Cheapest broadband without switching phone line?

angeltreats

I need to set up a broadband connection for my elderly parents - it will only ever be used for Skype and nothing else so doesn't need to be super fast or even unlimited.

They are very set in their ways and refuse to switch their phone line anywhere else from BT - unfortunately this is not something I'm going to be able to convince them on (I've tried). So what I need is a broadband only deal that won't cost the earth. They're not in an area where fibre optic is available.

Any recommendations?

jbuchanangb

I think it is virtually impossible now to buy an ADSL broadband service from an ISP without also using that service providers line rental. That was the case in the case of dial-up internet and back in 2002 when I first went on ADSL the local loop unbundling hadn't happened so you had to continue to take the line from BT.
So I think the elderly parents will have to stay with BT - currently offering their basic braodband package for £5 per month for first 6 months, then £10 pm
http://www.productsandservices.bt.com/products/broadband/packages

reece251

Yes this is true...

You can only get adsl if you take a phone line aswell.

Currently only virgin media do a broadband only deal but you need to be in a virgin media area which isint likely in this case as your parents are not in a fibre area.

Please refer to the post above for the best deal for broadband with BT

macman

There are still BT resellers offering broadband only, Plusnet being the most obvious one. The budget 10GB package is no longer available, but they do an umlimited service at £12.49 per month.
But, since PN is anyway owned by BT, why not persuade them to switch their line rental and calls to PN as well? Much cheaper.

angeltreats

macman wrote: »

But, since PN is anyway owned by BT, why not persuade them to switch their line rental and calls to PN as well? Much cheaper.

Because it's taken me ten years (literally) to persuade them to consider having an internet connection at all.

Thanks for the responses.

macman

If they are on an obsolete BT legacy package, then it's quite possible that they're paying more for line rental and calls then they would pay for a triple bundle.
Your other option is a mobile data SIM tariff, if the usage is not going to be for anything other than Skype.

onomatopoeia99

jbuchanangb wrote: »

I think it is virtually impossible now to buy an ADSL broadband service from an ISP without also using that service providers line rental.

This is completely inaccurate.

I have a BT line. Andrews and Arnold is my ISP. They are far from the only ISP offering internet connections that do not require also taking a phone service. We use Eclipse at work on a BT line on the same basis.

onomatopoeia99

macman wrote: »

There are still BT resellers offering broadband only, Plusnet being the most obvious one.

Just so you know, ISPs offering an ADSL (or FTTC) connection over a BT line without requiring you to also take a phone package are not "BT resellers".

(although I'm curious as to what product from the BT group of companies you think they are reselling)

Pincher

I have an 85 year old who won't even learn to use a mobile phone.
I give her a phone when we go places, and she says it makes a loud sound from time to time: because I am calling to find out where she IS!

Plan A
=====

I just use Skype Out to call her BT line when I'm abroad. She can call my mobile from the BT phone, which just takes a few seconds, so it doesn't cost much, and I call her back on Skype Out. If you are really cheap, don't even answer the mobile when they call, because the caller ID tells you they are calling you: just call them back on Skype.

Plan B
====

If they are poor enough, they can qualify for BT Basic on the existing line. Put in a second phone line on a Plusnet cheap deal, and tell them it's just for broadband. If you don't plug a phone in, you are not lying. Switch with a MAC code when the deal is up, or haggle for another cheap deal with Plusnet.

macman

onomatopoeia99 wrote: »

Just so you know, ISPs offering an ADSL (or FTTC) connection over a BT line without requiring you to also take a phone package are not "BT resellers".

(although I'm curious as to what product from the BT group of companies you think they are reselling)

Yes they are-they are reselling the BT Wholesale product. Which is what, for example, Plusnet do (and A& A). If they don't have LLU access, where do you think the broadband comes from, if not BT Wholesale?

JJ_Egan

alexanderwhite wrote: »

BT broadband is one of the good internet service. I am also using this . it gives a good speed.

I am sure you are as its very useful for tinned luncheon meat.