Best package deal? Can't commit to 18 month contract

megwump

Hi all,

I'm moving home and will be on a 6-month tenancy agreement. I have no idea if I'll continue to live on my own or in that property after that point, so am wary about committing to a 12 or 18 month contract.

I want, and would almost say need, to have broadband access at home (not in a cable broadband area, which cuts down on the options), but don't really need a landline for any other reason.

The packages out there for broadband and phone are very confusing and many seem to be 12-month min, or 3 months notice for shorter contracts.

I could look at a mobile broadband option, then I wouldn't need a landline, and hopefully I could get a good deal with 3, who are my mobile provider at the moment.

Can anyone recommend a good way to tackle this?

I should add, I was originally looking at triple packages - tv, phone, broadband, but I think it's going to be cheaper long term to get a Freeview box and have realised how little I'm in need of a landline phone.

macman

Without knowing if you will need to extend after 6 months it's not possible to do the sums. Mobile broadband on PAYG maybe?
The main factor is whether your new home already has a BT line installed. If it has, and you don't have to pay the full reconnection fee, then ADSL could still be the cheapest option. if it hasn't then you've got the line install cost as an upfront charge before you've started.
Zen Internet do a a one month rolling contract.

456789

Post Office Phone has no contract term (it is a rebranded BT line)

then an ADSL supplier with a rolling contract

other alternative is mobile broadband

dylanuk

Be broadband - once you've got the BT line - have 1 month contracts on all of their packages.

You do have to give them 3 months notice if you want to leave - or pay £40 if you only give 1 months notice.

jhp

The Phone Coop will give you a 3 month contract for line rental if they can restart an existing line http://www.thephone.coop/residential/linerental.html

Inactive

Most of the better smaller ISP's do not insist on long contracts, there are plenty that have 30 day contracts.