Post Office Fibre Broadband — Discontinued 2021

Post Office broadband was discontinued in 2021. The Post Office signed a deal to sell its broadband and home phone service — approximately 465,000 customers — to Shell Energy Broadband. Customers were automatically migrated to Shell Energy. Post Office no longer offers broadband or home phone services, though Post Office branches continue to accept bill payments for other providers. If you were a Post Office customer, you should now be with Shell Energy or may have since switched providers.

What Happened to Post Office Broadband?

Post Office launched its broadband service in 2006, eventually building a customer base of around 465,000 home broadband and phone customers. The service ran on the TalkTalk LLU (Local Loop Unbundling) network, providing FTTC and ADSL products. In 2021, Post Office signed an agreement to sell its broadband and home phone business to Shell Energy Broadband. The migration was handled automatically — customers did not need to take action, and their service continued under the Shell Energy brand. Post Office broadband accounts, login portals, and support lines were all closed. The Post Office brand continues operating post offices and financial services, but broadband is no longer part of its offering.

Shell Energy Broadband in 2026

Shell Energy Broadband is now the provider for all former Post Office broadband customers who haven't switched since 2021. Shell Energy Broadband operates over the Openreach network and offers FTTC and FTTP packages. Shell Energy also acquired the SSE Energy Services broadband customer base. Former Post Office customers who remain on a contract from 2021 or earlier are likely on legacy pricing that may no longer be competitive. In April 2026, the average UK broadband bill is approximately £35.90/month (Ofcom 2025 data). Full fibre deals from major providers such as BT and Plusnet start at well under £30/month for 145–300Mbps full fibre, suggesting that switching could bring both faster speeds and lower prices.

How to Switch Away from Shell Energy

If you are a former Post Office broadband customer currently with Shell Energy and wish to switch, the process is straightforward using Ofcom's One Touch Switch (OTS) system. Over 1.6 million UK customers used One Touch Switch in its first year. You simply select your new provider, and the switch is managed automatically — your old provider (Shell Energy) does not need to be contacted separately. The new provider handles the process. Budget-friendly full fibre alternatives on the Openreach network include TalkTalk (Full Fibre 150 from £24/month) and Plusnet (Full Fibre 145 from £22.99/month with a £100 reward card). Always check your current contract end date before switching to avoid early exit charges.

Why Did Post Office Exit Broadband?

Post Office's exit from broadband was part of a wider strategic refocus on its core post office and financial services businesses. The broadband market in the UK has become increasingly competitive, with major national brands investing heavily in full fibre (FTTP) infrastructure. Post Office, without its own network or the scale to compete with providers like BT, Sky, and Virgin Media, elected to sell its customer base rather than make the significant capital investment required to upgrade to full fibre. This pattern has been common among smaller or non-specialist broadband resellers — SSE also sold its broadband business to TalkTalk in 2022/2023, and John Lewis closed its broadband service by May 2024. The ongoing consolidation of the UK broadband market leaves fewer smaller providers, but has also driven prices down significantly.

Compare Broadband Deals at Your Address

Post Office broadband is no longer available. If you're currently with Shell Energy or looking for a new provider, use CompareFibre to see every full fibre and superfast broadband deal available at your specific address — and find out whether switching could get you faster speeds for less money.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Post Office broadband close?

Post Office broadband was sold to Shell Energy in 2021. Approximately 465,000 customers were migrated to Shell Energy Broadband automatically. Post Office has not offered broadband or home phone services since then.

Who took over Post Office broadband customers?

Shell Energy Broadband took over all Post Office broadband and home phone customers in 2021. The migration was automatic — customers did not need to do anything. Shell Energy continues to operate today via the Openreach network.

Can I still get Post Office broadband?

No. Post Office broadband is no longer available and has not accepted new customers since 2021. If you're looking for a new broadband deal, use CompareFibre to see all current providers available at your address.

Related Guides

Cheap Broadband Deals · Plusnet Fibre Broadband · BT Broadband Deals · TalkTalk Fibre Broadband · Broadband-Only Deals

Methodology

This guide is based on publicly available data from Ofcom, provider websites, and independent sources including ISPreview.co.uk, Thinkbroadband, and Point Topic. Pricing, speeds, and availability were verified in April 2026 and are subject to change. CompareFibre is editorially independent — providers do not pay for placement or influence our recommendations.