TV Phone & Broadband Deals

No ..... but we do compare the majority of major UK broadband providers, as well as some of the smaller ones. Our broadband results are not sponsored or driven by commission, unlike some other broadband comparison websites. Just apply filter options to tailor the results that you want to see. If you enter your postcode into the postcode checker, the results will only show you which providers are available in your area. Here are the broadband providers that we do compare (in no particular order): TalkTalk, Shell Energy, Virgin Media, Trooli, NOW Broadband, Three, Truespeed, Zen, Gigaclear, KCOM, Vodafone, Community Fibre, 4G Internet, Cuckoo, Plusnet, Hey Broadband, Sky, Onestream, EE Broadband, G.Network, iTalk, O2 Mobile Broadband, Fibrus, Wightfibre, POP Telecom, 4th Utility, Hyperoptic & BT.

The broadband market in the UK is incredibly competitive, and securing the best broadband deal requires a strategic approach. To maximise your savings, be prepared to switch your broadband provider when your contract ends.

Haggling and switching
When your contract is due for renewal, be prepared to haggle. Haggling with your broadband provider will likely get you similar prices to a new customer. Every internet provider has a team dedicated to keeping you on-board, but it can be time-consuming. Don't be disappointed if you don't receive incentive discounts like gift card offers. Those incentive deals are rarely given to existing customers. New customer incentives typically range from £70 to £200, which can play a big part in reducing the annual contract cost. So, consider switching to a new provider to get the best possible deal.

Choosing the right broadband plan
The cheapest broadband deal might not always be the best choice. If your needs are limited to basic web browsing and emails, you might find it more cost-effective to opt for a 4G/5G mobile connection. However, if you work from home or have a busy household with constant online activity, it's important to identify the fastest broadband provider within your budget. You can determine this by using our broadband availability checker. Simply enter your postcode and filter the results by price and speed.

Broadband social tariffs
Millions of households could save £200 a year by switching to a broadband social tariff. It seems to be 'The industry's best kept secret'.

If you're eligible for government benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income support, you may qualify for a discounted rate from your broadband provider. Surprisingly, out of the 4.3 million households on Universal Credit, less than 6% have switched to a 'social tariff'. Although the government has been advocating for ISP's to offer social tariffs, they are not obligated to, and those who do are often discreet about it. For more information on providers offering discounts, you can visit our 'broadband social tariffs page. Now that you're in on the secret make sure to share it with others!

Let’s make it clear: the landline isn’t going away; it’s being upgraded. This transition will introduce a new system known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which allows phone calls to be made over the internet. You may also hear this technology referred to as a 'Digital Landline' or 'Digital Voice'.

Ditching the Landline: What’s changing and when?
Digital phone lines will use the internet to carry all services, including phone calls, marking a significant shift from traditional analogue networks. Openreach has announced that it will switch off the existing analogue network by 31st January 2027—an extension from the previous deadline of December 2025. This additional time aims to ensure a smooth migration for all users. As of September 2023, Openreach has stopped selling analogue phone lines to new customers to facilitate this transition.

Will you need an engineer to access your home?
In most cases, upgrading to a digital phone line shouldn’t require anyone to enter your home. Typically, this process can be completed without an engineer visit, especially if you’re simply switching services. However, if you’re also upgrading your broadband or require assistance with your existing phone sockets, your service provider may need to send an engineer to your premises. They will inform you about what this might involve during the transition.

Do you still need a landline?
The necessity of a landline will largely depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

---

Benefits of Digital Voice: Key advantages you should know

Enhanced features: Digital voice services offer additional functionalities, such as voicemail-to-email, call blocking, and compatibility with various devices, enriching the communication experience.

Improved reliability: Users often report improved call quality and fewer dropped calls with digital voice services, which rely on broadband connections rather than traditional copper lines. If you currently use FTTC broadband (fibre to the cabinet), removing the phone line can help stabilise your broadband connection. You may also experience a slight increase in your broadband speed as the line becomes more stable.

Cost-effective bundling: Many broadband providers offer competitive packages that include digital voice services, which can be cheaper than maintaining a separate landline service.

---

Drawbacks of Digital Voice: Key disadvantages to consider

Dependence on broadband: If your internet connection experiences outages, you'll also lose the ability to make or receive calls, including those to emergency services. This may be a concern for those in areas with unreliable broadband. Or, in urban areas where mobile phone signal is patchy.

Power cuts: Unlike traditional landlines that can operate during power failures, digital voice services require power, making them less reliable in emergencies. If this is a concern, a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can be purchased, which will provide automatic temporary power during a power cut.

Transitioning services: Some consumers may find the shift to a new system daunting, especially if they rely heavily on landline services for daily communication.

Area code requirement for local calls: Under the new system, even local calls will require you to dial the area code, which may feel cumbersome for those accustomed to the old system. This means that calls to friends or family in your local area will involve an extra step, potentially leading to confusion or inconvenience. Additionally, if you use speed dial numbers, you may need to update them to include the local area codes.

Limited landline options: Not all broadband providers are continuing to offer a landline phone service. For example, Plusnet have removed this option for new customers and are now directing customers who still require a landline to BT, their parent company.

---

How do I get a digital phone line?
For most people, transitioning to a digital phone line will be seamless. If you already have a broadband connection, you’ll need to contact your broadband provider to migrate to ‘Digital Voice.’ Once completed, you can plug your phone directly into your broadband router, and in some cases, your provider may supply an adapter to facilitate this connection. If you have multiple handsets linked to different phone sockets, you may require additional adapters to ensure all your phones remain operational. You can compare phone and broadband prices by entering your postcode into our availability checker above.

Your new or existing ISP (Internet Service Provider) will guide you through the switching process. You can often complete the upgrade without the need for an engineer visit. After signing up for a digital voice service, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of VoIP technology, similar to how WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime Audio function.

As of December 2023, 12 internet service providers have voluntarily enrolled in Ofcom's compensation scheme, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction. The participating providers outlined below are obligated to provide compensation in specific situations, such as when an engineer misses an appointment or when there are delays in activating your broadband service or rectifying a loss of broadband service.

Issue	You're entitled to compensation if...	Compensation due
Delayed repair following loss of service	Your phone or broadband service ceases to function and is not adequately restored within two working days.	£9.33 for each day that the service remains unresolved
Missed appointments	An engineer fails to attend a scheduled appointment or cancels with less than 24 hours' notice.	£29.15 per missed appointment
Delayed start of a new service	Your service is not activated on the agreed-upon go-live date.	£5.83 for each day of delay, including the missed start date.

The following ISPs are part of the scheme:
1. BT
2. EE
3. Hyperoptic
4. NOW Broadband
5. Plusnet
6. Shell Energy
7. Sky
8. TalkTalk (Customers on the Openreach network only)
9. Utility Warehouse
10.Virgin Media
11.Vodafone (Restrictions apply for customers on the CityFibre network)
12.Zen Internet

This compensation scheme empowers consumers by providing clear guidelines on the circumstances under which they are eligible for compensation, ensuring a fair and transparent process for resolving service-related issues.

Compensation payments are subject to annual adjustments aligned with inflation. Starting from 1 April each year, the adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as of 31 October in the preceding year. This annual increase will be applicable to any new service-related issues arising from 1 April. The rates in the chart above are for (1st April 2023 - 31st March 2024).

In the event of a simultaneous loss of service for both your landline and broadband, a single compensation payment will be issued by your ISP.