If you’re planning on moving here — especially if you’ll be working remotely — one of the first practical questions is about internet on Alderney. Can you get reliable broadband? Are the speeds good enough for video calls? What happens when the weather turns?
The short answer is: yes, you can absolutely work online from Alderney, and this is your guide to Alderney’s internet infrastructure. Alderney internet isn’t the same as mainland fibre-to-the-doorstep (yet!) and the right setup depends on how you work, where you live, and how much resilience you want built in.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the current Alderney internet providers, what you can realistically expect in terms of Alderney internet speeds, and how to choose the setup that fits your household.
Alderney internet providers — your options
1. Sure (by Beyon) fixed network
At the time of writing, Sure is the only wired broadband provider on Alderney, and connections run mostly over copper lines rather than fibre on island, with a microwave link to connect to the fibre network in the rest of the world. Sure offers a range of unlimited broadband plans through its Guernsey arm, with different headline speeds and pricing tiers starting at around £50/month (including landline) for 16mpbs download and 1.4 upload, with higher speeds of more than 30mbps available on other plans. It sounds slow compared to what most people are used to, but it works well for many remote workers here in Alderney.
Because the network is copper-based, Alderney internet speeds can vary depending on your distance from the exchange and the quality of the line to your property. Two homes a few streets apart can see slightly different performance. That said, houses at the far end of the island can see perfectly adequate speeds for two people to work from home.
For most Alderney residents, Sure broadband is perfectly workable — especially for email, cloud documents, video conferencing, and general household use. But if your work involves heavy uploading, large media files, or frequent high-definition video conferencing, it’s important to look closely at the upload figures before choosing a package.
2. Starlink
In the last couple of years, Starlink has become increasingly popular for internet on Alderney — particularly among remote workers who need to be able to transfer large files or be able to handle multiple calls simultaneously at a property.
Starlink uses low-earth-orbit satellites to deliver broadband directly to a dish installed at your property. It doesn’t rely on the island’s copper infrastructure, which makes it attractive for people who want stronger upload performance or more consistent speeds.
Why people choose Starlink:
- Faster download and upload speeds than copper connections
- Lower latency than traditional satellite internet
- Quick setup once equipment arrives
- Independence from local wired infrastructure
For remote professionals, the upload speed is often the key advantage. If you’re regularly sending large files, running webinars, or working in media, Starlink can feel like a significant upgrade. And their ‘lite’ tier is comparable, cost-wise, with the options from Sure – although there’s a significant outlay to buy the equipment to get started.
Things to bear in mind:
- Potentially a higher monthly cost compared to basic broadband (but it depends what you need)
- Upfront equipment purchase is around £300 at the time of writing.
- You need a clear line of sight to the sky for best performance, so it’s property-dependent
- You’ll need to install the satellite on your property – not always ideal if you’re renting or moving often (although Starlink Roam may help if you’re a nomad!) and sometimes hampered by the difficulty of reaching the roof in town houses.
- You’ll need to run a cable from your satellite (outside) to your router (inside) – an open window works as a stop gap but you’ll want to drill some holes eventually!
- Severe weather can occasionally impact service (though most local users report it remains usable)
Some households and offices now run Starlink as their primary Alderney internet connection, while others keep Sure broadband and use Starlink as either a backup or dedicated “work line.”
Top tip: Starlink’s free app allows you to check likely satellite coverage before you buy. It’s worth doing, especially if your accommodation is in the centre of town.
3. Mobile data (4G)
Mobile coverage on Alderney is generally good, and many people use mobile data as a short-term solution when they first arrive, or as a backup connection. Some even use it for their sole internet, especially if they’re in an annexe without a phone line.
While mobile data isn’t ideal as a sole long-term internet solution for heavy remote work, it can be extremely useful for:
- Bridging the gap while waiting for installation
- Emergency backup if your main connection drops
- Light working outdoors
If resilience matters to you, having a modest mobile data allowance alongside your main Alderney internet setup can provide peace of mind.
What to consider when choosing an Alderney internet supplier
Not everyone needs the same setup. Before you commit, it’s worth asking yourself a few practical questions.
1. What does your work actually require?
Before you choose a package, think realistically about how you work. If it’s mostly email, shared documents and the odd video call, copper broadband is usually more than enough. But if your days involve constant HD meetings, large uploads or cloud-based creative work, stronger upload speeds — and possibly Starlink — will make life easier.
2. How many people (and devices) are in your household?
A single remote worker is one thing. Two adults working from home plus children streaming and gaming is another entirely. As I found out recently during a support call to Sure, more devices mean more strain on bandwidth – and the nine registered devices in our house were seriously straining our system. In busy households, Starlink or a higher-tier broadband plan can prevent friction — and arguments about who’s “using all the internet.”
3. What’s the property setup?
Before choosing your internet supplier in Alderney, check:
- Is there an existing copper line installed? (There almost certainly is, but always worth checking!)
- Is there a suitable place to mount a Starlink dish with a clear sky view?
- Are there thick granite walls that might affect Wi-Fi signal inside?
Older Alderney properties can have wonderfully solid walls — which are less wonderful for wireless signals. You may need Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh system for full-house coverage.
4. Budget vs performance
Depending on the broadband speed you’re looking for, basic Sure options can be cheaper. Starlink costs more upfront, and monthly costs can be higher. For some households, the Sure option is perfectly adequate while others find the broadband speeds of Starlink justify the extra expense. There’s no universal answer — just what makes sense for how you live and work.
Conclusion
Internet on Alderney is perfect for remote workers. Although Sure remains the only wired provider, they deliver copper-based broadband with unlimited plans and adequate speeds for most day-to-day use. For those who need a little more, Starlink has added a powerful alternative, especially for those who prioritise stronger upload performance. Mobile data fills the gaps when needed.
Alderney may be small, but being well connected here is perfectly possible. With the right Alderney internet combination in place, your workday can run just as smoothly as anywhere else — just with a better view out the window.