How to find cheap broadband

How to find cheap broadband deals
Do you need fibre?, top picks, how to switch & much more

Many people unknowingly spend excessively on broadband and line rental, especially when promotional offers expire and prices soar. If your contract has ended, now is the perfect time to see if you can save hundreds of pounds annually by switching to one of our recommended options below. Alternatively, use our Broadband Unbundled tool to compare the broadband, line, and TV packages available in your area.

11 broadband need-to-knows

These are the golden rules to give you chapter and verse, but if you just want a quick comparison, try our Broadband Unbundled tool.

1 – Consider if you really have a need for the fastest speeds

– If there’s a lot of demand, can they slow my speed?

During high-traffic periods or when internet usage spikes, some providers implement traffic management techniques. This means they may prioritize certain types of traffic to ensure that all users experience acceptable speeds. Consequently, this can result in slower connection speeds for some users as the provider balances network performance.

– How do I check my broadband speed?

There are a number of free speed tests online to find what speed you’re actually getting, such as Broadband Genie’s Speed Test and Ookla’s Speedtest.net. Try it at different times of the day to get a range of speeds, as it can vary.

Regulator Ofcom also has a Coverage Checker, which shows the maximum speeds capable down the line at any postcode, though it won’t be precise enough to check your home.

– How do I boost my broadband speed?

There are a number of simple checks and fixes if you are struggling speed-wise. There’s a full checklist of tips and tricks to get quicker in Broadband Speed Boosting.

2 – Not all deals are available nationwide… but our comparison tool finds the best deals in YOUR area

To assist you in navigating the complexities of broadband availability, our Broadband Unbundled tool identifies the top options available in your area. While standard fibre broadband with speeds of 30Mb+ is accessible to most of the UK, there are still a few areas where it remains unavailable.

The rollout of high-speed fibre (100Mb+) is ongoing throughout the UK, and approximately 80% of the population should now have access. While major cities generally offer this faster service, some rural regions might not yet be covered.

3 – Switching usually means only about two hours of downtime – and most people won’t need an engineer to visit

For a smooth transition, it’s advisable to allocate around 10 business days for the process, although the presence of an engineer may impact the timeline based on their availability.

On the actual day of the switch, you should only experience a brief period of being offline, if at all. If your mobile data plan is sufficient, you can use it to bridge any temporary connectivity loss until your service is restored.

Here are additional important details:

• In many cases, there’s no requirement for an engineer to visit your home. An engineer is only necessary for specific situations, such as installing a new line or setting up some fibre connections. For most scenarios, simply plug in any new equipment you receive.

If you’re transitioning to Virgin Media, it’s important to note that 60% of eligible customers will not require an engineer visit. If you fall into this category, you’ll be informed of this before completing your sign-up process. Conversely, if you’re among the 40% who do need an engineer, they might need to come to your residence or visit a nearby exchange. However, the specific details of this visit won’t be disclosed to you beforehand.

• Typically, you don’t need to inform your existing provider about the switch. The new company generally handles all the necessary communication. However, if you are changing to or from Virgin Media, you’ll need to notify your previous provider directly.
• Several companies require you to purchase their router as part of their service. Although the expense is generally not excessive, we have factored in the cost of routers (where relevant) in all the deals listed below.

– Do I have to contact my old provider and cancel first?

Mostly no, but it doesn’t hurt just to be sure. Moving to or from Virgin Media can be slightly different – see below.

Switching your broadband service away from or to companies other than Virgin Media: All major broadband providers, with Virgin Media being the exception, utilize the BT Openreach network. This includes over 200 providers such as BT, Sky, and TalkTalk. When you sign up for a new broadband plan with a different provider, it is their responsibility to inform your current provider and handle the contract cancellation on your behalf. You do not need to take any additional action.

Switching your broadband to or from Virgin Media involves a slightly more complex process because Virgin Media operates its own network. To make the switch, you’ll need to personally contact your current provider to cancel your service. Your current provider will then provide you with a cancellation date. It’s important to align this date with the start date of your Virgin Media service to prevent any interruption in service. This process is fairly routine and should be manageable without too much difficulty.

Changing your TV service, whether bundled with broadband or as a standalone offer, involves a few key steps. If you’re also changing your broadband, follow the same process as outlined. However, when it comes to altering your TV service—regardless of whether it’s with the same provider or a different one—you’ll need to personally contact your current provider to cancel the existing package. Generally, a 30-day notice period is required. Should you be under a contract, you’ll likely need to cover the remaining balance of that contract to terminate it early. To avoid overlapping charges from two TV providers in a single month, be sure to coordinate the cancellation and new subscription timings carefully.

– Before switching, how do I find out what customer service is like?

Since you’ll likely be signing a 12-month, 18-month or even two-year contract, it’s worth checking feedback before diving in. We include the results of our latest broadband customer satisfaction poll in our Broadband Unbundled tool, so you can see how each provider ranked with other MoneySavers. For the full results, see our latest broadband customer service poll results.

Our forum’s Broadband board also includes a wealth of feedback, as do sites such as Broadband.co.uk, ThinkBroadband and ISP Review.

– Do I pay any exit penalties to switch broadband?

If you’re no longer bound by a contract, you won’t incur additional fees, though most providers require a notice period of at least 30 days.

However, if you’re still within the initial term of your contract, you will typically need to pay ‘early termination fees’ to exit. These fees vary by provider but generally reflect the remaining duration of your contract. They are usually less than the total amount of the remaining contract charges.

Additionally, some providers may impose charges if you fail to return their equipment. For instance, BT will levy a £50 fee if you don’t return its Smart Hub 2, and an even steeper £140 if you neglect to return one of its TV boxes.

4 – At least 50% of customers must get the advertised speed at peak times

It’s crucial to note that the speeds advertised by providers reflect the average speed experienced by at least 50% of their customers between 8pm and 10pm, which is when internet traffic is typically highest.

Most providers adhere to a code of practice that requires them to offer a personalized speed estimate and a minimum guaranteed speed before you commit to a contract. If your speeds fall below this minimum for three consecutive days, you have the right to request that your provider investigates and resolves any faults. For guidance on checking your speed, refer to our Boost Broadband Speed guide.

Should the issue remain unresolved for 30 days, you are entitled to terminate your contract without incurring any penalties. This applies to both standalone broadband contracts and bundled packages that include TV and landline services, as long as the bundle was purchased concurrently with the broadband. If you are dissatisfied with your provider, consider using the free complaints handling tool Resolver.

5 – If something goes wrong, you could be due compensation

A total of 11 internet service providers—BT, EE, Hyperoptic, Plusnet, Sky (including Now Broadband), TalkTalk, Virgin Media, Vodafone, Utility Warehouse, and Zen—have joined Ofcom’s automatic compensation program. This scheme ensures that customers can receive financial reimbursement from their broadband or landline provider if specific issues arise. According to Ofcom, this program encompasses 90% of broadband users.

• If your landline or broadband service is not repaired within two business days after you report an issue, you will be compensated with £9.76, and an additional £9.76 for each subsequent day the problem persists.
• If your new landline or broadband service is not activated on the promised date, you’ll receive £6.10 for every calendar day of delay, starting from the missed start date. This compensation continues to accumulate without a cap until the service is properly established.
• If an engineer fails to show up for a scheduled appointment or cancels with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be entitled to £30.49.

Note: Figures accurate as of July 2024.

If you are entitled to compensation, it will be credited to your bill within 30 working days from when the issue is resolved. Should you decide to switch providers while you still have remaining bill credit or before it is issued, the credit will be refunded either to the bank account used for your direct debit payments or sent to you as a cheque.

– Should I opt for a provider that hasn’t signed up?

Currently, only the major players are participating in the compensation scheme, which covers 90% of customers. However, these major players aren’t always the most cost-effective option. This raises the question of whether it’s worth sticking with a provider that offers compensation. Here’s perspective…

“There’s a significant cost disparity between the least expensive providers and what the majority of people end up paying. For instance, someone on a standard BT broadband contract could save £400 a year by switching to the cheapest option.

“As long as the provider has a solid reputation for service, I wouldn’t pay a substantial premium for compensation. I also anticipate that soon most of the competitive providers will become part of the scheme. If you find a compensation scheme provider that offers good rates, it’s worth taking advantage of it.”

– How do I complain if my provider hasn’t signed up?

Regardless of whether your provider is enrolled in the code, it’s important to voice your concerns if you encounter any issues. A company cannot address and resolve problems if they are not made aware of them.

To help, there’s a free tool offered by a firm called Resolver that can draft your complaint and manage it too. If the complaint isn’t sorted, Resolver can escalate it to the free Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS) or Ombudsman Services, depending on the company you’re complaining about.

6 – You can get broadband without the phone line, but it’ll likely cost more

Most broadband plans necessitate having a phone line, as the internet service is delivered through it. Despite this, many providers still insist on a standard line rental fee, as though you were using the phone regularly, rather than offering a reduced rate for broadband-only service.

Broadband-only deals are relatively scarce and are primarily offered by providers such as Virgin Media and BT. However, these options tend to be on the pricey side (we’ll highlight any exceptional deals below). Generally, opting for a combined broadband and landline package proves to be more cost-effective. Alternatively, you could choose a landline package but choose not to use the line.

7 – Don’t want to switch? Broadband and phone firms are among the easiest to haggle with

Switching providers often results in the lowest prices, but if you’re either out of contract or approaching the end of your contract, you might consider negotiating your rate.

Given the intense competition, companies are eager to retain their customers. This is why, according to our polls on negotiating with service providers, communication companies often prove to be among the most responsive to haggling.

In our December 2023 survey, which included over 4,000 MoneySavers, more than 75% of those who attempted negotiations were successful with BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and Virgin Media. For the best strategies, refer to our guide on negotiating with service providers.

8 – Struggling financially? Lower your costs with help from your broadband provider

If you anticipate difficulties in paying your monthly broadband bill, it’s important to reach out to your provider promptly. Many major providers have programs designed to assist customers facing financial difficulties.

Providers like BT, Sky, and Vodafone have indicated they are willing to offer support to customers who are struggling with their payments. This support might include options such as extending payment deadlines or arranging more manageable payment plans.

If you think you may have trouble paying your broadband bill, contact your provider as soon as you can to explore the available options.

9 – Some providers offer ‘social tariffs’ for those on certain benefits

Social tariffs are special discounted broadband and mobile packages designed for individuals receiving universal credit and other forms of financial assistance.

At present, over 10 leading broadband providers offer these social tariffs to those qualifying for specific benefits. Despite being available to approximately 4.3 million households, Ofcom reports that only about 220,000 people—roughly 5%—have taken advantage of these deals. According to Ofcom, this indicates that many are missing out on potential annual savings averaging £200 each.

Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all available social tariffs along with the full eligibility criteria. Additionally, there’s information on a separate scheme for jobseekers offered by TalkTalk.

You can also view these tariffs through our Broadband Comparison tool by selecting ‘show social tariffs’ and entering your postcode.

10 – Be warned, most firms hike prices during your contract

Most broadband, mobile, landline, and TV service providers have terms that permit them to increase prices annually. Typically, when such increases occur, you are unable to exit your contract without incurring a penalty.

Presently, most companies adjust their prices according to inflation rates between February and April each year. They use either the Retail Prices Index (RPI) or the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) to gauge inflation and add an additional percentage.

However, new regulations announced by Ofcom in July will soon prohibit inflation-linked price increases during the middle of contracts. Instead, companies will be required to specify the exact amount by which your bill will rise in pounds and pence before you sign a new contract. These rules will take effect in January 2025 and will apply only to new contracts, not to existing ones.

In anticipation of these new regulations, some companies, including BT, EE, Plusnet, and Vodafone, have already stopped implementing inflation-linked price hikes.

If your provider raises your monthly fee in a manner not specified in your contract’s terms and conditions, you are entitled to leave your contract without penalty. You need to notify your provider within 30 days of receiving the price increase notice to terminate your contract penalty-free. However, ensure that you can secure a better deal before making this move.

11 – If you switch, you could lose your landline and phone number

Openreach, the primary broadband network provider in the UK utilized by major companies such as BT, Sky, and Vodafone, is transitioning from its outdated copper telephone lines to a fiber-optic infrastructure.

This upgrade is being carried out progressively, region by region, and is expected to be completed by 2025. Once your area is upgraded, your landline will rely on your internet connection for making phone calls, a system known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or, under its commercial name, Digital Voice.

Openreach asserts that this shift will enhance call quality and offer more reliable connectivity as technology evolves. However, there are potential drawbacks, such as the inability to make calls during a power outage.

The rollout of Digital Voice is happening gradually, and not everyone will be affected immediately…

Digital Voice is being introduced in stages across different regions. If your area is among those currently being upgraded, your internet service provider will probably reach out to you with instructions on how to proceed.

Nevertheless, there are some customers who won’t be transitioned to Digital Voice just yet. These customers include:

• Customers with a healthcare pendant (personal alarm)
• Customers who only use landlines
• Customers with no mobile signal
• Customers who have disclosed any additional needs

If you find yourself in any of these situations, it’s essential to inform your provider so they can accommodate your specific needs.

If you choose to continue using your current landline phone service, you might not need to switch to a digital phone service right away. Traditional phone services are expected to remain functional for several more years. However, new customers or those renewing their contracts may no longer have the option to sign up for traditional phone services.

If you decide to switch providers, you might end up losing your landline and phone number.

At the moment, not all providers offer Digital Voice, including Shell Energy, Plusnet, and Now Broadband. If you are in an area where Digital Voice is being introduced and you choose to switch to one of these providers, you will probably receive a broadband-only package, which excludes a landline. As a result, you would lose your landline service and consequently your home phone number.

– Will my phone work during a power cut?

Historically, a key benefit of copper-based landline phones was their functionality during power outages. However, whether your telephone will remain operational with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) during such outages hinges on your specific equipment.

Certain service providers offer battery backup systems designed to keep your phone running when the power goes out. These backup batteries typically supply power to your router for approximately an hour, enabling you to continue making and receiving calls.

– Do I need new equipment?

Most cordless digital phones can work with VoIP systems, and you can connect the phone’s base unit directly to your router. If you prefer not to place your phone close to your router or if you have several phones throughout your home, you can use an adapter. Additionally, an adapter is required if you’re using an older model or a corded phone.

Top deals: Standard speed broadband with line rental

We’ve got our pick of the best deals for new customers of each firm below, but to find out what’s available in your area – and to compare more options – try Broadband Unbundled, our broadband, phone line and TV comparison tool.

Important. Most firms have yearly price rises written into their contracts. We’ll highlight upcoming hikes where we know the details, but be aware 18-month or 24-month deals will likely see multiple rises during the contract.

Standard speed broadband (10-29Mb) – what we’d go for

Right now, there aren’t too many providers offering deals at this speed, but our top pick is Now Broadband. It’s £10 upfront, then £20 a month. If you factor in the upfront cost it’s equivalent to £20.84 a month over the 12-month contract.

Top deals: Fibre broadband with line rental

We’ve got our pick of the best fibre broadband deals for new customers of each firm below, but to find out what’s available in your area and compare further options, try Broadband Unbundled, our broadband, phone line and TV comparison tool.

Important. Most firms have yearly price rises written into their contracts. We’ll highlight upcoming hikes where we know the details, but be aware 18-month or 24-month deals will likely see multiple rises during the contract.

Fibre broadband (30-99Mb) – what we’d go for

Our top pick is this 67Mb Vodafone deal via Broadbandchoices. It’s £26 a month, but you can claim (don’t forget) a £75 Amazon, Tesco, Sainsbury’s or M&S voucher within four months. Factor it in and it’s equivalent to £22.88 a month over the 24-month contract. Vodafone was rated ‘Good’ in our most recent service poll.

But right now, you can currently get faster speeds for less via the table below.

Top deals: Fast fibre broadband

Fast fibre broadband, commonly referred to as ‘fibre to the premises’ (FTTP) or accessible through cable networks like Virgin Media, is available to most households now. If you’ve never had it before, you might need an engineer to look at the externals of your home.

We’ve got our pick of the top fast fibre deals for new customers of each firm below, but to find out what’s available in your area and compare other options, try Broadband Unbundled, our broadband, phone line and TV comparison tool.

Important. Most firms have yearly price rises written into their contracts. We’ll highlight upcoming hikes where we know the details, but be aware 18-month or 24-month deals will likely see multiple rises during the contract.

Fast fibre broadband (100Mb – 499Mb) – what we’d go for

At this speed, our top pick is this Virgin Media 132Mb deal via Broadbandchoices. It’s £26.50 a month for broadband & line (including weekend calls), but you’ll automatically get an £100 bill credit added to your first bill. Factor that in and it’s equivalent to £20.95 a month over the 18-month contract.

If you can’t get Virgin in your area then there’s this 150Mb Vodafone deal via Broadbandchoices. It’s £27 a month for broadband and line, but you can claim (don’t forget) a £70 Amazon, Tesco, Sainsburys or M&S voucher. Factor that in and it’s equivalent to £24.09 a month over the 24-month contract. Vodafone scored ‘Good’ in our most recent customer service poll.

Top deals: Superfast fibre broadband

Like fast fibre, superfast fibre broadband is also delivered through ‘fibre to the premises’ (FTTP)  or accessible through cable networks like Virgin Media, is available to most households now. If you’ve never had it before, you might need an engineer to look at the externals of your home.

We’ve got our pick of the top superfast fibre deals for new customers of each firm below, but to find out what’s available in your area and compare other options, try Broadband Unbundled, our broadband, phone line and TV comparison tool.

Important. Most firms have yearly price rises written into their contracts. We’ll highlight upcoming hikes where we know the details, but be aware 18-month or 24-month deals will likely see multiple rises during the contract.

Superfast fibre broadband (500Mb+) – what we’d go for

Our top pick is this 500Mb Vodafone deal via Broadband Genie. It’s £32 a month but you can claim (don’t forget) a £95 Amazon, Tesco, Sainsbury’s or M&S voucher. Factor that in and it’s £28.05 a month over the 24-month contract. Vodafone scored ‘Good’ in our most recent customer service poll.

If you can only get Virgin Media in your area, then there’s this 516Mb Virgin Media deal via Broadbandchoices. It’s £33.99/month, but you’ll get an automatic £70 bill credit from Virgin Media. Factor that in and it’s equivalent to £30.11 a month over the 18-month contract.

Cashback sites may pay you for signing up

You can often earn additional cashback when you sign up for a broadband contract by using a dedicated cashback website instead of signing up directly with the provider. These cashback sites use affiliate links to earn commissions, and if they receive payment when you sign up, you’ll receive a share of that commission.

However, it’s important to note that cashback is not always guaranteed. Sometimes, cashback websites fail to track ongoing deals properly, and they may not offer cashback in addition to other available promotions (like our exclusive Blagged deals). Therefore, if there are no better deals available elsewhere, it’s usually wiser to choose the best broadband package first and consider any cashback as a bonus. To learn more about how these cashback sites work and how to maximize your earnings, check out our guide on the Top Cashback Sites.

How to complain about your broadband provider

The broadband sector often struggles with a poor reputation for customer service. What might be a satisfactory experience for one user can be a nightmare for another. Frequent issues include missed installation appointments, subpar service or sluggish speeds, inaccurate billing, and other related problems.

It’s always worth trying to call your provider to sort the issue first, but if not then you can use free complaints tool Resolver. The tool helps you manage your complaint, and if the company doesn’t play ball, it also helps you escalate your complaint to the free Ombudsman (or CISAS if you’re complaining about Vodafone or Sky).

Broadband FAQs

Q – What is the cheapest type of broadband?

A – ADSL broadband, commonly referred to as standard broadband, is generally the most affordable broadband option in the UK. It provides average speeds of approximately 11Mbps, which is sufficient for basic internet use and occasional streaming activities.

Q – Will cheap broadband be fast enough?

A – If your internet usage primarily consists of basic activities like checking emails and occasional browsing, then the most affordable plans with an average speed of 11Mb will likely suffice. For context, Netflix suggests a minimum of 3Mb for standard-definition streaming and 5Mb for HD content. BBC iPlayer needs at least 1.5Mb for standard-definition viewing. Evaluate the speed requirements based on your needs. If you anticipate needing a higher speed, consider exploring budget-friendly fibre optic options.

Q – Is it cheaper to get broadband without a landline?

A – Opting for broadband without a landline typically costs more. Most of the most affordable broadband options include a landline, often with a pay-as-you-go call plan—refer to broadband and line bundles. While Virgin Media and BT now offer packages without a landline, these are generally pricier or priced similarly to their landline-inclusive counterparts.