Broadband and Phone Deals
When you get a broadband and phone package, it usually comes with a landline connection. Some packages are line rental only, which means they are phone-ready internet services. They allow you to make PAYG calls only. This can be a suitable choice if you rarely use your landline to make calls.
There are also broadband and phone packages that include free calls during weekends or anytime during the day. Although they are costlier than line rental only plans, these bundles can be both convenient and cost-saving if you frequently use your landline for calls.
What is a broadband and phone package?
Many providers offer combined packages of broadband and phone services. This is often cheaper than purchasing the services separately. Depending on the package, you may get a landline service and a broadband connection via the same line, as in the case of ADSL and most FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) connections.
Full fibre FTTP connections don’t require a landline for the internet service but might include VoIP calling as part of the package.
What is line rental only package?
With a “line rental only” broadband package, you pay for the internet service, and for the line rental. The line rental is a fee you pay for the use of the physical line that delivers the broadband connection to your home.
This package doesn’t include calls like weekend or anytime calls. However, you can make Pay As You Go (PAYG) calls which are charged at a standard rate per minute. Essentially, you only pay for the calls you make.
If you frequently use your home phone and want to save money, you can add call plans to your package. These plans are typically more economical and offer a fixed number of minutes or unlimited calls for a set fee.
Call Packages
Many broadband and phone providers offer different call packages for their customers. These packages offer a range of options that can suit different needs.
- Weekend calls – This package includes unlimited weekend calls.
- Evening and Weekend Calls – This package typically includes unlimited calls to local and national numbers during evenings (usually defined as 7 pm to 7 am) and all day on weekends.
- Anytime Calls – This package offers unlimited calls to local and national numbers at any time of the day, seven days a week.
- International Calls – There are also packages specifically for international calls. These may include a set number of minutes to certain countries or regions, or discounted per-minute rates.
Broadband and phone providers in the UK
Here are some of the providers in the UK which offer broadband and phone packages:
- BT: BT is one of the largest broadband and phone providers in the UK, offering a wide range of packages to suit different needs and budgets.
- Virgin Media: Virgin Media offers fast broadband speeds and a range of bundle deals that include TV, phone, and mobile services.
- Sky: Sky is another leading provider in the UK, offering broadband and phone packages as well as TV and mobile services.
- TalkTalk: TalkTalk offers affordable broadband and phone packages, with the option to add TV and mobile services.
- Plusnet: Plusnet is known for its customer service and competitive pricing, and offers a range of broadband and phone packages.
- Vodafone: Vodafone is a leading mobile provider in the UK, and also offers broadband and phone packages, including bundle deals that include mobile services.
Benefits of broadband and phone deals
The main benefit of broadband and phone deals is cost savings. By bundling services, customers can often receive a discount compared to purchasing each service separately.
In addition, broadband and phone packages can offer greater convenience, as customers only need to deal with a single provider for all their communication needs.
PAYG calls
PAYG (Pay As You Go) calls is a type of home phone option which allows you to pay for each call as you make it, rather than paying a monthly fee for a set number of calls or minutes.
This type of service is often used for individuals who make infrequent calls, or those who do not need a regular landline phone service. With PAYG calls, you only pay for the calls that you make, so you don’t pay for unused minutes or call allowances.
Inclusive call plans
Some broadband and phone deals in the UK come with inclusive call plans, which allow customers to make a certain number of calls each month for free, or at a discounted call rate.
These call plans can include free calls to local, national and mobile numbers in the evenings or weekends, or a certain number of minutes per month.
Inclusive call plans can provide customers with added value, as they can make calls without having to worry about the cost, which can be particularly useful for customers who make frequent calls.
Cheaper international calls
Some broadband and phone deals in the UK can include cheaper international calls as part of their landline plans. This can make it more cost-effective for customers to call friends and family abroad, compared to paying for international calls on a pay-per-minute basis.
Having access to cheaper international calls as part of a broadband and phone deal can be a convenient and cost-effective solution for customers who frequently make international calls, allowing them to call friends and relatives at a lower cost.
How to find the broadband and phone deal that is best for you?
Here are some tips to help you save on broadband and phone packages:
- Compare prices – Compare prices and packages from different providers to find the best deal for your needs. Make sure to consider both the upfront and ongoing costs, as well as any additional features or benefits that may be included.
- Consider bundle deals – Bundling your broadband and phone services can often result in cost savings, as providers may offer discounts for bundled packages.
- Consider PAYG calls – If you don’t make many calls, consider using a PAYG (Pay As You Go) service, as this can be a cost-effective solution for infrequent callers.
- Call Packages – Think about your calling habits. If you make a lot of landline calls, look for a package that includes free evening and weekend calls, or even unlimited calls. Some providers also offer international call packages.
- Cost of Extra Calls – Even with a call package, you might sometimes need to make calls that aren’t included. Check the cost per minute for these additional calls.
- Check for promotions – Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts that providers may offer, such as cashback or discounts on the first year of service.
- Consider a slower speed – If you don’t need the fastest broadband speed, consider a slower speed package, which can often be cheaper than a higher-speed package.
- Shop around for international calls – If you often make international calls, look out for providers who offer cheaper international call rates, or include international calls in their call plans.
FAQ
Is landline necessary for broadband?
A landline connection is usually required to deliver broadband to your home when you choose a broadband provider that uses the Openreach network. This includes both traditional ADSL and most FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) services.
However, full fibre FTTP broadband connections do not require a landline.
Do I need a landline?
Even if you don’t use a landline for calls, it might still be required for your broadband service, depending on the type of connection. For example, traditional ADSL and FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) connections often require a landline as these services are delivered over the phone network.
Whether you need a landline or just broadband without a landline largely depends on your individual needs. If you seldom make calls, you can choose a broadband-only package (line rental only) which might be more cost-effective. If you make a lot of calls, choose from call packages with inclusive calls, which could be cheaper than using PAYG calls or a mobile phone for the same purpose.
Can I make calls over full fibre broadband connection?
Yes, it is possible to make calls over full fibre broadband using a technology called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). It uses internet instead of a traditional phone line for this purpose.
Many full fibre broadband providers offer VoIP services as part of their packages, sometimes called a digital home phone service.
However, keep in mind that the quality of VoIP calls depends on the speed and stability of your internet connection. If your broadband is slow or disconnects often, it might impact the quality of VoIP calls.