Contract Information: What You Need for UK Broadband

July 10th, 2025
Contract Information: What You Need for UK Broadband

Why understanding broadband contracts matters

Whether you are a first-time buyer or planning to switch from your current provider, it is easy to miss small details in your broadband plan. But if you read and understand your broadband contract, you can save a lot of money in the long run. This is important because monthly prices keep going up, contract lengths often change, and many plans now offer extras like WiFi guarantees or TV packages in the bundle.

Many UK homes pay too much and end up with slower speeds. This happens because they do not know the minimum term, do not understand how price rises work, or are not sure when to switch. This guide will show you all you need to know. You will read about fibre broadband, social tariffs, price increases, and good ways to compare broadband.

What is a broadband contract?

A broadband contract is a legal deal you make with your broadband provider. It tells you and them:

  • The monthly price you have to pay
  • The minimum term you need to stay with the plan (like 12, 18, or 24 months)
  • What happens if you cancel before the end of the contract
  • How and when the annual price increases will happen
  • What extras you get (such as a home phone, Apple TV, or static IP)

Broadband is usually offered as a broadband package. It often has an internet connection. A router rental may also be part of it. Sometimes, you get a TV package with it too.

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Types of broadband contracts

Contract Type Details Good For
12-month Higher monthly cost, more flexibility Short-term renters, trial period
18-month Mid-range balance between cost and length Standard households
24-month Cheaper monthly rate, but locked in longer New customers, price-conscious users
Rolling 30-day No contract, cancel anytime Students, temporary setups
Social Tariff Discounted rate for those on Universal Credit or benefits Budget-sensitive households

Before you sign up, use a postcode checker to find the relevant deals for your address. This way, you know what options are open to you at your place. It helps you compare what is really there for you, not just what you read in the news.

What’s included in a broadband package?

Your broadband deal will usually include:

  • The internet speeds that you are told you will get
  • A router or hub is provided (some have a Wi-Fi guarantee)
  • There are optional add-ons like Apple TV, antivirus programs, or a home phone
  • There are rules about line rental, mostly with standard broadband or FTTC
  • You get details about unlimited downloads, your connection type, and if there are any usage caps

Always read the expert reviews or the FAQs before you order. You can usually compare broadband choices that bundle services together. This can help you get a better value overall.

Price rises: What’s allowed?

From January 2025, all major broadband providers will have to show any price increases using pounds and pence. They can not just use CPI+3.9%, unless it is made very clear to people.

Provider Price Rise Model Applies To
BT, EE, Plusnet CPI + 3.9% Current contracts (signed before 2025)
Sky, Virgin Media Stated £ increase New customers from Jan 2025
Community Fibre Fixed price for term No increases

Ask your current provider if you will be getting any monthly price increases. This is often the best way to talk about the monthly price and try to move to a better deal.

How do different types of broadband affect your contract?

Type of Broadband Installation Requirements Typical Term Notes
Standard Broadband (ADSL) Line needed via telephone exchange 12–18 months Cheapest but slower speeds
Fibre Broadband (FTTC) Fibre to street cabinet, then copper wire 18 months Mid-range speeds, common in UK homes
Full Fibre Broadband (FTTP) Fibre directly to home 24 months Highest download speed and reliability
Mobile Broadband SIM-only or plug-in device 1–12 months Great for flexibility or new address

The connection type you pick will have an effect on both the speed and the price you pay. It can also change how long your contract is. Faster choices, like full fibre or superfast broadband, will usually ask for longer time agreements.

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What happens if I cancel early?

If you are still in your minimum term, you will usually have to pay:

  • A charge that is the same as the last months left on your contract
  • Or you may pay a lower amount, depending on what the provider says
  • There can be extra fees if you need to return the equipment, or if you miss a router pick-up appointment

But, if you go to a new address and your provider is not able to give you service there, you can leave without paying a fee.

How to compare broadband contracts effectively

Use a postcode checker

Where you live can say what fibre broadband you can get. This is true for full fibre broadband and Virgin Media broadband. You should first use your postcode to check what is there for you. This helps you know if you can have the right broadband at your place.

Compare broadband side by side

Look for:

  • The broadband speed is important. You need to think about both download and upload speeds when you choose.
  • Look at what they claim the average speeds are and what you really get to use.
  • Think about the monthly price for your broadband. Also, check how long you must keep the contract.
  • Look out for any rules about leaving early and read any Wi-Fi guarantee offered.
  • See what connection type you will have. Extras like a home phone, TV, or static IP may be there too.

Look at at least three deals before you choose one. Make sure to check how fast the broadband speed is by using a broadband speed test. You can also see what people say on social media about the provider. This will help you know if it is a good choice for you.

Consider your needs

Household Size Needs Suggested Type
Smaller households Browsing, video calls, basic streaming Standard broadband or FTTC
Larger households Multi-device use, 4K TV, streaming Full fibre, superfast broadband
Gamers / Streamers Low lag, high internet usage Full fibre broadband, FTTP

Common broadband contract terms to know

  • Line rental: You may still need to pay this on some old fibre broadband plans.
  • Consumer Price Index (CPI): This can make annual price increases go up.
  • Unlimited downloads: Be careful. Fair-use policies could limit how much you get.
  • Connection type: FTTC, FTTP, or mobile will change speed and price.
  • Contract end date: Remember when your deal ends. Changing at this time can help you save some money.
  • Rolling contract: There is no tie-in, but your monthly bill is usually higher.

Knowing these words helps you compare broadband plans. You can find the ones that fit your online experience and your budget.

Common broadband contract terms to know

Correct as of 18 June 2025

FAQs about broadband contracts

How long is a typical broadband contract?

Most deals last for 12, 18, or 24 months. You should check your current contract before you switch. This way, you can avoid paying early fees.

Can I get out of a broadband contract early?

Yes, but there will be fees unless your old provider cannot give you service at your new address or if you have ongoing problems with your service.

How do I know if my provider raised prices?

Take a look at your latest bill or the email from your provider. You should now see that rules about the annual price increase are clearly shown in all the new contracts.

What’s the best contract for renters?

12-month or rolling broadband plans work well for most people. A postcode checker helps you find flexible plans that do not have setup fees.

When should I compare broadband?

The best way to find a good rate is to compare broadband options a few weeks before the end of your contract. When you do this, you can get some of the most competitive prices and see the most relevant deals.

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