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Broadband No Upfront Cost
What is Broadband No Upfront Cost?
Broadband No Upfront Cost means you do not have to invest, make any upfront payment, or pay for setup fees which in some cases may include equipment installation or activation fees. Broadbands without upfront cost are used to attract prospective customers which in the long helps you save cost.
What Upfront Cost could I have to pay for?
When you opt for a broadband deal, there are upfront costs you may have to pay for at the beginning of your contract. These may include:
- Set-up or Activation Fees: This fee could be seen as an administration fee that providers charge for using their new broadband and getting you signed up as their customers. These two words are used interchangeably by providers therefore be sure to check before signing up with a new provider.
- Installation fee: This is mostly associated with the amount you have to pay before or during an engineer visit. In most cases, you have to make such a payment if you are acquiring new equipment with your broadband package. Like getting a brand new phone with your broadband or switching to a full-fibre package which is more than just plugging in your router.
- Delivery Fee: Some providers include delivery fees which cover the cost of delivering your router down to your property. However, this isn’t a common practice but be sure to check before signing up. Also, some providers will be required to return their equipment once you decide to switch providers.
- Additional Installation Fee: If you need a new line installed, especially if it’s full fibre, and your property is a little difficult to connect, extra fees may apply. This can include the cost of additional cabling or equipment.
What type of Broadband comes with Free Installation?
You can get the following broadband without an installation fee.
- ADSL Broadband
- Fibre-optic broadband which includes “super-fast” part-fibre broadband and “ultra-fast” full-fibre broadband.
- Virgin Media cable broadband
What Broadband Packages Can I get without Upfront Cost?
There are different types of broadband packages available. However, you may only access these services depending on the provider available to your location.
- Broadband Only: Various providers offer broadband only, it is an ideal service for users that only need internet access. While some providers offer year-round at no upfront cost, some others offer them occasionally.
- Broadband and Phone Deals: Some broadband and phone packages come with no upfront cost. A broadband and phone deal includes internet access and a phone line which is important for internet connection for households without fibre broadband access. Most broadband and phone deals include the cost of line rental as standard in their package.
- Broadband and TV: Broadband and TV deals are unlikely to have upfront costs compared to broadband-only and broadband and TV deals. Some providers offer broadband and TV deals especially when they include streaming service subscriptions which do not require equipment installation.
Which Provider offers Broadband with No Upfront Cost?
To find No upfront cost broadband deals, enter your postcode into our postcode checker and sort by Set-up cost. By doing so, you are shown broadband deals that do not require upfront costs. Also, keep in mind that some provider offers No upfront cost as a standard with all their packages while some offer it as a limited-time offer as a discount or special offer. However, be sure to check.
- Virgin Media: It is a provider known for its superfast broadband speed, which sometimes offers broadband at no upfront cost. Virgin No upfront is usually time-limited so it’s not advisable that advisable if you want it as a consequent package.
- Plusnet Broadband: As the most affordable broadband provider, Plusnet does not require you to pay an upfront cost except for situations where you are getting a new phone line, in which you are charged a fee of £50.
- TalkTalk Broadband: TalkTalk also offers broadband packages with no upfront cost. But can be inapplicable in cases where you are opting for broadband and TV packages.
- Vodafone Broadband: Vodafone offers No upfront to their broadband packages with no exception. This also includes even when you are installing a new phone line.
- Shell Energy: Shell Energy provides broadband with no extra costs as standard. Also, unless you purchased a reduced-price package, Shell Energy will not increase the price of your broadband at the end of your contract.
Providers that sometimes offer No upfront cost
- BT Broadband: As part of its reward, BT offers free or reduced set-up and delivery fees to attract new customers occasionally. But keep in mind that by including a new phone line installation, you can accrue more cost.
- Sky Broadband: Sky sometimes offers broadband packages with no setup or delivery fees which is uncommon. Therefore we recommend seizing the opportunity whenever it arises.
How to get internet without paying an upfront cost.
Setting up the internet with no upfront cost:
- Choose unlimited broadband to avoid data restrictions. Opting for unlimited broadband provides you with the freedom to use the internet without worrying about exceeding your limits.
- Aim for a minimum download speed of 35Mbps and a faster speed for a larger household. The minimum speed of 35Mbps ensures the right internet connection for a standard household while for a large household or homes with multiple users, you will need a faster speed.
- Consider a longer contract for a lower setup cost. Longer contracts offer the best value over time as they usually come with lower setup costs and monthly fees. But be mindful of short contracts as they may have a higher set-up cost.
- Check for existing phone lines to reduce installation costs. Having an existing phone line makes it a budget-friendly option to consider as it reduces the cost of installation.
- Prioritize monthly costs when choosing a contract. Rather than focusing on upfront cost, pay attention to the monthly fee as a lower monthly cost can be cost-saving in the long run with just a small amount of upfront cost.
- Look out for discount deals or rewards like vouchers. These rewards can offset costs and provide additional benefits than the initial setup.
Pros and Cons of Broadband No Upfront Cost
Broadband No upfront cost may seem like a good deal but in the long run, it might end up more expensive than what you intend.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can save cost on installation. Installation can be more expensive than you imagined especially if you need to install a new phone line. Opting for a no upfront could be the best option. | Miss out on discounts and gifts. Broadband with no upfront cost package hardly ever offers incentives. This means missing out on discounts, freebies cashbacks other package offers. |
| May not be cost-effective in the long run. Opting for the package with no upfront cost does not necessarily mean a cheaper deal. Some providers may offer a high set-up cost with a lower monthly cost and not to forget, set-up costs are just a one-time payment. Therefore opting for a no-upfront cost may not necessarily be beneficial. | |
| Miss out on faster speed. Some broadband packages that offer a faster speed are usually full-fibre and installing full-fibre means paying for installation during an engineer visit. |
Which Broadband Provider charges Set-Up Fees?
Broadband providers that charge installation or set-up fees may sometimes bundle it as a limited-time offer or discount offer for new customers. But be sure to always check when comparing deals.
- BT: As the UK’s largest internet service provider, BT is known to charge set-up fees on the majority of its broadband packages. The set-up fee charges range from £29.99 to £59.99. However, during special occasions, waive or reduce it upfront cost. But in most cases more likely to offer reward cards or bill credit instead of reduced sign-up fees.
- Sky Broadband: Sky’s unique selling point is its award-winning TV services. This means there’s always an installation fee attached to Sky packages. However, it’s possible to come across free set-up fees on more expensive packages like full-service TV and Broadband subscriptions.
- NOW Broadband: NOW broadband is known to always include a small upfront cost, which is often substituted as a promotion. NOW TV memberships are very different from NOW broadband packages. It operates more like Netflix, meaning you can sign up and cancel whenever you like without paying any sign-up fees.
Do I need to pay for the Wi-Fi setup?
Whether you need to pay for WiFi setup depends on the type of broadband plan you choose or the broadband provider you are opting for. Some broadband providers typically include Wifi set-up at no additional cost while some may charge a one-time fee for professional installation or if you require additional equipment like modem or router.
If you do not have an existing phone line and you are adding a phone line, expect an accrued charge for it. Also, if you require additional services beyond basic installation like network configuration and troubleshooting then expect to incur an additional charge. You Wifi setup may also include miscellaneous setup fees for phone lines regardless of your existing phone line.
How long Does Broadband Installation take?
A broadband installation period varies depending on different factors like the provider, the type of broadband connection, your provider scheduling availability and if you require any upgrades or equipment installation.
A typical broadband installation takes about 10 -14 days to book in advance. However, for broadband connection like Fibre optic broadband, installation usually takes 2-4 weeks from the time of placing the order. It takes a longer period because it includes tasks like laying fibre cables, configuring the network, and activating the connection service. If you intend to switch providers, it’s important to expect minimal downtime as your internet connection runs until your installation date. And your downtime may only last for a few hours.
Broadband No Upfront Cost
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Can I get broadband with free installation if i have bad credit?
It’s impossible to find free installation with bad credit. However, you may not have to pay an installation fee if you switch to a provider on the same broadband network.
For illustration, if you are switching from Plusnet to a part-fibre of TalkTalk then you may not need to pay for installation as the providers both operate under Openreach Network.
But remember, that you can get discounted broadband with no upfront costs if you’re currently receiving Universal Credit or another type of financial support from the government.
Is Broadband No Upfront Cost Cheaper?
This depends on how much the upfront cost is. If you notice a ‘no upfront cost’ promotion but the setup fee is £5-15, then make sure the monthly price and contract length are worth the small discount that comes with it.
However, if the upfront cost is higher, that means you can save on the total cost of your contract. So be sure to check if the total cost of the contract is significantly lower as a result.
Do I need to pay for WiFi setup?
You might have to, but this also depends on the package you are opting for. Some broadband providers may supply you with a wireless router, while some may charge a one-off fee for set-up and installation.
If you are also opting for a phone line as well, and don’t have a functioning landline, you will have to pay to have a new line installed. Some may charge miscellaneous setup fees for a phone line. However, even if you have a phone line installed, be sure to check with your provider before signing up.
But if you are switching to a full fibre deal, you will have to pay for an engineer to set up the fibre connection into your home.
Are deals with no upfront cost cheaper in the long-run?
They can be, but it also depends on the deal you are opting for. To find out, use our broadband checker to find two deals available to your premises: one with an upfront cost and one without. Then click ‘More Details’, and in the ‘Costs’ section look at ‘Total contract cost’. This will let you know which deal works out cheaper in the long run.
Do i need phone line for No-upfront Cost Broadband Deals?
No, you don’t need a landline to get a no-upfront cost broadband deal. Some companies offer landlines to their broadband customers, although this practice is becoming less prevalent. This shift is due to the discontinuation of UK landlines by the end of 2025, with digital phone lines replacing them instead.
Can i get a Broadband without a landline?
Yes, you can. Many broadband providers now offer broadband-only deals, omitting the traditional landline service. However, most broadband plans still include a landline, essential for delivering the internet connection. While customers aren’t required to pay for a call package, the landline is typically included in the package cost. Notably, several major providers offer broadband without a landline, providing more flexibility for customers
Can I get free Broadband?
No, you can’t as there is no such thing as free broadband. However, you can find cheap broadband deals with some major UK broadband providers. To find the cheapest broadband deal, simply enter your postcode into our postcode checker and filter by ‘ Cost.’ If you’re struggling to afford broadband, you may be eligible for help.
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
Sky Broadband
Offer ends 30th Jan. 2023
£45.90/month
Unlimited minutes
12 months of 500 GB data
12 months
Contract length
£30.9 upfront cost
250 mbps Total Cost
Unlimited Text
