Privacy Policy
Broadband Scout helps people compare broadband availability and deals in the UK. This policy explains what data we process, why we process it, and your rights.
Who we are
Broadband Scout is the controller for personal data processed through this website in connection with our comparison service.
What data we collect
We only collect data needed to run and improve the service. Depending on how you use the site, this can include:
- Postcode input when you run an availability check.
- Contact details and message content if you contact us.
- Technical and service-performance information needed to operate the website.
- Anonymised, aggregated service metrics as described below.
Postcode searches
When you enter a full postcode, we process it to return broadband availability and comparison results for that lookup.
We do not store full postcodes as user history. The full postcode is processed temporarily to generate results.
To return availability data, we may send the postcode to coverage and availability data providers acting on our instructions for this purpose.
We do not pass full postcode values into affiliate links.
How we use data
We use data to provide postcode lookup results, operate the website, respond to enquiries, and improve the accuracy and quality of our service.
Our legal bases are:
- Legitimate interests, including running and improving a broadband comparison service.
- Providing the service you request when you use postcode lookup and related site features.
Anonymised location statistics
We may store anonymised, aggregated metrics using postcode district or outcode only (for example, SW1A) together with availability and speed metrics.
These statistics do not include full postcode, full address, IP address, or user identifiers. Data is grouped into time buckets (for example, by month).
We use this information to improve service quality and understand coverage trends.
Who we share data with
We may share data with trusted processors where necessary to operate the service, including:
- Coverage and availability data providers for postcode lookup responses.
- Hosting and infrastructure providers.
- Service providers that help us run website features such as contact handling.
Where we use affiliate links, we do not include full postcode values in those links.
How long we keep data
We keep data only for as long as needed for the purposes above. Contact enquiries are retained only as long as reasonably necessary to manage and respond to your request.
Anonymised aggregated location statistics may be kept for up to 24 months to support service improvement and reporting trends.
Your rights
You have rights under UK data protection law, including rights to request access, rectification, erasure, restriction, and to object to certain processing.
You can also complain to the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you are not satisfied with how your data is handled.
Security
We use appropriate technical and organisational measures designed to protect data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or loss.
Contact
For privacy questions or requests, please use our contact page.