Broadband deals

Whether you're in need of the cheapest broadband package available or the fastest fibre optic in the land, we're at hand to help you find the best broadband deals!

What broadband deal should I choose?

The best broadband deals available to you will be partly decided by where you live and what’s available in your area. You should think about speed and cost, as the best speed broadband packages are likely to be more expensive.

The speed you need depends on how you use the internet and your level of usage. Once you've considered these factors, finding the right broadband package for you should be simple.

What are the different types of broadband?

There are a few different options to decide between when it comes to broadband and where you live can narrow your options.

There are four main types of broadband connection available: ADSL, cable, satellite and mobile.

ADSL broadband

ADSL (a type of digital subscriber line) broadband uses the existing telephone network. A phone socket filter, also known as a microfilter, converts the phone line into two separate signals, one for telephone and one for internet access.

This means that you can make and receive telephone calls while you're online. ADSL broadband is widely available in the UK and there are many cheap deals on offer.

Fibre-optic cable broadband

Cable broadband transfers data using a system of fibre-optic cables laid underground, which means that they're able to deliver faster broadband than phone line cables, which tend to be made of copper. 

These type of cables also support cable television and landline telephone calls, which means that there'll be package deals available offering all three services, known as bundles.

Satellite broadband

Satellite broadband is an alternative to ADSL and cable broadband which is predominantly used in rural areas where there's no ADSL or cable broadband service available.

The internet feed is beamed from a satellite to a dish installed at the subscriber's home. It can be expensive to set up and the signal can be affected by weather conditions. 

Note that you probably won't have access to any unlimited packages with satellite broadband, so there will be a cap on your data usage.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband uses the mobile phone network to connect to the internet - but you don't need a mobile phone to use it. Instead, you use a data card or a USB dongle, which plugs into a USB port on your computer.

Mobile broadband availability in your area depends on network coverage and signal strength. If the aerials haven't been upgraded to 3G (and now 4G in most cities) then speed and connectivity can suffer significantly.

What are the costs of broadband?

Having the fastest broadband on the market is all well and good, but if you have to eat beans every day to fund your internet habit, that ain't good.

Take into account the first-year cost, line rental and how much it would cost to upgrade if your current package does nothing to quench your insatiable internet hunger.

Of course you'll want to find out whether there's any connection fees for installation or one-off costs and how much you'll be charged monthly for your chosen package.

How can I save money on my broadband deal?

With the help of our partners broadbandchoices^[1] you can compare the latest broadband and broadband bundle deals tout suite, giving you the chance to save money and find a broadband package that really satisfies your internet appetite.

As well as price, you'll want to think about the level of customer service and technical support your chosen broadband package can provide.

Should I get a broadband bundle?

Depending on your requirements, a broadband bundle might be the best and/or cheapest option for you. Many providers now offer broadband bundles, which means that other services (usually telephone and digital TV) are tied in with your broadband connection for one set monthly fee.

The main attraction of bundled products tends to be their cost and convenience. Bundling telephone calls and digital TV in with your broadband service should prove cost effective when compared to sourcing each service separately (but this isn't always the case, so make sure you shop around).

This is because providers offer savings in the belief that those who bundle are more likely to stay loyal to them for longer. Bundling can also be convenient because it means that you should only have to deal with one company rather than several.

Check the speed of the internet in your area and choose an appropriate deal. If you only get 20Mbps at your home, there's no point in opting for a 30Mbps option. You do the maths.

What's a good broadband speed?

A word to the wise, it's not just about price when it comes down to a broadband deal. You'll need to make sure that your broadband is delivering speeds which will enable your internet activities 24/7, whether you're a hardcore user or an occasional peruser. Nobody likes a buffering film after all.

However, reader beware - the best broadband package for speed may not necessarily be the cheapest.

Also be aware of the words 'up to' when choosing your broadband bonanza deal, these innocent enough words mean that you won't necessarily reach that top speed.

You'll also want to get clued up on whether your provider will implement any pesky download caps or traffic management.

Need more information on broadband?

You'll want to head over to our broadband guides which are packed to the brim with all the information you need to know. From unlimited broadband and money-saving tips to internet security and hardware - you can learn more. It's a doddle.