Broadband Guide

Unlimited broadband deals

By Garnet Roach - garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

"Unlimited broadband" is a phrase that’s used a lot by broadband providers advertising their packages. However, in the vast majority of cases, “unlimited” doesn’t really mean you can download to your heart’s content.

Almost all unlimited broadband packages actually come with a fair usage policy, which may restrict your speeds at certain times of the day, or cap your downloads if your provider believes you are using their service excessively.

Some broadband providers advertise the limits of their fair usage policies while others prefer to keep their limits vague. The way that fair usage policies are applied also varies from one supplier to the next, with some ISPs throttling your speed if you download too much during peak hours, and others simply slowing you down if you download too much over the course of a whole month.

Unlimited broadband without a 'fair use' policy

Broadband without a fair use policy is available on Virgin Media's (www.Virginmedia.com) XL Package. Virgin's XL package has speeds up to 50Mb, currently the fastest available in the UK. Other Virgin broadband packages have speeds up to 20Mb and unlimited downloads subject to an "acceptable use" policy.

Sky (www.Sky.com) also offer unlimited broadband without a fair usage policy – this is, unsurprisingly, with Sky's "Broadband Unlimited" package. Call Sky on 08442 410 582 to find out more.

Cheap unlimited broadband

However, if you are one of the many light-to-moderate users, an unlimited broadband plan (subject to a fair use policy) could be better value.

Unlimited broadband is also available from TalkTalk (www.talktalk.co.uk). Under its fair usage policy, TalkTalk Plus customers have no restrictions on surfing streamed content like BBC iPlayer or online gaming applications.

BE (www.bethere.co.uk) also offer broadband with unlimited downloads as standard, subject to a fair use policy. However, BE insists that it doesn't shape or cap speeds in any way. According to BE, its fair use policy will only affect you if "you're downloading illegal materials, spamming, abusing the network in some way, or your usage is affecting other members".

Last but not least, Plusnet's (www.Plus.net) Extra package has an 60GB download allowance, and unlimited overnight downloads. However, it may also experience traffic management at busy times of the day. Plusnet has highly competitive tariffs and could work for you if you're on a budget.

What is a set download limit?

Broadband packages with set download allowances allow you to download a certain amount of data each month. You won’t be cut off if you reach that limit, but you will be charged for any data you use outside of your download allowance.

Use our free Broadband Download Monitor to track how much you download each month and make sure that you never get charged for exceeding your limit.

Compare unlimited broadband packages

Use our free, Ofcom-accredited broadband comparison service to find a package that perfectly suits your needs as well as your budget - we will tell you the download limit and fair usage policy for each UK broadband package, as well as flagging up any other issues or added extras.

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