Frequently asked questions
-
Can I get broadband without a landline?▲
It’s possible, but most broadband comes through landlines in the final stretch from the street cabinet to your door. Most deals include line rental in the cost.
If you don’t have an existing line, some (but not all) providers will charge to install one.
The exceptions are Virgin Media and the new FTTP providers, where the fibre-optic cable comes all the way to your property. Some providers (including Plusnet) will allow you to get your landline from another provider and just charge for broadband, but it’s likely to be more expensive overall. So – most of us will need a landline – but of course you don’t have to use it for calls.
-
How long does it take to get broadband installed?▼
Typically 1-2 weeks. Your provider will send you a new router, let your old provider know, and get everything set up ready to go live as soon as possible. Normally setup is as simple as plugging the new router into your phone line, but if there are issues you may need a appointment with an engineer which can take a bit longer.
If you don’t have an existing landline, or you’re moving to Virgin Media or one of the new FTTP providers, they will need to run a new cable from the street to your property.
-
What if I don't want a long contract?▼
If you’re not sure how long you will need your broadband deal, most providers now offer monthly rolling contract options. However, it will definitely be more expensive, because you won’t benefit from introductory discounts and you’ll need to pay more to cover the costs of hardware and setup.
If you need a shorter contract because you’re planning to move house, bear in mind that providers will normally let you bring your contract with you, and if that’s not possible, some may let you out early. If not, it may still be cheaper to pay a few months more than you need.
There are special 9 month deals available for students, but they’re normally only advertised before the start of the academic year.
-
Will broadband give me free WiFi at home?▼
The short answer is yes.
Nowadays, almost all routers can emit a WiFi signal. So when your new router is plugged in and turned on at home, you will be able to get free WiFi that you can access on a laptop, smartphone or tablet.
Using your own WiFi is completely free, but if you don’t have unlimited data as part of your broadband deal, connecting to the WiFi will use up your data allowance.
