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Last updated: 21 May 2021
Until quite recently, we were all quite accustomed to seeing adverts from major internet providers like Sky, BT and TalkTalk, promising free broadband as part of a larger package. These companies were hiding extra costs like line rental and installation, which eventually drove up the overall cost.
Thanks to customer reports and investigations from regulatory bodies, this has since been dealt with. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) introduced regulations a few years ago that prevented providers from separating the cost of broadband and line rental. This more transparent advertising method means the price you see for a broadband package must cover all of the bundled services - what you see now is what you get.
Even though you can’t get free broadband anymore, there are several options for those wishing to save money on their internet.
There are lots of cheap broadband offers from providers such as Sky Broadband, Origin and Plusnet that offer phone and broadband at a discount for the first 12-18 months. Even when you include the line rental cost, they often work out as cheap as the free broadband packages of old.
To get the most comprehensive overview, you should check out our broadband deal comparison tool to find the best deal for you.
Now that providers can’t reel you in with false promises of free broadband, they are more inclined to offer essential set-up/installation services for free. This will only be the case if you already have an active phone line. They might also reel you in with the promise of shiny free extras.
When a deal promises no set-up fees, it means you don’t have to pay anything extra to sign up for the service. It’s guaranteed to not be a huge saving, but can be an attractive part of a larger deal.
Some companies will also offer free postage and installation of your Wi-Fi router.
Given the highly competitive market and the ASA making it more difficult for companies to lie, broadband providers are eager to draw people in with free gifts. Here’s a list of some of the most common extras you’ll find:
Yes. If you are on specific low income benefits in the UK, you may be eligible for BT Basic + Broadband. For £9.95 per month (this includes line rental), you can get broadband with an average speed of 10Mbps, and 15GB of monthly usage. This also includes free access to the nationwide BT Wi-Fi Hotspot network.
There are other budget options that provide unlimited broadband, which start at around £15 per month.
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