Compare 18-Month Broadband Deals

When your 18-month broadband contract comes to an end, you have several options:

1. Renew with your current provider: Your provider may offer you a new 18-month contract, often with discounted rates or upgraded services to incentivise you to stay.
2. Switch to a new provider: You can shop around for deals from other providers and switch to a new 18-month contract if you find a better offer. Be sure to use a broadband postcode checker to see what deals are available in your area.
3. Move to a rolling contract: If you're unsure about committing to another fixed-term contract, you can move to a rolling monthly contract with your current provider. This gives you the flexibility to switch or cancel at any time, but the monthly costs may be higher.

Your provider will usually contact you near the end of your contract to inform you of your options and any changes to your service or pricing. It's worth checking for any new broadband customer deals or promotions that may offer better value for money than renewing with your current provider.

In some cases, you may be able to get a faster broadband speed without paying more by negotiating with your current provider or switching to a new provider. Here are a few tips:

1. Check for upgrade offers: Your current provider may offer you the option to upgrade to a faster speed tier at a discounted rate, especially if you're nearing the end of your contract.
2. Compare deals from other providers: Use a comparison site like Free Price Compare to see if there are any deals from other providers that offer faster speeds at a similar or lower price point than your current plan.
3. Consider bundling services: Some providers offer discounts when you bundle broadband with other services like TV or home phone. By bundling, you may be able to get a faster broadband speed at a lower overall cost.
4. Look for promotional offers: Providers often run promotions that offer faster speeds at a discounted rate for a limited time. Keep an eye out for these deals and be ready to switch if you find a better offer.
5. Negotiate with your provider: If you're a long-term customer with a good payment history, you may be able to negotiate a faster speed at a lower price by contacting your provider's customer retention department.

The main difference between broadband and fibre broadband is the technology used to deliver internet to your home.

Traditional broadband, also known as ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), uses copper phone lines to transmit data from the telephone exchange to your home. This type of broadband is widely available but offers slower speeds compared to fibre broadband, with average download speeds of around 10-11 Mbps.

Fibre broadband, on the other hand, uses fibre optic cables to transmit data. There are two main types of fibre broadband:

1. FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet): With FTTC, fibre optic cables run from the exchange to the street cabinet, and then copper wires carry the data from the cabinet to your home. Average download speeds for FTTC range from 30-70 Mbps.
2. FTTP (Fibre to the Premises): FTTP, also known as full fibre, uses fibre optic cables all the way from the exchange to your home. This type of fibre broadband offers the fastest speeds, with average download speeds of 100 Mbps or more.

Fibre broadband is more reliable and can handle higher data usage than traditional broadband, making it a better choice for households with multiple users or those who frequently stream content, play online games, or work from home.

When comparing broadband deals, it's important to check what type of broadband is available in your area and to consider your household's speed and data requirements. Use a broadband postcode checker to see what options are available where you live, and compare deals from multiple providers to find the best value for money.

Yes, it is possible to get broadband without a phone line, depending on the type of broadband and the provider you choose. Here are a few options:

1. Cable broadband: Providers like Virgin Media offer broadband services that use a separate cable network, so you don't need a phone line to get internet access.
2. FTTP (Fibre to the Premises): Some providers offer FTTP broadband, which uses fibre optic cables directly to your home. With this type of broadband, you don't need a phone line.
3. Mobile broadband: If you have good 4G or 5G coverage in your area, you could consider using mobile broadband instead of a fixed-line service. This involves using a mobile network to access the internet, either through a dedicated mobile broadband device or by tethering your smartphone.
4. Satellite broadband: In remote areas where fixed-line broadband is not available, satellite broadband can provide internet access without the need for a phone line. However, this type of broadband typically has higher latency and lower data allowances compared to other options.

Keep in mind that while you may not need a phone line for the broadband service itself, some providers still require you to have an active phone line for billing or service provisioning purposes. Be sure to check the specific requirements of any broadband deal you're considering.

When signing up for an 18-month broadband contract, there are a few additional fees to be aware of:

1. Setup fees: Some providers charge a one-time setup fee to cover the cost of installing your broadband service and/or sending you the necessary equipment, such as a wireless router. These fees can vary widely, from £0 to £60 or more.
2. Router delivery fees: If your provider includes a free wireless router with your broadband package, there may be a small fee (usually around £5-£10) to cover the cost of delivering the router to your home.
3. Engineer installation fees: If your broadband service requires a technician to visit your home for installation, such as for FTTP broadband, there may be an additional fee for this service. These fees can range from £25 to £100 or more, depending on the provider and the complexity of the installation.
4. Early termination fees: If you need to cancel your 18-month contract before it ends, you may be charged an early termination fee. This fee is typically calculated based on the remaining months in your contract and can be substantial.
5. Non-direct debit fees: Some providers charge a small monthly fee (usually around £2-£5) if you choose to pay your bills by a method other than direct debit, such as by credit card or check.

Yes, some providers offer social tariffs or low-income broadband deals for households that receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support. These deals typically offer lower monthly prices and may include additional perks like cheaper setup fees or no credit checks.

For example, BT offers a social tariff called BT Home Essentials, which provides fibre broadband with average speeds of 36 Mbps for just £15 per month. Similarly, Virgin Media offers a social tariff called Virgin Media Essential Broadband, which provides average speeds of 15 Mbps for £15 per month.

Other providers, such as Sky, NOW Broadband, and Hyperoptic, also offer social tariffs or discounted deals for low-income households. To qualify, you'll typically need to provide proof of your benefit status, such as a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions.

To find the best broadband deal for your specific needs, consider the following steps:

1. Assess your requirements: Think about how you and your household use the internet. Do you need fast speeds for gaming, streaming, or video conferencing? Do you want to bundle broadband with other services like TV or mobile phone? Make a list of your must-have features to help guide your search.
2. Check availability: Use a broadband postcode checker to see which providers and types of broadband are available in your area. Some areas may have limited options, while others may have access to a wide range of providers and services.
3. Compare deals: Use a comparison site like Free Price Compare to easily see and compare the deals available in your area. Filter the results based on your requirements, such as speed, contract length, and price, to find the best match for your needs.
4. Read the fine print: Before signing up for a deal, carefully read the terms and conditions to ensure you understand the full costs, including any setup fees, monthly charges, and early termination fees. Look out for any additional benefits, such as free setup, cashback, or bill credits.
5. Consider customer service: Research the provider's reputation for customer service and support, using online reviews and customer satisfaction scores as a guide. Good customer service can make a big difference if you experience any issues with your broadband down the line.
6. Negotiate or switch: If you're not satisfied with the deals available, consider negotiating with your current provider for a better offer or switching to a new provider. Many providers offer exclusive deals and discounts to new customers, so switching can often result in significant savings.