Across the UK there are 18.4 million fixed residential broadband connections, reflecting how important access to the internet has become in everyday life. Yet the number of internet providers, all with different deals, can at times be bewildering. Often, each provider’s special offer is difficult to compare with others, so here are a few of the most frequent factors to consider when deciding which broadband provider is best for you.
When first considering which broadband provider to join, begin by searching around for special offers and deals. Some providers will offer several months free when you join, though you should examine these contracts carefully before signing one. Six months free internet usage at the start of the contract may be a pleasant memory when you find yourself facing regular internet bills that far exceed what you could have been paying elsewhere.
As a general rule, you should work out the average cost of your contract per month, taking into account the fact that the first few months are free. In this way you will be able to decide whether you can afford this deal for the duration of your contract.
Another way to keep costs down is to find an offer that allows you to receive your internet connection, telephone and television from one provider, through a package deal. Many providers offer this, and in general it works out that the cost of each service is less than it would be if purchased separately.
The cost of your broadband package will also likely depend on the length of your contract. Cheap broadband is easier to find if you plan on staying in one property for several years, as a long-term contract will usually have a lower monthly charge.
It is worth remembering, however, that if you pull out of a contract early you will be charged for the duration of the contract, regardless of the amount of time left on the contract. In this case, even a more expensive per-month charge would be preferable as long as the contract is shorter.
Finally, consider the up-front charges. Your broadband will be provided to your home by a router, connected to your phone line. This is essential, whether you intend to connect via a cable or wirelessly. It may be possible to get this router free, but more often than not you will need to pay for it and should compare the costs of this.
If your home does not have a phone line, you will also need to get one installed for standard ADSL broadband. Again, this costs money. If you will only be using your broadband for basic e-mail and web browsing, you may be better off purchasing a mobile broadband service.
The key then to find cheap broadband is to subscribe to a plan that best suits your situation. Just remember to consider every aspect of the plan, from installation costs to the length of the contract.
Regina Foster writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
