ISPA UK Start Hunting for the 2021 Best Broadband ISPs

The UK Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) has today launched their annual hunt for the best ISPs and internet companies as part of early preparation for their 2021 awards event, which this year includes the new category of “Best Ultrafast ISP.“

The winners of the previous 2020 awards event were unveiled back in November 2020 (here), which among other categories saw CommunityFibre scoop the win for “Best Consumer ISP“, while Jurassic Fibre secured “Best New ISP” and Gigaclear won “Best Rural ISP.”

As usual the ISPA has added a new category to this year’s event – “Best Ultrafast ISP,” which will be open to provider’s whose customer base include a “majority of ultrafast speeds and products to show real world testing average over 100 Mbps.” But we note that there’s no mention of the association’s often divisive ‘Internet Hero‘ and ‘Internet Villain‘ categories this year.

Andrew Glover, ISPA Chair, said:

“The last twelve months have been a testing time for us all, but there is no doubt that the importance of the UK internet industry for all of our day to day lives has been proven. From the continued strength of the network to key workers continuing to go out every day to build networks and support customers, the sector can be very proud of what it has achieved. As ever, the ISPAs celebrate this work, and are a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the breadth and depth of the innovation in the sector. We would encourage all ISPs to apply for these awards and hopefully join us for a fun night of celebration in November, whether that be physically or virtually!”

The ISPA Awards remain free to enter and open to all providers of internet services (companies must register here by 31st March 2021). However, due to the COVID-19 crisis, the ISPA ended up holding a distinctly less flashy online ceremony to announce last year’s winners and this may explain why they haven’t (yet) announced a solid venue for the 2021 event – due to be held on 4th November 2021.

The 2021 ISPA Award Categories

Best Rural ISP

For providers that are providing broadband to rural / hard to reach areas, and category is technology neutral.

Best Business ISP

For the ISP which provides the best broadband service for businesses.

Best Consumer ISP

For those ISP offering broadband connections of 30 Mbps or above to residential consumers.

Best Ultrafast ISP

For providers offering ultrafast broadband services (defined as 100Mbps or above). The category is open to those whose customer base include a majority of ultrafast speeds and products to show real world testing average over 100 Mbps.

Best Customer Service

Recognising firms who are providers of internet services that provide customer service to businesses or consumers.

Best Cyber Security

For providers of internet services and cyber security companies that help deliver provide a more secure Internet experience.

Best Customer Solution

For the ISP who has provided a particularly innovative technological solution to a complex customer issue

Best Hosted Service

For the best provider of hosting services to consumers or businesses.

Best VoIP Award

For the providers offering Voice over Internet Protocol services.

Best Infrastructure Provider

For the best firm that provides internet access infrastructure across the UK.

Best Partnership

This category is open to entrants who have shown excellent partnerships to deliver tangible change to the Internet industry, to a community, to a regulatory or infrastructure related matter. This award recognizes the success of the partnership in driving results. The partnership could involve ISPs, community organisations, local bodies or interest groups.

Social Impact Award

For the company that has used the Internet to deliver a positive social impact.