Broadband and TV Deals

What is a broadband and TV deal?

Some internet providers allow you to take out a broadband connection and some kind of TV package, all in one subscription. Seeing as you need a strong broadband connection to watch digital TV services, it makes sense to bundle them together. 

What is included in the TV offering will vary significantly from one provider to the next, from Freeview channels to Sky and other paid-for channels, to streaming service subscriptions.

The same goes for broadband speeds and connection types; depending on the internet service provider (ISP), you’ll be able to choose between ADSL, part- and full-fibre connections.

Which providers offer the best broadband and TV packages?

Sky

Sky is very well known for its TV offering, including its own channels. Customers can choose between Essential TV, which comes with Sky Stream, Sky Atlantic, discovery+ and Netflix and Ultimate TV, which also includes Sky Ultimate. Sky Sports and Sky Cinema are available as add-ons. 

EE

EE TV packages are among the most extensive on the market, and they are also accessible to customers of its parent company BT. You can choose between Entertainment packages (which include the likes of Netflix, discovery+ and NOW TV), Sports packages including TNT Sports and Sky Sports or the Full Works, which includes all of the above.

Virgin Media

Virgin TV also has a good range of channels and streaming services on offer. Broadband customers can choose between its Bigger Combo Bundle, which comes with 200 channels, the Biggest Combo Bundle with Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and Netflix, and the Mega Volt Bundle which includes all of the above. 

NOW

As it is part of Sky, NOW TV offers all of the same channels but through a streaming service, which means you can access them without paying for upfront installation fees.

Vodafone

Vodafone doesn't offer TV channels per se, but its Xtra packages do come with an Apple TV 4K and three months of Apple TV+ included as standard.

What can I include in my TV package?

TV packages come in many shapes, sizes and prices. Many broadband providers offer a range of TV services and let you pick and choose which to add to your subscription. I

n order to help you choose the right package, here's a rundown of all the types of content you could add to your broadband, depending on the provider you opt for. 

Freeview channels

Many providers come with a TV app, which is a place where you can watch Freeview channels such as BBC channels, Channel 4 and ITV alongside other paid services. This means you can access all your subscriptions in one place. 

Entertainment

Some providers such as NOW or Sky have what they call "entertainment" packages, which tend to include film and comedy channels such as Sky One, Sky Atlantic, Comedy Central or MTV. 

Sports

As most sports fans already know, following your favourite team doesn’t come cheap. Most sporting event are either broadcast on Sky Sports, TNT Sports (previously known as BT Sport), or Amazon Prime.

EE and BT Broadband customers can choose between EE TV's Sport and Big Sport packages, the latter of which offers access to both TNT Sports and Sky Sports. Virgin Media is another provider that lets customers add on both TNT and Sky Sports. 

For more info, check out our page on the best TV sports packages.

Movies

Plenty of internet companies offer a movie package which tends to consist of the 11 Sky Cinema channels which are based on certain genres, including Sky Cinema Action, Sky Cinema Family, and Sky Cinema Comedy.

As the channels offered by each providers’ movie package are essentially the same, it would make sense to look at the total price of each service as the deciding factor. Some providers such as Sky include over 1,000 movies to watch on demand as part of the package, so look out for these extras too.

For more details, take a look at our page on the best TV packages with movies.

Kids

If you have young children at home and are looking for ways to keep them entertained, you can’t go wrong with adding a kids TV package to your broadband service.

Luckily, these are among the cheapest add-ons available, setting you back around £5 a month on top of your bill.

Kids TV packages will typically have a handful of dedicated kids channels, including Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, which is a nice alternative to CBBC and CBeebies that are currently available on Freeview.

Streaming services

If you’re not too fussed about live TV but still like to binge TV shows and watch the occasional movie, you could save a lot of money by skipping TV bundle packages altogether and settling with a streaming service or two, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime video.

It’s becoming increasingly common for broadband providers to include a streaming service subscription in their TV bundle deals. Some providers will reel you in with promise of access to on-demand TV apps such as Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, so look out for these packages too.

All you need to stream content is a strong internet connection and a device to watch on, whether that’s a smart TV, laptop, tablet, or even just a smartphone.

Just have a normal TV that doesn't provide you access to all these services? Worry not, as it's very simple to turn your normal TV into a Smart TV with a set-top box; read our guide on how to turn a TV into a Smart TV for more information.

Why take out a broadband and TV deal?

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to combine your broadband and TV services, but these are some of the benefits:

• Fewer bills. Taking out one contract for two services means one less individual bill to pay, which is one less thing to remember every month.

• Potential savings. Most of the time, you will save money by taking out a broadband and TV deal compared to taking both services out individually. Sometimes the price isn't lower, but the perk might be that it's an easier way to access certain TV channels (think Sky Sports, for example). 

• Broadband adapted to what you want to watch. Many broadband and TV bundles come with high internet speeds to ensure you'll always have the bandwidth to stream the content you're paying for. 

What to consider when choosing a broadband and TV package?

Price

Of course, when considering a new service, you'll want to take the price into account and make sure it's not over your budget. Most of the time, taking out a broadband and TV package will save you money compared to the price of taking out both separately. The price of your deal will depend on the contract length and what is included. 

Broadband speed

To make sure you can enjoy all the content you're paying for, you'll want to make sure you have a good enough broadband connection. Some providers offer ready-made bundle with suitable broadband speeds, such as Virgin's Bigger or Biggest Combo Bundles which include 350Mbps broadband. 

TV channels and services

Naturally, the package you end up paying for should include all the channels you want to watch. Make sure to double check what is or isn't included in any broadband and TV deal before you press checkout. 

Streaming quality

Some providers offer the option to upgrade so you can watch content in High Definition (HD), if your TV allows it. 

Contract length

Contract length also matters when it comes to choosing a broadband and TV deal. If you move frequently, you might want to try to find a one-year deal, which will come out more expensive but give you more flexibility. Sky is a very flexible TV provider, offering monthly and even daily passes to some of its TV channels. 

How to find the best broadband and TV package in your area

Finding the right broadband and TV deal among the dozens of bundles available can seem daunting, but with usave, it's easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Pop your postcode into our free postcode checker to see what's available at your address. 
2. Compare the deals available, using the filters to toggle between broadband speeds and contract lengths.
3. Once you find a package you like, click on "View deal" and follow the checkout instructions on the provider's website. 

If you already have broadband, you may have to notify your current provider that you are leaving. If both your new and old providers are on the Openreach network, your new provider will do this on your behalf. 

Frequently Asked Questions about broadband and TV deals