Best Broadband Deals - MAY 2022

Generally, you still require an active phone line for many broadband connections that are wired to the street cabinet including ADSL and fibre to cabinet. Most packages will automatically include a Wi-Fi router together with options for line rental and a choice of call rate packages.

A number of suppliers will also offer a TV bundle on top of the broadband and phone connection. This TV package can vary greatly among providers but usually involves some or all of the following:

• The supply of a box that can record multiple hours of TV
• The ability for the box to rewind and pause live TV
• The ability to watch Freeview channels
• The option to subscribe to premium channels such as Sky Sports, BT Sport or movies
• The ability to watch catch-up TV and On-Demand programmes including Netflix

Full fibre also known as FTTP (Fibre To The Premises) uses the latest fibre optic technology to deliver the fastest broadband connection. Providers achieve this by laying fibre directly to your home, bypassing the street cabinet and the use of old copper cable. This also means that requiring an active phone line is optional with many full fibre package providers.

In addition to our Top Picks, there are a significant number of other packages available and many often have limited time deals. Some deals can often be exclusive for sites like PocketRate.

Up until recently, broadband providers were able to just advertise their 'Up to' speed. However, recent regulation now means that they have to show the 'Average speed'.

The average broadband speed is defined as being the speed that at least 50% of customers get during peak time. The UK government communications regulator, Ofcom, defines peak time as being between the hours of 8pm - 10pm.

Despite the change, the actual speed that you will get will of course depend on a number of factors including:

• The type of connection e.g. cable, fibre or full fibre
• How far your home is from the telephone exchange box for non-full fibre connections
• The area you live in
• The time of day you are using the connection

Generally speaking, the faster the average speed, the more expensive the package will cost. Deciding on what speed you need is determined by what you are using it for.

If you just want to surf the internet and get the odd email then a standard broadband connection may suffice. On the other hand, if you are going to stream music and movies, play online gaming or have a family that uses multiple devices at the same time, then a much faster fibre connection is required.

You can always upgrade your broadband connection if you find it's too slow but you may incur addition costs if you do this whilst in the middle of your contract period.

Once you sign up to a broadband package, you will have a cooling off period during which time you can cancel. However, if you decide you no longer want the package or wish to switch to a new provider, then you may incur penalty fee charges for cancelling early,

Therefore, it's important to ensure you are satisfied with the length of the contract you are signing up to and the terms within that contract.

Generally speaking, broadband providers offer the following contract options:

• 12 Month Contract
• 18 Month Contract
• 24 Month Contract
• No Contract

A no contract option is just that. You pay your fees month to month until you decide you don't want it. However, a no contract option usually has increased per month cost compared to a longer contract period.

The setup fee is the up-front amount that the provider charges you to either install and set up the broadband connection and/or the cost of package and posting to get the equipment delivered to your home. Some providers do not charge any setup fee or will sometimes have offers to include the setup amount free of charge.

The monthly price is the ongoing amount that you will be paying for your broadband connection each month. Sometimes the provider may offer a reduced monthly price for a limited initial period e.g. a lower monthly amount for the first 3 months and then it reverts to the full monthly amount thereafter.