When it comes to choosing the right broadband package, it can be a difficult and time consuming exercise. With a huge choice of providers and deals to choose from, making sure you get the right one can be hard. If you’re confused about download limits and line speeds, here we provide you with all the information you need.
It used to be relatively simple to choose a broadband package, with a fairly limited choice of providers who offered only internet connections. However now the market is open to a much wider range of services and you can opt for an inclusive broadband, calls and TV package, as well as just simple broadband. There’s also a huge difference in the connection speeds and download limits, making it difficult to know exactly what you’re paying for and which deal is best.
Even with this variety and choice, many consumers are still not changing their provider and could be stuck with an inefficient deal. Recent research reported in The Daily Telegraph highlighted that 4 in 10 households hadn’t changed in over four years, with some paying twice as much as they should be.
What type of package do you need?
Before you start looking for broadband deals you need to know exactly what you’ll be using the internet for and what you need from your provider. Do you need it for work or is it just for personal use? Will you only be checking emails and browsing the internet or do you like to download files and stream movies? All these details will help determine the type of package you should be looking for.
There are a range of different broadband packages, depending on the connection speed you require. Within these brackets, providers tend to offer capped and unlimited download subscriptions. A basic broadband package will have a speed of 2Mbps or higher and will be fine for reading emails and using the internet. Most providers now offer superfast broadband, with speeds over 25Mbps. There are also some ultrafast packages, offering speeds up to 100Mbps.
To find out more about some of the options, click here. Remember, if you’re considering getting satellite or cable television, it might be more cost effective to get an all-inclusive package from one provider. This will bundle all your calls, broadband and TV channels into one monthly cost, which could save you money.
Do your research
Look online to see what offers the major providers have and the level of service they can offer in your area. When you’re comparing packages, make sure that you’re looking at like for like deals, as otherwise you won’t get an accurate representation. Check that you’ve included all the costs, including any installation fees and line rental. Work out what the overall price will be for the first year, taking into account any increases in the monthly cost after an introductory discount period.
Whoever you choose as your broadband provider, it’s important that you find the best value deal for your requirements. As with any service, choosing the cheapest isn’t always the most cost effective option.
I check prices around every year but have been with O2 for about 5 years. Now Sky bought them and I don’t know how that will turn out. The strange thing is the landline rental is often cheaper with other providers than directly with BT.
I also share the same surprise on the last point!! I actually have a sky package but by the time I pay for broadband and phone the TV is effectively free (not including licensing fee)
Great post. I recently had a huge issue with my internet – I really learned my lesson. Never saving money on my internet provider when that’s the most important tool for my job. http://www.thefinancialeconomist.com/2013/07/how-to-invest-or-trade-when-you-have-no-internet/
Haha nice post – I would probably Pair my phone to begin with then hit up the neighbor!! We only realise how dependent we are on that connection when it disappears!!