Many people in the UK now find they can live without a telephone line. So you might prefer to skip the hassle of installation and choose a broadband only deal instead.
But are internet only deals really the most cost-effective option?
We take a closer look at what broadband only packages offer to help you decide if getting one is a good idea and whether switching providers makes the most financial sense.
Broadband only deals give you the choice of having home internet without a landline. This means you won’t get any call or TV packages that most providers now offer.
According to Ofcom’s Spring 2024 Connected Nations update , the availability of full-fibre broadband on Openreach networks has increased significantly, with 18.7 million UK households (62%) now able to access these services.
With such a dramatic increase in fibre optic broadband access, broadband only deals could become even more popular if this upward trend continues.
Unfortunately, if you’re an ADSL broadband customer, you’ll still need a landline to facilitate your internet connection. This works by having copper wires connect directly to your property from the nearest street cabinet.
As a rule, broadband only packages can be split into four categories.
Most broadband only deals have no landline. This means you get your home internet without paying any extra costs, like line rental.
Despite standard ADSL broadband not being available without line rental, more and more providers are now offering the option to get online without a phone connection.
This is done through full fibre broadband. Also known as fibre to the premises or FTTP, it delivers internet straight from the exchange to your home, and having a landline isn’t necessary for the connection to work.
However, it’s not always cost-effective to omit a landline when comparing broadband deals, so be sure to keep your options open.
Providing just an internet connection, these broadband only deals will offer you little else.
The main difference between an internet only and a broadband without a phone line package is the potential to have a landline later.
As it’s now being used only for internet, there won’t be a dial tone on your landline. This means you won’t have a home phone service if you try to plug one in.
Also, if you’re interested in add-ons or rewards, you may wish to consider a more robust plan.
Mobile broadband plans connect you to the internet using cellular data technology (e.g., 4G or 5G). They work in the same way as you going online with mobile data, as opposed to using fixed lines or cables.
Mobile broadband comes in various forms, such as:
Omitting a TV from your home internet package also counts as a broadband only deal.
This type of offer usually appeals to customers who don’t own a TV or prefer streaming on other devices.
As the rollout of full fibre broadband gains popularity, customers are turning to providers that can give them the best deals for their broadband needs.
If you’re after broadband only deals, some of the providers currently offering them include:
With the exception of Virgin Media, most other internet service providers (ISPs) will still require you to pay line rental for their broadband services. They may even offer you a home phone as part of your contract, although you don’t have to use this.
As far as mobile broadband is concerned, these providers are offering broadband only packages:
To make sure you find the right internet only deals for your needs, consider the following:
With a broadband only deal, you should only be paying for your internet use.
If free calls, TV subscriptions or a home phone interest you, then you’re better off choosing a more inclusive plan.
Internet only deals should be easier to manage than big plans with lots of extras included.
If your broadband only deal doesn’t offer you the simplicity and flexibility you’re after, consider switching to a different provider that’s right for you.
Mobile broadband only plans in particular aren’t often tied to just one location, which is one of their biggest benefits.
You can take your ‘router’ with you wherever you go, whether it’s on your daily commute or while travelling across the country.
Either way, make sure your mobile broadband only deal gives you enough freedom to get online wherever you are.
Internet only deals may be the most cost-effective way for you to manage your household internet.
However, once you’ve compared them against other packages that are available, you may find better-value alternatives.
Keep an eye out for:
If you commit to a longer broadband contract or pay the cost of your line rental upfront, your provider may offer you a discount.
It’s always worth asking them directly if this is possible, even if it’s not specified on their website or within their terms and conditions.
Typically, the faster your internet speed, the more you’ll have to pay.
If, however, you’re not overly concerned about speed and can make do with anything below 100Mbps, consider a slower package to help keep your costs down.
Use our broadband speed checker to see how well your current home internet connection is performing and if you could get a better deal elsewhere.
A provider may include a voucher when you sign up, as well as other special offers throughout your contract.
This could make a big difference to your monthly bills, and may even be better value than opting for a straightforward internet only deal.
Even though it’s not possible to get standard broadband without a landline or phone line rental, providers like Virgin Media have cut the need for both, so you won’t have to pay any extra.
Unfortunately, most ISPs still require you to pay line rental in some capacity, but they often throw in a landline phone as an extra.
Living in a large town or city means you’re more likely to find broadband only deals without line rental, on account of the appropriate infrastructure already being in place.
However, those living in more remote areas should compare rural broadband offers to see if there are any broadband only packages available near where you live.
If you just want to get online and nothing else, broadband only deals make the most sense on paper.
However, broadband bundles may offer you better overall value for money.
By adding extra products to your home internet package, it could work out less expensive than if you take out separate contracts with different providers.
Also, there’s the element of convenience to consider, as bundling your home communications and entertainment services together means you only need to worry about one centralised bill coming in each month.
Whether you think broadband only packages are your best option or you’re curious about what other deals are available, use our use our postcode checker to check your coverage and discover great offers near where you live.