StarTech.com Bulk Cat 5e Ethernet Cable - 1000 ft. (304,8m) - Solid - CMR-Rated - Blue - TAA Compliant

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

StarTech’s bulk Cat 5e here is one of those “do the job, don’t overthink it” purchases. At £142.96 ex‑VAT for a full 1000ft reel, you’re paying like a sensible UK reseller would for reliable cabling in situations where you want functional network runs without paying for newer spec. Cat 5e is still perfectly adequate for gigabit Ethernet in typical structured cabling scenarios, and the fact it’s CMR‑rated and TAA compliant matters if you’re working in environments that care about installation standards and procurement rules. If you’re filling in patch points, running horizontal cabling in office/Wi‑Fi coverage projects, or replacing older Cat 5 cabling, this is a solid value.

That said, I wouldn’t buy it if you’re building something “future-proof” and you have the budget to do better. Cat 6 (or Cat 6A) tends to be a smarter long-term play when you expect higher speeds to stick around, or you’re dealing with noisier environments and tighter performance requirements. Also, check you actually want bulk: 1000ft reels are great for continuity, but if your job is small, the cost-per-foot is less meaningful than waste and handling time. Overall: buy it if you’re cost-conscious and the use case is straightforward gigabit cabling—skip it if this is a flagship build where you want headroom for years.