These days, broadband is almost as essential as water and electricity, and just as with these other
utilities, you can make significant savings by finding a cheaper provider.
But broadband providers aren’t all the same. When making a broadband comparison you need to look at more than the
price. The speed you can get will be determined by where you live but it can still vary between service
providers.
There are other things to consider too; how much data you are allowed to download each month, for example.
Also think about how you use the internet, if you’re just checking emails and browsing a few websites it may
not be worth paying more for a fibre connection. On the other hand, if you are a gamer or you stream movies
and TV fibre is worthwhile.
You also need to look at the package on offer, are there extras such as a TV service or free phone calls?
What’s the length of the contract? Is there a connection charge? Will the introductory price go up after a
certain period?
While you might be tempted to stick with the big providers such as BT or Sky, it’s worth looking at
alternatives as lesser-known companies can often have attractive deals.
What Are the
Benefits and Drawbacks of Cheap Broadband Deals?
When searching for a cheap broadband deal, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to
ensure you’re getting good value for your money. On the plus side, opting for a budget
broadband package can significantly reduce your monthly cost, freeing up funds for other
essentials. You may also find that cheaper deals come with attractive incentives like bill
credit, free installation, or discounted introductory periods.
However, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind. Cheaper broadband plans often have slower
internet speeds, which could be frustrating if you regularly stream videos, play online
games, or have multiple devices connected at once. Additionally, some cheap broadband
providers may have less reliable customer service or fewer extras included in
the package compared to pricier plans from major providers.
Are There
Broadband Deals Available for Low-Income Households?
Yes, some providers offer social tariff broadband deals specifically designed for low-income
households or those receiving universal credit. These packages typically have lower
monthly prices and may include additional perks like unlimited data or no upfront costs.
For example, BT’s Home Essentials plan offers fibre broadband with average speeds of 36Mbps for just £15 per
month, available to anyone receiving certain benefits. Similarly, Virgin Media’s Essential Broadband package
provides 15Mbps speeds for £15 monthly to eligible customers.
If you’re struggling to afford broadband, it’s worth checking with providers in your area to see if they have
any social tariff options available. Keep in mind that you may need to provide proof of your income or
benefits status to qualify.
Top Tips for Finding the
Best Cheap Broadband Deals
Compare prices and speeds – Use online comparison tools to see what cheap broadband
deals are available in your area. Make sure to look at both the monthly cost and average
download speeds to find the best overall value.
Watch out for price increases – Some cheap deals may have an attractive introductory
rate that jumps up after a few months. Check the contract terms carefully to avoid
surprise price increases down the line.
Consider bundles – If you also need a home phoneor TV package, bundling these
services with your broadband can often work out cheaper than getting them from separate
providers. Look for providers that offer competitive bundle deals.
Factor in extra costs – While a broadband deal might have a low headline price, be sure
to check for any additional fees like installation costs, activation charges, or equipment rental. These
can add up and affect the total cost over the contract period.
Don’t be afraid to haggle – If you’re reaching the end of your current
contract, use that as leverage to negotiate a better deal with your existing provider.
They may offer you a discount or extra perks to keep your business.
Check the contract length – Cheaper broadband deals may come with longer
contract terms, tying you in for 18 or 24 months. While this can be a great
way to lock in a low price, make sure you’re comfortable committing for that length of
time.
Which Providers
Offer the Cheapest Broadband Deals in the UK?
Plusnet – Unlimited broadband with average speeds of 10Mbps
starting at £18.99 per month.
TalkTalk – Fast Broadband package with average speeds of 11Mbps
from £22 per month.
NOW Broadband – Brilliant Broadband deal with average speeds of
11Mbps for £18 per month.
Shell Energy Broadband – Fast Broadband with speeds of 11Mbps
starting at £16.99 monthly.
Hyperoptic – 30Mbps fibre broadband for just £15 per month,
exclusively for low-income households.
Vodafone – Superfast 1 plan with average speeds of 35Mbps from
£19.50 per month.
John Lewis Broadband – Unlimited Broadband with average speeds of 10Mbps, starting at
£20 per month.
SSE Broadband – Unlimited Broadband with average speeds of 11Mbps from £18 per month.
Post Office Broadband – Unlimited Broadband with 11Mbps speeds starting at £18 monthly.
EE
Broadband – Standard broadband with average speeds of 10Mbps from £21.50 per month.
*Prices and speeds correct as of April 2023. Availability may vary by location.
When comparing these cheap broadband deals, remember that the prices shown are usually
based on signing up for a 12, 18, or 24-monthcontract. Also, keep in mind that the average
speeds quoted
are just that – averages. Your actual broadband speed may vary depending on factors like
your distance from the telephone exchange and the time of day.
If you need faster speeds, you can also find reasonably priced fibre
broadband deals that offer average speeds of 35-67Mbps. While
these typically cost a bit more than standard broadband, the extra speed can be well worth it for households
with multiple devices or heavy internet users.
Another option to consider is mobile broadband, which uses 4G or 5G networks to deliver
internet to your home. While speeds can be less consistent than fixed-line broadband, it can be a flexible
and affordable choice if you have good mobile network coverage. Providers like Three, Vodafone, and EE offer
competitive mobile broadband deals.
Ultimately, the key to finding the best cheap broadband deal is to shop around and compare
your options. Don’t just focus on the headline price – consider factors like speed, contract length, setup
costs, and customer service ratings. By doing your research and being open to different
providers, you could save a lot of money on your broadband bills in the
long run.
How to Switch to a
New Broadband Provider for a Better Deal
Switching to a new provider can be one of the best ways to secure a
better broadband deal, especially if you’ve reached the end of your
current contract. Many providers offer special incentives like reduced prices, cashback, or
free setup to entice new customers.
Before making the switch, it’s important to check a few key details. First, use an online speed test to
determine your current speed and compare it to the average speeds offered by other
providers in your area. This will help you gauge whether you could benefit from faster
deals or if your current service is sufficient.
Next, review your current contract terms to check for any early termination fees or notice
periods required. You’ll also want to research the broadband contracts and pricing of
potential new providers, paying attention to the length of the promotional period and any
annual price increases that may apply.
Finally, consider the local availability of different providers and packages. While a
certain deal might seem like a good option on paper, it’s crucial to confirm that the
service is actually accessible at your specific address. Most providers have a postcode checker tool on
their website that can provide this information.
Traditionally, most broadband services required an active phone line, even if you didn’t use it for calls.
However, as technology has evolved, more providers now offer broadband-only deals that
don’t require a landline.
One common option is mobile broadband, which uses 4G or 5G networks to deliver internet to
your home. This can be a flexible and affordable choice, especially if you have good mobile coverage in your
area. Providers like Three, Vodafone, and EE offer competitive mobile broadband packages, often with the
option to pay as you go or sign up for a longer-term contract.
Another possibility is full fibre broadband, also known as fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP).
This type of broadband connection uses fibre optic cables that run directly to your
property, eliminating the need for a phone line. Providers like Virgin Media, Hyperoptic, and Gigaclear
specialize in FTTP broadband, offering some of the fastest speeds available.
Keep in mind that while broadband-only deals can be a good option for some households, they
may not always be the cheapest choice. In many cases, bundling your broadband with a phone
line or TV package can work out cheaper overall. Be sure to compare the total cost of
different options before making a decision.
What to Look for in a New Broadband
Deal
When shopping for a new broadband deal, there are several key factors to consider beyond
just the monthly price. Here are a few important points to keep in mind:
Download and upload speeds – Make sure the average speeds offered by the provider are
sufficient for your household’s needs. Keep in mind that advertised speeds are often based on the
maximum possible speed, not the actual speed you’ll experience during peak times.
Contract length – Most broadband deals have a minimum contract period,
typically ranging from 12-24 months. While longer contracts can sometimes offer lower monthly prices, be
sure you’re comfortable committing to the provider for that length of time.
Setup costs and equipment fees – Some providers may charge upfront fees for
installation, activation, or equipment rental. Factor these costs into your calculations when comparing
the total cost of different deals over the contract period.
Discounts and rewards – Many providers offer introductory discounts, cashback, or other
incentives to attract new customers. These can provide significant
savings in the short term, but be sure to check what the price will revert to after the
promotional period.
Bundle options – If you’re interested in additional services like TV or mobile,
consider bundle deals that combine these with your broadband. Bundling can often be cheaper than
purchasing services separately, and it can be more convenient to have a single bill and point of
contact.
Customer service and support – Before signing up with a new provider,
research their reputation for customer service and technical support. Look for independent customer
reviews or ratings, and check what channels are available for getting help if needed (e.g., phone,
email, live chat).
By carefully evaluating these factors and comparing deals from multiple providers, you’ll be well-equipped to
find a new broadband deal that offers the right combination of price, performance, and
service for your household.
5 Key Questions
to Ask Before Signing a New Broadband Contract
Are there any upfront costs for installation, activation, or equipment?
What is the total monthly cost including line rental and any extras?
How long is the minimum contract period and what are the penalties for early termination?
What speeds can I realistically expect at my address during peak times?
Are there any usage caps, traffic management policies, or other restrictions I should be aware of?
How to
Haggle for a Better Broadband Deal with Your Current Provider
If you’re nearing the end of your current contract, you may be able to
negotiate a better deal with your existing provider rather than switching to a new one.
Many providers offer special retention deals or discounts to keep customers from leaving, especially if
you’ve been with them for a long time or have multiple services bundled together.
To start the haggling process, do some research on the best
broadband deals currently available from other providers. Make a note of any that offer
better speeds, lower prices, or attractive incentives compared to your current plan.
Next, contact your provider’s customer retention or loyalty department. Explain that you’re considering
switching providers due to a more competitive offer, and ask if there are any deals or discounts available
to keep you as a customer. Be polite but firm in your negotiations – remember that the provider wants to
keep your business if possible.
If you’re offered a new deal, make sure to clarify all the details before accepting. Ask about the monthly
price, contract length, average speeds, and any additional fees or charges. Don’t feel pressured to make a
decision on the spot – take some time to compare the offer against other deals available.
If you’re unable to secure a satisfactory deal from your current provider, don’t be afraid to follow through
on your intention to switch. In many cases, the prospect of losing a long-term customer can motivate
providers to offer more competitive terms. Even if you do end up switching, you may be able to use your new
deal as leverage to negotiate a better offer if you decide to return to your original provider in the future
What’s the
difference between standard and fibre broadband?
Standard broadband uses copper phone lines to deliver internet to your home, with average speeds of around
10-11Mbps. Fibre broadband uses fibre optic cables, either to the cabinet on your street or directly to your
property, resulting in faster and more reliable speeds. Fibre packages typically offer average speeds
between 35-1000Mbps or higher.
How do I know what broadband
speed I need?
The ideal broadband speed for your household depends on how you use the internet. For basic web browsing,
email, and social media, standard broadband speeds of 10-11Mbps should suffice. However, if you regularly
stream videos in HD or 4K, play online games, or have multiple people using the internet at once, you’ll
likely benefit from the faster speeds offered by fibre broadband.
Can I get fibre broadband in my
area?
Fibre broadband availability varies depending on your location. Most urban areas have good access to fibre
services, but more rural locations may have limited options. You can check what types of broadband are
available at your address using an online postcode checker tool or by contacting providers directly.
Do I need a phone line for
broadband?
Many broadband packages require an active phone line, even if you don’t plan to use it for calls. However,
some providers like Virgin Media and Hyperoptic offer broadband-only deals that don’t require a phone line.
Alternatively, you could consider mobile broadband which uses 4G/5G networks instead of fixed lines.
What should I do if I
can’t afford broadband?
If you’re struggling to afford broadband, start by checking if any providers in your area offer social tariff
deals for low-income households. These typically have reduced monthly prices and may include extra perks
like unlimited data. If you’re on certain benefits, you may also be eligible for discounted broadband
through the government’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Finally, consider reaching out to local charities
or community organizations, as some may provide assistance with broadband costs or know of additional
resources available.
Grab the cheapest Broadband & Phone Deals
Make savings up to 44% & keep the operational cost lower!!!
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