faster broadband from the old box

[TimmyBGood]

@2+slices+of+ham 

Switching ISP would get you whatever their current router is, but no better speed if there's nothing but ADSL available at the address (which is now pretty rare)

The BT Wholesale Availability Checker will show what's available from any ISP on the Openreach network.

[2+slices+of+ham]

I think where i live every address has a standard fibre connection available but it is owned by virgin

[TimmyBGood]

@2+slices+of+ham 

Only a subscription with Virgin Media can get you an internet connection (and television services) over Virgin coaxial or fibre-optic cable: they own and lay their own private network infrastructure which ISPs like Sky and BT have no access to.

The wholesale checker I linked to above won't show Virgin availability, but does indicate what other ISPs can provide.