Vodafone UK is First Broadband ISP to Launch WiFi 6E Router UPDATE

Mobile operator and ISP Vodafone UK has today enhanced their existing range of home fixed line (FTTC / FTTP) services by launching a new “Pro Broadband II” package, which claims to be “providing UK’s fastest WiFi signal throughout the home” by being the first provider to bundle a Wi-Fi 6E capable “UltraHub” router.

A number of ISPs have already launched broadband routers that support the recent 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard, but these can still only harness the common 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands. By comparison, Wi-Fi 6E is somewhat more cutting edge and has been designed to fully harness the 6GHz band too, which means more capacity and thus faster network speeds for those sitting closest to their router.

Customers who opt for one of their new Pro Broadband II packages, which start at £34 per month (available speeds from 36Mbps to 910Mbps), will also receive Vodafone’s complementary “Super WiFi” booster device (they’ve updated this to support 6E too). Apparently, both bits of kit will allow more than 150 devices to connect simultaneously, if so desired.

As usual, this means that the ISP is also guaranteeing WiFi coverage throughout the home, or customers can leave their contract for free. The small print on their website clarifies that up to 3 WiFi Boosters can be provided at no additional cost if you do not receive WiFi signal and “throughput speeds of at least 10Mbps in each room of your home“.

On top of all that, the package also includes a 4G backup router, which will seamlessly switch to their mobile broadband network in the event of an internet outage (sadly they didn’t upgrade this kit to work with 5G, yet). Finally, the package also includes support from their team of “WiFi Xperts” (i.e. proactively monitor and fix WiFi issues) and 12 months’ free Norton 360 Premium Anti-virus protection for up to 10 devices​.

Max Taylor, Chief Commercial Officer at Vodafone UK, said:

“Vodafone Pro II sets the new standard for the UK broadband market. It combines the UK’s fastest and most reliable WiFi technology in the all new Vodafone Ultra Hub router with the UK’s largest full fibre footprint.”

At this point it’s worth reminding readers that existing Vodafone Mobile customers can also shave £3 per month off the price of the operator’s fixed broadband packages by taking this as part of a Vodafone Together bundle. New broadband customers are currently also being offered a “Free Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet 32GB” when they sign-up.

Sadly, Vodafone has not included a full spec sheet for their new UltraHub router, but we are currently trying to secure one and will update again when that arrives.

UPDATE 6th Oct 2022

Vodafone has confirmed a few of the router’s other features, which is probably about as close to a spec sheet as we’re going to get.

• Security – WPA2 + WPA3​
• Voice​ – 2 x FXS voice port​
• USB – 1 x USB 3.1 Type A​ and 1 x USB 3.1 Type C
• LAN Ports​ – 1 x 2.5G Ethernet LAN/WAN and 2 x 1G Ethernet
• WiFi – Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E (2.4 + 5 + 6 GHz bands)​ and 4×4 (11ax) + 4×4 (11ax) + 4×4 (11ax)