How do broadband and phone deals work then?

If you choose to use the same supplier for both your broadband and your phone, many companies will offer a package deal that results in a lower cost to you than if you choose two good deals from different companies. In short, buying broadband and phone separately will probably be more expensive than buying them as a package.

How do I calculate my data usage?

Unless you have been keeping track of your past usage, it can be pretty difficult to figure out how much you need. Many people simply choose the unlimited option to ensure that they will be covered, in effect buying some peace of mind. If you’d like to shave a little off of your expenses though, and you don’t think you’re a heavy data user, consider the guidelines below.

Light user

If you are the only one normally using the Internet in your home, and don’t stream movies or music online, then you are a light user. Occasional email, Googling something now and then – these don’t use up much data. You could probably do fine with 2GB or more.

Medium user

If you watch movies online, stream music, and Skype – but don’t consider yourself to be constantly online – you are probably a medium user. You would probably stay under 20GB or more each month.

Heavy user

If you are an online gamer, streamer of music and HD movies, and wouldn’t know what to do with yourself if the Internet went down – you’re probably a heavy user. In fact, you probably decided on unlimited before even reading this description!

What internet speed do I need then?

ADSL is the slowest delivery method still being used, and is delivered over a (non-fibre optic) phone line. If fibre optic service is available in your area, you will probably not want ADSL, but if it is all that is available, it can get the job done for light users. It offers speeds of up to 16Mbps (Megabytes per second).

Fibre optic is the next step up – but it’s a considerable step – with speeds up to 38Mbps. This suits light and medium users without noticeable lag times or buffering in most situations.

Superfast fibre optic service is also available. This exceeds 38Mbps, and will keep the heavy user well immersed in gameplay, or download those massive files without much waiting around.

Broadband and home phone packages

These deals combine landline and Internet services into a single plan, with a single monthly bill. The cost of a combined plan like this is usually substantially lower than the combined plans for each service if purchased separately.

Key features when selecting a home phone deal

Be sure to consider your household’s usage habits when choosing a package. How many minutes are you likely to spend on the phone each month? What time of day do you use the phone? Peak times? Evening and weekends mainly? Do you call only local numbers, or are you often communicating with someone internationally or even overseas?

List your habits and needs – keep in mind that these fluctuate over time, especially around holiday seasons – and compare these to the packages on offer. It’s a good idea to purchase a little more than you think you’ll use, to avoid over-use fees and inflated rates.

Short contract homephone deals

Some companies allow for a one-month contract option. This allows you to set up the service you need if you are in a location for a limited time, but it can also serve as a great way to determine if a plan is right for you – without the risk of a year-long contract.

Broadband phone and tv (sky , virgin and bt)

Companies like Sky, BT, TalkTalk and Virgin dominate the market in the areas of broadband, phone and TV. As technology draws each of these services closer and closer together in terms of delivery methods and the devices via which they are used, it is likely that these companies will continue to dominate.

This can be good news though. With big players like this, services can be more reliable and available in more areas. Competition also increases, as they compete to lure you away from other reliable competitors with better deals and features for your money.

Broadband phone combinations

There was a time when every home needed a landline, but recent trends have seen landline use decline rapidly. Smart phone technology has enabled us to make international calls, local calls, and even video chats without ever using a landline.

Some residences still require a landline for use with the building entrance systems, and emergency calls cannot be reliably made via products like Skype, but the trend is eating away at the popularity of landline services. If you still wish to have one, or need one at your residence, this lack of demand can mean big savings.