Given the rising cost of living and the constant price hikes from other providers (who continue to post eye-watering profits that make your blood boil), I decided it was time for a change. I ditched my previous providers for TV, internet, and landline in favour of using a Firestick, Freeview, and a new broadband provider – I wasn’t watching everything anyway. After thorough research, I came across Squirrel for my internet service, that appears to cover pretty much anywhere.
Squirrel offers a superior product and service across the board. Having previously used the “big names” like Sky and Virgin over the years, I’m genuinely pleased that a relatively new provider (established in December 2020) can deliver such high-quality speeds and pricing that’s exceptionally competitive that fulfils my multiple WiFi needs:
Installation – Carried out by MS3 within a week of signing up, the installation was seamless and entirely professional. I was kept informed at every stage. After receiving my installation date (you don’t need to be at home for the external work), I came home to find the broadband cable neatly installed and ready for the engineer’s visit. Three days later, the engineer arrived as scheduled and installed a small internal box exactly where I’d requested in my living room near the planned router location. The service was tested and commissioned on the spot. The router arrived the very next day, as promised.
Connecting the router is simple: plug the Ethernet cable into the wall box and router, power both units, and switch on. It takes around five minutes for the router to complete its start up. Note: You’ll need two power sockets – one for the internal box and one for the router.
Service Quality – I’ve now had the service for just over a month, and it’s been spot-on. Both upload and download speeds are exceptional and exactly as promised. I have 13 Ring cameras around my property, and the return picture quality, especially when viewed remotely, is outstanding, with no lag (this is where the high upload speed really makes a difference). Streaming services also perform excellently.
Top Tip: Get yourself a VPN – it can significantly improve streaming performance.
Phone Line – If you’re keeping your existing number, it took just over two weeks for mine to transfer. Call quality has been crystal clear, with no static or dropouts.
Customer Service – Every interaction I’ve had with Squirrel and MS3 has been professional, polite, and prompt. They may not operate on Bank Holidays – but who does, if they can avoid it?
Summary & Tips – If you’re experiencing issues, I’d suggest contacting Squirrel politely and constructively and they’ll do their best to help. Remember, the person on the other end of the line likely isn’t an engineer and certainly isn’t the cause of the issue. They’re just there to assist – and no – I’m not an employee or being paid to write this – just a very happy customer.
Top Tips for New Customers:
1. Plan your router location and ensure you have a suitable-length Ethernet cable.
2. Ensure you have two power sources for the internal box and router.
3. Consider a Wi-Fi booster system to extend your coverage. I use and highly recommend the Tenda Nova Mesh Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 (MX12) – it covers my 4-bedroom semi and reaches well beyond the garden.
4. Monitor your broadband speeds regularly via speed tests. For best accuracy, test over a wired connection. Wi-Fi tests can show lower speeds due to interference or multiple devices.
5. Be patient with telephone number transfers, this takes time and depends on your previous provider releasing the number first before Squirrel can have access to it to connect you again.
6. CCTV systems can impact Wi-Fi speed. Consider connecting them to a booster and reserving your main router connection for your internal devices.
In conclusion – Squirrel provides excellent service and value. Where else can you get these speeds at this price? In today’s market, saving money without compromising quality is a win.
Thanks, Squirrel – extremely satisfied!
