Broadband guide

Internet, phone and TV - is it time to bundle?

Updated: Wednesday 25 January, 2012

By Anthony Hill

Bundling your broadband, phone and TV with one company can save you over £300 a year.

If you want to save money and get yourself a better service, then taking an all-in-one broadband, home phone and digital television package could be the answer.

Three different providers currently offer triple-play packages; BT broadband (www.BT.com), Virgin Media (www.Virginmedia.com) and Sky broadband (www.Sky.com).

Getting the best bundle

Michael Phillips, Broadbandchoices.co.uk product director, says: “The savings from bundling can be huge, as well as the added convenience of having only one bill to pay every month.

“Anyone looking to save money on their broadband and digital TV or home phone services should get online and use an Ofcom-accredited comparison site to check for the best deals available in their area. You will almost certainly save money on what you are currently paying.”

There are a number of different things you need to think about when choosing a new internet, phone and TV bundle.

Broadband speed

If you are a heavy downloader or have a large household who all want to get online at the same time, then a cable broadband package from Virgin Media (www.Virginmedia.com) will give you the fastest and most reliable connection. It offers four different broadband speeds:

• 10Mb broadband
• 30Mb broadband
• 50Mb broadband
• 100Mb broadband

BT broadband (www.BT.com) is also rolling out its own fibre optic network to offer speeds of up to 40Mb broadband. Do a postcode search to find out if BT Infinity or Virgin Media cable broadband are available in your area.

Home phone

Think about how you use your home phone and pick the right bundle to suit your needs. Do you make most of your calls in the evening, or would an anytime calls package save you cash? Also think about whether you make mobile or international calls, which are often overlooked but soon add up.

Perhaps you only need a landline to get online? If so, then Virgin Media does offer internet without a phone line, though this might only save you a few pounds a month.

Digital TV

Sky offers the biggest range of high-definition channels, but Virgin Media offers more on-demand content. Each provider also offers different set-top boxes depending on the package you sign-up to and how much you're willing to pay each month.

But make sure you factor in the added cost if you're also thinking of taking premium channels like Sky Sports or Sky Movies, or upgrading to HD - which costs £10.25 extra a month with Sky.

Or if you want digital TV on a budget, why not consider Freeview?

Flexibility

If you're after a digital TV bundle without the commitment, then BT Vision could be the answer. You have to be a BT Total Broadband customer, so you'll have to sign a contract for your internet and phone, but the digital TV service allows you to add and remove viewing packs on a monthly basis.

This means that you can add the sports pack during the football season, the kids pack in the summer holidays or simply rent pay-per-view films when you fancy a movie night.

Compare internet, phone and TV bundles

Broadband providers regularly run money-saving deals and promotions so it always pays to shop around to get the best price.

Once you've decided what you need from your provider, compare broadband packages and sign-up online.

Compare broadband deals

Save up to £363* when you include TV and calls with your broadband

CLOSE [X]

*Enter your postcode to find the best broadband deals in your area. We value your privacy, please see our privacy policy.

Why we need your postcode