Broadband Guide

LLU broadband packages

Updated: Tuesday 04 January, 2011

By Editorial - news@consumerchoices.co.uk

If you live in an unbundled area, you could enjoy faster speeds and cheaper internet with an LLU broadband package

Local loop unbundled (LLU) technology allows providers to offer very cheap broadband, and in the past some providers have even offered "free broadband" or "free line rental", saving customers hundreds of pounds on their broadband.

Benefits of LLU broadband

Because LLU internet providers use their own equipment, rather than the BT broadband (www.BT.com) wholesale network, they are able to cut costs and pass savings on to customers.

The competition injected into the market by LLU broadband providers has really pushed down costs. Broadband customers were paying an average of £23.30 a month for a broadband service delivered over a copper ADSL phone line at the end 2005, according to Ofcom. “Today they are paying around £13.31 for the same service” (October 2010).

LLU providers also have more control over their network, allowing them to offer speed boosts and upgrades to give you the most reliable connection for your money. LLU provider O2 broadband (www.O2.co.uk) has won loads of awards for its fast, reliable broadband packages - and even offers the cheapest line rental in the UK at just £7.50 a month when you bundle.

Disadvantages of LLU broadband

Although you’re still using a copper wire ADSL phone line, switching to an LLU provider does mean that you're moving away from the BT network. If you want to switch back to the BT network - or a provider like Plusnet broadband (www.Plus.net) that uses the BT network - you’ll usually need to have a new line installed.

BT is the biggest landline installer in the UK, and cut the cost of new line installation in August 2010. Customers taking broadband with home phone calls with their BT line rental now pay £30 when they sign a contract.

But if you're only taking calls and line rental, or if you live in a new build home, with no line whatsoever, you might still have to pay up to £130 depending on how much work needs to be done.

Other providers do also offer landline installation so it does pay to shop around - especially if you don’t want to sign a long contract. Try O2, Direct Save Telecom or the Post Office broadband for no contract landline installation.

Switching away from LLU broadband might also mean that you have to suffer a short break in your broadband connection - so double check with your new supplier before you switch.

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