Cheap broadband deals

Cheapest broadband deal in the UK August 2022

Shell Energy's Fast Broadband package isn't the fastest deal around but it is the cheapest deal available from a mainstream provider. The deal works out at £17.99 per month for standard broadband speeds. You'll pay nothing today and only for the calls you make.

Shell Energy Fast Broadband

Standard broadband package with pay as you go calls – very basic and very cheap.

Package	Shell Energy Fast Broadband
Price	£17.99 per month
Download speed	11Mbps
Upload speed	1Mbps
Upfront cost	£0 setup
Total contract cost	£323.82 (over 18 months)
Home phone	Pay as you go calls
Contract length	18 months

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Tips on how to get the cheapest broadband deal

There are various factors to think about when shopping around for cheap broadband and WiFi. The main things to consider when deciding between broadband deals are:

• Cost – A cheap deal may offer a low monthly fee, but it’s important to know if there will be extra or hidden costs. You’ll need to check if the monthly price you’re offered is fixed for the entire term of your contract or if it’s just an introductory offer that will increase after the initial period. Comparing several deals and looking at all costs (up-front and for the duration of the contract) will help you to get good value for your money.
• Freebies – the best broadband deals may offer tempting rewards like vouchers, cashback or reduced equipment or installation charges, but be sure to consider the deal and all associated costs on its own to ensure you’re getting a good price.
• Speed – Your connection speed is one of the most important factors, particularly if you livestream a lot of content or play games online. Faster download speeds tend to cost more per month. You can check your current speed to get an idea of the speeds you require. It’s important to note that advertised speeds and guaranteed speeds vary, so be sure to check both in the provider’s terms.
• Availability – Some providers and connection types are not yet available across the UK, so be sure to check your postcode to find out which services are available in your area. Most providers will ask for your postcode before showing you which deals are available in your area.
• Equipment – You might need new equipment if you’re upgrading your service or switching providers. Many providers offer free equipment and delivery, but this isn’t always the case. Check the costs for equipment and installation in addition to the monthly fees.
• Customer service – The cheapest broadband providers may not offer the best customer service. If service is important to you, make sure you read our broadband reviews before choosing your provider.

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Cheap broadband providers

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The cheapest broadband deals in August 2022

Here are our most popular broadband providers and packages this month for you to have a closer look.

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Save money with bundles and packages

Bundling your broadband, TV, and/or phone services usually means you’ll save money. This is because providers usually offer discounts to customers who want to sign up to multiple products. Bundles are often cheaper than individual contracts, and you can have your bills and customer service with the same provider, giving you one point of contact.

Special offers and rewards

Many internet providers offer freebies and special offers alongside their broadband tariffs, such as introductory pricing discounts, cashback rewards, gift cards, vouchers or reward cards. While the rewards can be enticing, it’s important to consider the deal apart from the rewards, as the rewards will not impact the speed or quality of the service you’ll get.

Broadband with free gifts

Low starting price

Some internet providers offer attractive introductory pricing for the initial period of your contract, which is a great way to save money, but you might find a big price increase or extra charges after the introductory period of your contract. Be sure to read the contract terms carefully to make sure you really are looking at the cheapest deals, not just a great deal for a few months before you get hit with an unexpected monthly price increase.

Cashback

Cashback rewards are incentives that refund you part of your initial payment, after a fixed period of time has passed (usually between 30-90 days) from when you first signed up for your contract; the details will be included in your contract terms). The claims process for rewards differs from provider to provider, but most of the time you will need to submit a claim using an online form. Your cashback reward will likely be paid directly into a bank account, or sent via cheque, made out to the person who is being billed for the service being provided.

Shopping vouchers

Shopping vouchers or gift card rewards are similar to cashback offers, but they are specific to certain retailers. Internet providers will often reward new customers with vouchers for popular high-street or online retailers to entice them to sign up. Similar to cashback rewards, claims processes vary and you’ll likely be required to submit an online form to get your reward.

See more: How to claim vouchers and rewards

Free installation

Some broadband providers have initial setup fees, and/or phone line installation charges, but these charges are often waived or reduced for new customers. Be sure to check these fees up-front to avoid any unexpected costs.

Broadband with no upfront fees

Free equipment or delivery

If your new deal requires equipment, for example, a new router, some cheap broadband offers will give it to you for free when you sign up. Many providers will offer free or reduced delivery charges for any required equipment, so be sure to check your terms up front so you know what you’re being charged for. At the end of your contract with a provider, you will likely need to return any equipment or recycle it, and the process will vary depending on your service provider.

Contract terms

Standard contract terms – A standard broadband contract is a two-way agreement, covering both your obligations as a customer, and your service provider in terms of the services you’ll receive. Broadband contracts usually run for 12, 18 or even 24 months and, in theory, the longer you can commit, the cheaper the price – although each provider tends to have their preferred contract length and won't vary from that.

Introductory pricing – Unless explicitly stated, your broadband provider can change any part of your broadband provision at any time, including the monthly cost. If this happens, however, the 30-day cooling off period you’re entitled to will be refreshed, allowing you to switch away to a new provider without incurring a penalty.

Fixed-price contracts – Several broadband providers offer fixed-price contracts, which means you won’t be subject to a price increase during the minimum term of your contract period. Many of the larger broadband providers don’t offer fixed-price contracts, and you should check the contract terms for mid-contract price increases to avoid any unexpected charges.

Fixed-price broadband

When a fixed-term contract ends, a provider is likely to steeply raise or ‘hike’ the monthly price of your service, unless the consumer switches to a new deal. That’s why when you know your contract is nearing completion, it’s worth shopping around between providers to secure a better deal. Thanks to Ofcom regulations, broadband providers must inform you when your contract is due to finish so you can decide what you want to do before it happens.

Hidden and upfront costs

Some deals offer fixed, cheap monthly rates, but also include extra costs like installation, delivery or activation fees – sometimes payable upfront. You may also have to purchase equipment, such as a router, although that's unlikely. We always show the extra costs that we're aware of, but be sure to read the fine print on the provider's website or in the contract terms if in doubt.

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