Quick links:
- How to find the best broadband speed
- How to figure out the broadband speed you need
- What broadband can you add to a One Utility Bill package?
- How long is a broadband contract?
- How the cost of broadband is calculated
- How to set up broadband in your new home
- FAQs about broadband
Finding the best broadband deal depends on where you live, how you use the internet and how many people are in your household.
If you only use the internet for social media, you might not need the same speed and bandwidth as someone who streams lots of shows or plays games online. So, before you grab the first deal you find, it’s worth working out what you actually need and how that fits with your budget.
Start by checking which broadband providers cover your address. Use Ofcom's broadband checker to see the services available in your area. From there, you can compare speeds, prices and contract lengths to find an option that suits your household.
If you want broadband without the hassle, you can add it to a monthly bills package. One Utility Bill combines Sky, BT or Virgin Media broadband with energy, water and TV in one monthly payment, with the option of Unlimited Energy.
Keep reading to learn how to find the best broadband deal for your household, or get a quote for a monthly bills package and get your broadband sorted.
When comparing broadband deals, you'll usually see an advertised speed, along with information about download and upload speeds. You could also see a minimum guaranteed download speed.
Here's what these terms mean:
Generally, the more people using your broadband at the same time, particularly for things like streaming, gaming and video calls, the more bandwidth you'll need.
Advertised vs guaranteed broadband speed
The broadband speed you see advertised isn't always the exact speed you'll get at home.
The average speed advertised when you’re choosing broadband only has to be available to at least 50% of customers during peak times, between 8pm and 10pm.
Your minimum guaranteed download speed is different. Providers signed up to Ofcom's voluntary code of practice (which is most major suppliers) have to give you this figure before you sign up.
If your download speed falls below this minimum and your provider can't fix the problem, you could have the right to leave your contract without paying a penalty.
So, when you're comparing broadband deals, don't just look at the advertised speed. Check the minimum guaranteed speed too. This will give you a better idea of the minimum performance you can expect from your connection.
What if your speed falls short?
One slow speed test doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem. But if your broadband is regularly slower than the minimum guaranteed speed you were given when you signed up, contact your provider.
If your download speed stays below the guaranteed minimum for at least three consecutive days, your provider should try to fix the problem. And if they can't resolve it within 30 calendar days of you reporting it, you may be able to leave your contract without paying an early exit fee.
Check and keep a record of your minimum guaranteed download speed when you sign up. If your broadband starts feeling unusually slow, you can compare your actual speeds against it.
Unlimited vs capped broadband
Broadband deals can come with unlimited data or a monthly data cap. The right option depends on how much your household uses the internet.
- Unlimited broadband: You can use as much data as you need each month without worrying about reaching a set limit.
- Capped broadband: You have a set amount of data you can use each month. You may face extra charges or restrictions if you go over your allowance.
If you regularly stream TV and films, play games online, work from home or have several people using the internet, an unlimited broadband deal is likely worth the investment.
How does your household use the internet on a typical day? How many people are likely to be online at the same time, and what are they doing? This will help you work out what speed package you need.
Here are some examples of the speeds recommended for common online activities:
These figures are a useful guide, not a guarantee. If several people are streaming, gaming or making video calls at the same time, you'll need enough broadband speed to handle those activities together.
It's also worth leaving yourself some extra capacity rather than choosing a package that can only just meet your household's needs.
Remember: Data usage and broadband speed aren't the same thing. Data usage is usually measured in GB, while broadband speed is measured in Mbps or Gbps.
With a One Utility Bill package, you can combine your broadband with your other household bills in one monthly payment.
You can choose from a range of BT, Sky and Virgin Media broadband deals, depending on what's available at your address.
Your options can include:
- Full fibre broadband (FTTP) from Virgin Media
- SoGEA broadband from Sky
- The same Virgin Media broadband speeds available when you go directly to the provider
- Free router delivery with Virgin Media and Sky broadband packages
Broadband availability varies by address and can change over time. Get a quote to see which deals and speeds are available for your new home.
Broadband contracts often have minimum terms of 18 or 24 months, but 12-month broadband deals are available from some suppliers at a higher cost.
Always check the minimum term before you sign up; You often have to pay early termination charges if you leave your contract early.
The simplest way to work out the total cost is:
Monthly price × contract length + any upfront costs = total contract cost
When comparing deals, remember to check:
- Upfront costs: Look for installation, equipment and delivery charges.
- Price rises: Check whether your monthly price will increase during your contract and, if so, by how much.
- Out-of-contract price: Find out what you'll pay once your minimum contract ends.
- Early exit fees: Check what you could be charged if you need to leave your contract early.
Don't forget about router delivery. One Utility Bill offers free router delivery with Virgin Media and Sky broadband packages, helping you avoid another upfront cost.
If you're moving home, you'll want to get your broadband sorted early. If you need an engineer visit, you’ll probably have to wait a couple of weeks, so sign up as early as possible so you're not left without internet when you move in.
Our guide to setting up broadband when moving home takes you through the process in more detail.
When you're moving, broadband is just one of several household bills you'll need to organise. A bills package can make things simpler by letting you sort them all at once.
Set up your broadband with One Utility Bill
Add broadband to a One Utility Bill package, and you don't need to handle the setup.
Just:
- Choose the services you want to include in your bills package, including your broadband deal
- Create your account and enter your payment details
- Check your email inbox for router delivery details, and engineer appointment details (if you need one).
That's it. Your broadband and other household bills are sorted in one place, with one easy monthly payment to manage.
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