36 Top Telecom & Utilities Companies

How to choose a phone, internet or energy provider

Telecom and utility services are things you use every day and rarely think about until a bill jumps or the connection drops. Contracts in this category can last a year or more, so a careful choice at the start saves a lot of hassle later.

Contracts and promotional prices

• When the promotion ends: many plans have a low introductory price that rises after a set number of months. Find out the regular price.
• Early termination fees: leaving a contract early can be costly. Check the fee and how it is calculated.
• Device payment plans: a phone paid off monthly may tie you to the carrier until it is paid in full, and the device may be locked to that network.
• Equipment charges: modem, router or TV box rental fees can add to every bill.

Coverage and speed

Coverage maps show expected service, not a guarantee. Ask neighbors or read reviews from people in your area. Smaller mobile brands often use a larger carrier's network; in busy places their customers can be given lower priority. Broadband speeds are often advertised as "up to" a figure, so ask what speed is typical at your address.

Electricity and gas

Compare fixed and variable tariffs and what happens when a fixed deal ends. Look for standing charges or monthly fees as well as the unit rate. Be careful with doorstep or phone sales that pressure you to switch on the spot, and check that the supplier is licensed where you live.

Common problems and how to avoid them

• Bills higher than the quote: save the quote or sales chat, and compare it with your first bill.
• Trouble keeping your number: do not cancel your old mobile service until the number transfer is complete.
• Outages and slow fixes: keep a record of dates and fault reference numbers. Some providers offer credits for long outages.
• Cancellation runarounds: ask for written confirmation of cancellation and the final bill date.

Each provider's page on CandorRated lists the operator of the website where known, the domain's registration age and the support contacts we found, which is handy when you need a number to report a fault. Since service depends on where you live, use the country and city filters to see providers that operate in your area.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave my contract if the service is poor?

Possibly. Some contracts and local rules allow you to leave without a fee if the provider fails to deliver the agreed service. Raise a complaint in writing first.

Is a prepaid or smaller mobile brand a good option?

They can cost less and avoid long contracts. Check which network they use, any data priority limits and how customer support works.

How do I switch energy suppliers?

In many places the new supplier handles the switch. Take a meter reading on the switch date and check your final bill from the old supplier.