Looking for the best broadband only deals? Want an internet connection without a phone line? Want to get value by only paying for what you use?

You’re not alone. The vast majority of consumers rarely use a landline any more and not everyone wants to get their broadband, mobile or TV from the same provider.

If that sounds familiar, this page is for you.

This broadband only deals buyer’s guide is for everyone who just wants the best value internet connection possible!

Why pay for services you don’t use? Why pay for a landline when the phone never rings or when you use your mobile, Zoom or WhatsApp?

When everyone is working hard to minimise bills, only paying for services you use can result in significant savings.

Here’s what you need to know.

Broadband only deals are exactly what they say on the tin. You only pay for internet connectivity and not for a landline, mobile or TV service.

The advantage of a broadband only deal is that you’re only paying for the service you use. In return for a (hopefully) lower monthly fee, you can either get online much cheaper or access faster speeds.

Either way, you’re extracting maximum value out of your monthly bill.

You may still need a landline to access broadband, but you won’t be paying for a traditional phone service. That’s the case for any broadband service that uses the BT network such as BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Shell Energy and others.

Virgin Media, Gigaclear, Hyperoptic and other providers won’t use phone lines as they provide a full fibre connection to your door.

There are a number of broadband only package types available. Each works in much the same way but is slightly different.

Broadband only – You’re only paying for internet connectivity and not a phone service. You may still need a landline to access broadband, depending on provider though.

Broadband with phone deals – A broadband deal with just a phone line. You’ll pay line rental but the contract will not come packaged with inclusive calls.

Broadband without a phone line – True broadband only, with no landline phone line (but unless it’s wireless it will still use some kind of line). Only a few providers offer this type of broadband so you’ll need to shop around.

Wireless broadband – Broadband where no fixed line is required. This type of broadband includes 5G, Wi-Fi, and satellite internet.

Currently, the providers listed below offer some kind of broadband only package.

They may be broadband only, meaning you’ll have a landline to deliver internet but it won’t come with phone calls, or broadband without a phone line, where you only get broadband without any phone service.

BT – Despite being the only company that provided landlines, BT offers broadband only deals. You’ll need a physical landline but won’t be paying for phone services as part of the contract.

EE – The EE broadband only deal uses a landline to deliver services but doesn’t include phone in the price. They are available as an optional extra though.

Everyday Communications - Everyday Communications uses the BT network so you’ll need a landline to access broadband.

iTalk – iTalk also uses the BT network so you’ll need a landline to access broadband but won’t be charged for phone services unless you want it.

NOW – NOW use the BT network to deliver broadband so you’ll need a physical landline but won’t be paying for phone services.

Plusnet – Plusnet also use the BT network to deliver services but also won’t charge for a phone service unless you add it to your contract.

Shell Energy Broadband – You’ll need a phone line to access broadband but you’re just paying for broadband and nothing else. Phone services are available as an option.

TalkTalk – Utilises a mixture of the BT network and their own network so may or may not require a landline depending on where you live.

Vodafone – Vodafone offers a mixture of 5G, full fibre and landline-based broadband.

Virgin Media – Virgin Media has its own cable network separate from BT. Phone landlines are not required, but you will need a Virgin cable link.

We’ll share the basics of the most common types of internet connection here so you have a better idea of what you’re looking for.

ADSL – Older technology that uses the BT Openreach network and needs an active phone line.

FTTC – Fibre To The Cabinet (FTTC) uses fibre to the street cabinet and then a phone line to your home.

FTTP – Fibre To The Premises (FTTP) is ‘full fibre’ all the way to your property. It doesn’t need a phone line.

Cable broadband - Virgin Media is the only cable broadband in the UK. No phone service needed for broadband but it is an option.

Mobile broadband – 4G/5G broadband provided by your mobile network. No landline or any other kind of cable is required.

You could simply find the cheapest broadband only deal available at your address and go with that.

However, we recommend checking some of the following to make sure you get the best deal.

Broadband speed

Speed is usually the first thing we look for when comparing broadband packages.

Broadband speed is measured in megabits per second, (Mbps). The headline number is download speed but you should also consider upload speed.

• If you mainly download files, stream movies or music, download speed is your priority.
• If you upload files to the internet or for work, you’ll want to consider upload speed too.

The higher the number, the faster the speed.

Here are a few use cases to help you consider what average speeds to consider:

• An individual or couple that doesn’t use the internet much – ADSL with average speeds would suffice.
• Larger family that streams media or works from home – Superfast fibre broadband or full fibre broadband of 76Mpbs_ would be ideal
• Large family of heavy internet users or if you want to stream 4K – Ultrafast broadband (FTTP) with speeds 150Mpbs+ would be suitable

Monthly cost

The monthly contract cost is the second thing we tend to look at when comparing broadband deals.

You typically have two options when looking for a new deal. You can look for faster speeds for the same or less monthly price or get the same speed for a lower monthly price.

There’s no right or wrong answer here, just what’s right for you.

If you max out your current broadband speed, perhaps it might be worth upgrading.

If you don’t use the internet as much as you thought you might, perhaps it might be worth sticking with your current speed but pay less for it.

Overall cost

The overall cost of a broadband deal includes any upfront cost like setup fees and any extra costs you may incur.

A basic calculation of overall cost of broadband is the monthly cost multiplied by the number of months in the contract length.

If your provider charges an upfront cost like a setup fee, it will usually be payable at the beginning. Any extra costs such as extra services or exceeding a data cap will be added to the next month’s bill.

We recommend calculating overall cost of broadband as well as monthly costs as they can be very different!

Usage limits

Always go with unlimited broadband, it’s the best value and most providers don’t offer anything else now, anyway!

But it’s important to know that with broadband, ‘unlimited’ doesn’t always mean without limit.

Some broadband providers have a fair use policy. Even if they advertise ‘unlimited data’, there will be a clause somewhere in the contract that outlines what the provider deems a fair use of broadband.

If you or your family are heavy internet users, we recommend checking data usage limits carefully.

Some unlimited broadband really does offer truly unlimited data though, so it’s worth checking before you sign the contract.

Contract length

There are typically three contract lengths, 12-month contracts, 18-month contracts, and 24-month contract.

There are also rolling 30-day contracts, but they aren’t very common and are more useful for people who may need to cancel before a 12-month deal is up.

Whatever you choose, you’re tired to the deal for that period of time. You can leave early, but unless there’s a good reason, your provider may apply an early termination fee. This is often the balance of what you would have paid for the entire contract length.

If your broadband speed isn’t as advertised or the service you receive is not what was promised, you may be able to leave early.

Customer service

You may never need to contact broadband customer service but it’s reassuring to know it’s there when you need it.

As you can imagine, not all providers are created alike. Fortunately, Ofcom measures the quality of customer service for most providers.

If you think you may need a little extra help setting up your broadband, choose wisely!

Perks and rewards

Many broadband providers offer perks and rewards for new customers who sign up. As competition is so fierce, many providers resort to offering vouchers or special offers to entice you.

Be careful though. Not all free gifts, vouchers or special offers are actually free. They may be priced into the monthly cost of the contract.

That’s one reason why we recommend checking the monthly cost and the total cost of every contract you consider.

Only you can answer that question but we’ll provide a little guidance here.

If you already have a mobile contract and don’t want TV or a landline, a broadband deal may be exactly what you need.

Pros of a broadband only deal:

• Can be cheaper than bundles or broadband and phone
• You only pay for the service you use
• Doesn’t include an unnecessary phone service

Cons of a broadband only deal:

• No backup should your mobile not be available
• Not all providers offer this type of deal.

Broadband bundles include broadband, phone and perhaps mobile and TV too. These are often referred to as ‘threeplay’ (broadband, phone and landline), or ‘fourplay’ (broadband, TV, phone and landline).

Pros of broadband bundles:

• Can work out cheaper than buying separately
• One bill for multiple services
• Easy to manage account and administration

Cons of broadband bundles:

• Only a value option if you use all bundled services

Here are a few common questions on the subject of broadband only deals.

Do I have to have a phone line?

No, you don’t have to have a phone line depending on your choice of provider and the type of broadband available in your area. However, it will be mandatory with some providers as that’s how they deliver broadband. You may not have to pay line rental or phone services though.

What is the cheapest broadband only deal?

The cheapest broadband only deal changes all the time so we recommend checking the latest deals using a postcode checker. Typically, providers such as EE, Sky, TalkTalk and NOW Broadband are very competitive.

How do I switch broadband providers?

Switching broadband providers is very easy. Check the end date on your current contract, compare broadband only deals in your area, sign up for the best deal for your circumstances, set the installation date for after your current deal ends and the provider will take care of the rest.

How long does it take for broadband to be installed?

How long it takes for broadband to be installed depends on the situation. If the property has had broadband before, it can take as little as 14-28 days to organise. There may be no need for a physical installation at all, you may just be sent a router in the post.

Why is my internet slow?

Your internet could be slow for a number of reasons. They include, lots of people in your home downloading at once, a busy time of day causing contention (network busy), an outage somewhere on the provider network, a router fault or something else entirely.

How can I save money on my broadband?

You can save money on your broadband by assessing your needs, comparing deals and buying the right broadband package for you. You could lower your bills, get more for less or get even more for the same money. It’s entirely up to you!