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Broadband charges

Interested in switching provider or setting up a new broadband connection? Many people are put off switching ISPs as they area worrried about the associated costs they may potentially incur, despite the fact that many UK homes and businesses are paying too much for their broadband packages.

This simple guide should help you understand the charges you are likely to incur in addition to the monthly charges quoted on this site. These charges vary widely from ISP to ISP so it is always worth taking a close look at the terms and conditions of the package before signing up.

Types of broadband

ADSL Broadband charges:

  • Landline charges - it is important to note that there must be an active telephone connection at the home or business looking to access broadband, as all ADSL broadband packages are accessed via a home telephone line. If there is no active landline at the residence or business, you will be liable to pay a set-up charge of £124.99 and monthly line rental thereafter (starting at £10.50 from BT).

  • Wireless routers - you must have a wireless router, in order to set up a wireless connection in your home or office. Some will charge up to £60, though many ISPs offer free wireless routers with their broadband packages.

  • Compare ADSL broadband here.

Cable Broadband charges:

  • No landline charges! As cable broadband is transmitted over fibre optic cables and not traditional copper phone wires, there is no explicit need for an active phone line at the premisis in which cable broadband is to be installed.

  • Installation charges - charges to install cable broadband start at £30 from Virgin Media.

  • Compare cable broadband deals here.

Mobile Broadband charges:

  • Mobile USB dongles - ISPs may charge a once-off charge for the mobile modem/dongle on low-spend and pay as you go accounts, though the trend is for ISPs to offer mobile modems/USB dongles free with consumer mobile broadband packages.

  • Compare mobile broadband deals here.

Broadband charges common to all types:

  • Connection charges - some internet service providers charge a one-off fee to activate your broadband connection. This varies from to ISP to ISP.

  • Excess usage charges - if you exceed the monthly download limits of your package, you may be charged excess fees for each extra Gigabyte you use. For instance, in the case of BT Option 1, you are charged 30p per Gb starting from the second month you exceed your allowance (correct at time of print 26/03/08). In order to avoid excess charges, many heavy use customers choose unlimited download broadband packages.

  • Cancellation charges - if you wish to terminate your connection before the end of your contract, you may be liable to pay cancellation fees. These vary depending on which ISP you are contracted to and at what point in your contract you cancel.

  • Compare all broadband packages here.