Broadband Guide

Cheap broadband packages and providers

Cheap broadband packages are everywhere, from cheap broadband-only to broadband, phone and TV bundles - but are they good value? Our expert compares the cheapest deals and providers, including Virgin Media (www.Virginmedia.com) and BT Broadband (www.BT.com). (Updated 30/10/09)

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• Cheap broadband, phone and TV bundles
• Cheapest unlimited broadband
• Cheapest broadband-only
• Cheap broadband speeds
• Broadband download limits
• Protection and security
• Customer service
• Know your "exit fees"
• Things to remember
• Cheap broadband providers

Cheap broadband, phone and TV bundles

If you want broadband, calls and digital TV, you only have four providers to choose from: BT, Sky Broadband (www.Sky.com), TalkTalk Broadband (www.Talktalk.co.uk) and Virgin Media.

• Virgin Media allows you to build you own bundle, so you only pay for what you want. It offers the UK’s fastest broadband at speeds of up to 50Mb as well as a huge number of digital TV channels and a great selection of on-demand TV too. Check channel listings »
• BT offers digital TV through BT Vision, which customers can get via their BT Total Broadband or new 40Mb broadband connection from BT’s fibre network, BT Infinity. BT Vision gives you a huge range of on-demand films, TV shows, sport and music videos, as well as interactive services.
• Sky offers a great digital TV service with reliable 20Mb broadband, and if your area hasn’t already had its old analogue signal switched off in favour of digital, you’ll soon be thinking about your digital options.
• TalkTalk also offers competitive packages, with broadband speeds up to 24Mb and digital TV channels - though its network is not as wide as the other three providers.

Cheapest unlimited broadband

Download as much as you want with an unlimited broadband package. Virgin Media and Sky both offer phone and broadband bundles without a download limit.

Plusnet Broadband's (www.Plus.net) 20Mb Premium package has a huge 80GB allowance.

However, almost all unlimited broadband packages come with fair usage policies. Providers have also been known to manage traffic and speeds on their networks at the busiest times of the day. Sky Broadband removed the fair usage policy from its Unlimited Broadband package in 2008, making it one of the only truly unlimited broadband packages available in the UK, though Virgin Media does not apply any traffic management to its XXL 50Mb broadband.

Cheapest broadband-only deals

Pay only for what you want with a broadband-only package. However, with providers aggressively marketing broadband, phone and TV combos, you could get yourself a cheaper broadband service and great value calls with a bundle.

Cheap broadband speeds

When you choose a new broadband package you’ll need to choose a broadband speed. Most broadband packages come with a headline download speed of up to 8Mb - though most people only get around 4.1Mb on average (Ofcom, 2009).

There are various factors that affect your broadband speed, and while a cheap provider might advertise a speed of up to 8Mb - the same as many more costly ISPs - the service you get could differ drastically between the two suppliers.

Cheap providers tend to have congested networks because their monthly fees are so low, which may slow down your connection. You'll also be far more likely to be traffic managed by a cheap broadband provider and have your speed throttled at peak times.

Increasingly, broadband providers are offering speeds of up to 24Mb, with Virgin Media offering the UK’s first superfast broadband package with speeds of up to 50Mb.

Broadband download limits

Today you often have to choose between “unlimited” downloads with an unspecified allowance or a package with a clear, set download limit. Some set download allowances can be as little as 1GB or 2GB, while other packages offer as much as 50GB or more.

If you go for a package with a set download limit, your downloading might not be restricted during peak hours but you’ll have to pay a set fee if you exceed your allowance.

If you choose a package with a fair usage policy and “unlimited” downloads, your connection will be more likely to be traffic managed at peak times and throttled if your ISP thinks you’ve been downloading too much.

There’s no right answer to avoid paying for heavy downloads, but you should be realistic about how much you really download and get an appropriate package that could save you lots of aggravation in the long run.

Read more about fair usage policies and download limits.

Protection and security

Buying packages from certain ISPs, like BT or O2 Broadband (www.O2.co.uk) can save money on essential PC security if your package comes with free antivirus software.

It’s not just the fact that you’re getting free internet security that makes these packages so attractive; the software is automatically installed when your connection is set up, so if you’re not the most confident with your PC, it’s one less thing to worry about.

We list full details of internet security protection that is supplied with each broadband package. Click here to compare broadband packages.

Customer service

Whether you’re experiencing service problems, have an old computer, or are just a technophobe, if you expect to make a lot of calls to customer services, there are two things you need to take into account; the cost of calls, and the quality of the advice you will receive.

Many people don’t like getting through to foreign call centres. If you're one of these people, it might be worth checking out where your provider’s customer service centre is located. For example, BT and Virgin Media - like many others - have call centres in India as well as the UK, while O2 offers free, UK-based advice.

While being understood is very important, especially with regard to broadband and the technicalities involved, don’t just assume that because a call centre is abroad, the service will be bad. Do your research; Madasafish Broadband (www.Madasafish.com) has call centres in South Africa, but has won awards for service.

Equally important, is how much your calls will cost. Make sure you know exactly how much you will be paying for your technical support calls and don’t forget to take into consideration how long you’re likely to be on hold for. If you’re having consistent problems with your ISP, keep your bills to record how much it has cost you to get the problem sorted. At one end of the scale, some providers charge as much as 50p a minute, while others offer free technical support.

Use our broadband comparison calculator to check call centre opening hours and get a breakdown of call charges. Why not read our broadband reviews to see what other people say about their providers.

Know your "exit fees"

Many providers charge for breaking your contract early, even if you’re not satisfied with the service you’re receiving.

Always make sure you do your research before making a commitment, as some providers offer shorter contract terms, and some even offer “no contract” broadband - though you’ll most likely have to pay a connection or exit fee. But always make sure that you read the small print.

Read more about no contract broadband.

If it’s too late and you’ve already signed up but are having problems with your service, you can contact us to see if we can help. Or if you want cheap, reliable legal advice you could try the Which? Legal Service for £51 for a year (see useful sites).

Things to remember

Remember, it’s not just about the price. Bear in mind exactly what you could be sacrificing for the sake of a few pounds a month - high download allowances, fast and reliable connection speeds, PC protection, quality customer service and peace of mind.

While it can also be tempting to go for a bundle because of the cheap headline rates or digital television add-on, always be realistic and keep your needs in mind. If you are unlikely to use the extra services then they will just be a waste of money - no matter how cheap they are.

If you’re sure that you have accurately assessed your broadband needs - both in terms of usage and support, then you are more likely to get a package that’s right for you - but that might not necessarily be the cheapest one.

Do a broadband search. We rank by first year cost, monthly cost and flag any set-up costs. And with an in-depth breakdown of each package, including download penalties and extra benefits, you can make a confident and informed decision.

Cheap broadband providers

If you're unsure about what's out there, it's always a good idea to visit the provider's websites directly:

• BT: www.BT.com
• Virgin Media: www.VirginMedia.com
• Plusnet: www.Plus.net
• Sky: www.Sky.com
• TalkTalk: www.TalkTalk.co.uk

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