What is broadband with anytime calls?
Broadband with anytime calls combines a home internet connection with a telephone package that includes eligible calls throughout the day.
Unlike evening and weekend calling bundles, anytime allowances aren’t restricted to particular periods of the week.
This can make them useful for households that regularly use a home phone during the daytime, including people who work from home or prefer calling family and friends from a landline.
However, the word anytime doesn’t mean that every telephone number is included or that every call can continue indefinitely without additional charges.
The exact calling allowance depends on the provider.
What calls are included in an anytime package?
Many anytime packages include calls to standard UK landline numbers. Some also include calls to UK mobile networks.
However, providers have different definitions of eligible calls.
Before choosing a bundle, check which numbers are covered.
UK landline calls
Most anytime calling packages include calls to standard UK geographical landline numbers beginning with 01 or 02.
Some may also include calls to 03 numbers, although the treatment of these calls should be checked against the provider’s tariff.
UK mobile calls
Some broadband and phone bundles include standard UK mobile numbers within the anytime allowance.
Others charge separately for mobile calls or only include them with a more expensive calling package.
If you regularly call mobile phones, this distinction can make a considerable difference to your bill.
International and premium-rate calls
International numbers, premium-rate services and certain other numbers are usually excluded from standard anytime allowances.
These calls may carry separate charges even when your package is described as unlimited.
Check the provider’s call tariff if you regularly contact numbers outside the ordinary UK landline and mobile categories.
Are anytime calls really unlimited?
Not necessarily.
Many providers advertise unlimited or inclusive calling allowances but apply fair-use conditions.
For example, a provider may limit the length of an individual call before additional charges apply.
Some also impose reasonable-use restrictions or exclusions for particular types of calling.
If you make lengthy telephone calls, check whether you need to hang up and redial after a specified period.
Always read the calling-plan conditions rather than relying solely on the word unlimited.
Is broadband with anytime calls worth it?
An anytime calling bundle can offer good value if you regularly make outgoing calls from your home phone.
However, if you mainly use your mobile or only receive incoming calls, paying extra for an anytime package may be unnecessary.
Consider how often you actually use the landline and what your calls would cost without an inclusive allowance.
A cheaper broadband package with pay-as-you-go calls might work out better if you rarely make outgoing calls.
Alternatively, if your household makes numerous daytime calls, the monthly allowance may save money compared with paying for each call separately.
Anytime calls versus evening and weekend calls
The main difference is when inclusive calls can be made.
An anytime package covers eligible calls during the daytime as well as evenings and weekends.
An evening and weekend package only includes calls during the provider’s specified off-peak periods.
If most of your calls happen after work or at weekends, an evening and weekend allowance may be sufficient.
However, if you frequently make weekday daytime calls, an anytime package could provide better value.
Compare the additional monthly charge for anytime calls against your expected usage.
Do you need a traditional landline for anytime calls?
Not necessarily.
The UK’s traditional analogue telephone network is being replaced by digital calling services.
Modern home phone services increasingly use the broadband connection to carry calls.
These may be marketed as Digital Voice, Internet Calls or other provider-specific names.
You can often continue using a familiar home telephone, although the equipment and connection arrangements may change.
If you want an anytime calling package, check whether it includes a digital phone service and whether a telephone number is supplied.
Will your phone work during a power cut?
Digital telephone services generally require electricity to operate.
If the power fails, your home phone may stop working unless suitable backup equipment is available.
This is particularly important if you rely on the telephone for emergency calls or use a telecare alarm.
Tell your provider if you cannot reliably use a mobile phone for emergency calls or have additional support needs.
Your provider must consider the arrangements needed to protect your access to emergency services.
Can you keep your existing home phone number?
In many cases, you can keep your telephone number when switching broadband and phone providers.
However, you should arrange the transfer through your new provider.
Don’t cancel your existing telephone service independently before confirming what will happen to the number.
If you’re switching from an older analogue line to digital calling, ask whether your existing telephone equipment is compatible.
How much broadband speed do you need?
Making a digital telephone call uses relatively little bandwidth compared with video streaming or large downloads.
You don’t need a particularly fast broadband package simply to use anytime calls.
Choose your broadband speed according to your household’s other internet activities.
For example, a modest connection may be sufficient for browsing and occasional streaming, while a busy household may benefit from faster full-fibre broadband.
How to compare broadband with anytime calls
Start by checking the telephone allowance.
Make sure the numbers you regularly call are included, particularly UK mobiles.
Then compare the broadband speed, monthly charges, contract length and setup costs.
Check whether the calling allowance is included in the advertised package price or added as an optional service.
Also consider any scheduled price increases and what you’ll pay after the minimum contract period ends.
If you rarely use the home phone, explore our broadband-only deals as an alternative.
Compare broadband deals with anytime calls
Enter your postcode and select your address where available to check which participating providers may serve your property.
Compare broadband packages with anytime calling allowances, paying particular attention to the types of calls included and any restrictions.
The best deal offers suitable broadband and the calling allowance your household actually uses, without unnecessary additional charges.
Frequently asked questions
What are anytime calls?
Anytime calls are eligible home phone calls included in a calling allowance throughout the day, rather than only during evenings or weekends. The numbers covered depend on the provider.
Do anytime calls include mobiles?
Some packages include standard UK mobile calls, while others charge separately. Check the exact calling allowance before ordering.
Are anytime landline calls unlimited?
Many packages advertise unlimited calls, but fair-use restrictions and maximum individual-call durations may apply. Certain numbers are usually excluded.
Are 03 numbers included in anytime calls?
Calls to 03 numbers must cost no more than equivalent calls to 01 and 02 numbers and count towards inclusive allowances where those allowances cover the equivalent landline calls. Check your provider’s tariff for details.
Is anytime calling cheaper than pay-as-you-go?
It can be if you regularly make outgoing calls. If you rarely use the home phone, a pay-as-you-go or broadband-only package may cost less.
Can I get anytime calls with full-fibre broadband?
Yes. Some full-fibre providers offer optional digital phone services with anytime calling allowances, although availability varies.
Will anytime calls work during a power cut?
Digital phone services normally need electricity. Ask your provider about backup arrangements if you rely on your landline for emergencies.
