and Other Criticisms ratings and receives acceptable rather than top marks for its Environmental Report, Political Donations, and Human Rights assessments. Those seeking broadband providers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is EE an ethical broadband provider?
EE falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Power, and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Armaments and Other Criticisms ratings and receives acceptable rather than top marks for its Environmental Report, Political Donations, and Human Rights assessments. Consumers seeking broadband providers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Plusnet an ethical broadband provider?
Plusnet falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Power, and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Armaments and Other Criticisms ratings and receives acceptable rather than top marks for its Environmental Report, Political Donations, and Human Rights assessments. Shoppers seeking broadband providers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is NOW an ethical broadband provider?
NOW falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Power, and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Armaments, Political Donations, and Human Rights ratings and receives acceptable rather than top marks for its Environmental Report. Those seeking broadband providers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Sky an ethical broadband provider?
Sky falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Fossil Fuels, Nuclear Power, and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Armaments, Political Donations, and Human Rights ratings and receives acceptable rather than top marks for its Environmental Report. Consumers seeking broadband providers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is KCOM an ethical broadband provider?
KCOM falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Nuclear Power, and Human Rights credentials, though it falls short in its Fossil Fuels, Armaments, Political Donations, and Other Criticisms ratings — including a bottom rating under the Other Criticisms+ category, which is applied in cases where a brand has attracted a particularly serious or extensive record of ethical concerns. Shoppers seeking broadband providers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Community Fibre an ethical broadband provider?
Community Fibre falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Nuclear Power and Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Fossil Fuels, Armaments, Political Donations, Human Rights, and Other Criticisms ratings and receives acceptable rather than top marks for its Environmental Report. Those seeking broadband providers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
Is Onestream an ethical broadband provider?
Onestream falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Animal Welfare credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report, Nuclear Power, Fossil Fuels, Armaments, Political Donations, Human Rights, and Other Criticisms ratings — including a bottom rating under the Other Criticisms+ category. Consumers seeking broadband providers that do reach the ethical benchmark can consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Broadband Providers Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible alternatives.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.