Broadband Guide

How to get the internet without a landline

Tuesday 15 February, 2011

By Garnet Roach - garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Want to get online without forking out for a landline? Find out how to ditch that extra monthly cost.

The internet has become an everyday essential that millions of Brits have come to rely on, but is there a way to rid yourself of that pesky £14.60 or so you spend on line rental every month?

Traditional copper wire internet, known as ADSL broadband uses phone lines to get you online, so more than 15 million broadband Brits need a landline to get connected.

Internet without a landline

BT broadband (www.BT.com) charges £14.60 a month for line rental - adding over £160 a year on top of your broadband bills.

While many people still use their home phone line to stay in touch with friends and family, increasing numbers of people are relying solely on their mobiles to make calls.

If you're clinging on to your landline simply to get online, there is another way.

Virgin Media broadband

Cable provider Virgin Media (www.Virginmedia.com) is the only broadband provider that allows customers to get broadband with no landline.

Because of the technology that Virgin Media uses, it is able to deliver fast, reliable broadband without a landline. Standalone costs are quite high though, and you might find that you only save a few pounds a month.

Unfortunately, your postcode could dictate whether or not you can ditch your landline. Virgin Media’s cable network only covers around 51% of the country, so if you're looking for a fixed-line connection, but don’t live in a cable area, you'll have to keep your landline.

Location is equally important if you're looking for a mobile broadband package. Coverage can be patchy in some parts of the country - especially in rural areas - so make sure you run a postcode search before signing a contract.

Compare broadband providers to find out if you can get Virgin Media in your area.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband is another option, allowing you to get online using the mobile phone network. All the software you need will automatically be installed when you plug your dongle in, and you'll be able to surf the net in minutes.

However, there are a few things that you need to look out for when choosing a mobile broadband package:

• Coverage - run a postcode search before signing up to make sure you'll get the best possible connection
• Download allowance - mobile broadband packages typically offer much lower download allowances than fixed-line packages, so be sure you've got enough data to meet your needs
• Speed - download speeds are also lower than fixed-line broadband, often averaging little over 1Mb.

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