Broadband + phone Bundles checklist: what to do before you apply/buy

Your pre-application checklist for UK bundles

A broadband and phone bundle should fit your home, not the other way round. Use this checklist to verify what you can actually get at your address, compare real costs, and lock in the right speed, calls, and contract before you click apply or buy.

Always check availability at your exact postcode before choosing any bundle.

Who should use this

If you live in Great Britain and want a reliable internet and home phone package without overpaying, this guide is for you. It suits households weighing up ADSL vs fibre, light callers vs anytime callers, and anyone wary of price rises after the promo ends. Renters and movers will also find contract guidance useful.

Terms that matter - in plain English

• ADSL - Older copper-based broadband, typically up to 10-24 Mbps. Widely available, slower.
• FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) - Fibre to the street cabinet, copper to your home. Typical 30-80 Mbps.
• FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) - Full fibre to your home. Ultrafast, often 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps+.
• Download vs upload - Download affects streaming and browsing; upload matters for video calls, backups, and gaming.
• Fair use and traffic management - Policies that can slow or limit heavy usage at peak times.
• Call plans - Pay-as-you-go, evenings-weekends, or anytime calls. Some include international or same-network minutes.
• Contract term - Minimum period, usually 12-24 months. Early exit fees apply if you leave early.
• Setup fee and bill credit - Upfront activation/installation costs. Some deals waive fees or add bill credits.
• In-contract price rises - Providers may increase prices mid-contract by an inflation-linked formula. Read the price change clause.
• Post-promo pricing - Standard price after 12 or 24 months. Often much higher than the intro rate.

Short standout: The right bundle starts with what your postcode can deliver.

Choosing your bundle format

Most UK bundles pair broadband with a landline service that delivers calls via digital voice. Start with speed, then layer in call needs and contract.

Speed tiers and typical use in GB:

Call plan choices:

• Pay-as-you-go - Best for very light callers.
• Evenings and weekends - Good for routine domestic calls.
• Anytime UK landline and mobile - Suits heavy callers and home workers.
• Add-ons - International zones or same-network bundles if you call abroad or within a provider ecosystem.

Tip: Pick the lowest speed that comfortably covers your busiest hour, not the highest headline number.

Costs, impacts, and risks to weigh

• Upfront costs - Look for setup fee waivers or bill credits to cut initial spend.
• Monthly price - Compare like-for-like speed and call plans. Intro prices can be sharply discounted.
• Exit fees - If you leave mid-term, providers typically charge a fee per remaining month. Rolling monthly contracts cost more but improve flexibility.
• Mid-contract rises - Many contracts include inflation-linked increases. Read the clause and factor it into your budget.
• Equipment and delivery - Routers are usually included, but premium Wi-Fi kits may cost extra.
• Add-ons - Streaming services, antivirus, or gift cards add value only if you will use them. Otherwise they inflate price without benefit.

Bottom line: Total cost of ownership equals upfront fees minus credits plus monthly charges, adjusted for any mid-contract rises.

Can you get it - and should you

Eligibility in broadband is mostly about network reach and credit checks.

• Network availability - FTTP is expanding across Great Britain but is not universal. A postcode and address-level check confirms what speed tiers are actually deliverable.
• Credit status - Most providers run a soft or hard credit check. Weaker credit profiles may require deposits or limit promotional pricing.
• Premises type - Flats and new builds may need landlord or freeholder consent for new cabling. Wayleave permissions can delay FTTP installs.
• Switching constraints - If you are in a 12-24 month term, exit fees may apply. Check your end date and notice period.
• Line type - Digital voice requires a compatible router and sometimes phone adapters. Legacy copper voice is being phased out.

If you rent, confirm you can install new equipment and schedule engineer visits before ordering.

The simple path to the right deal

1. Enter your postcode on trusted UK comparison tools.
2. Confirm available technologies and speed tiers at address.
3. Map household usage and pick an adequate speed tier.
4. Match a call plan to your real calling pattern.
5. Compare contract length, exit fees, and in-contract rises.
6. Add up total cost including setup, credits, and equipment.
7. Check extras you will actually use and disable the rest.
8. Set a reminder one month before promo price ends.

Advantages and trade-offs

Pros:

• One bill, simpler support, often lower promo pricing.
• Call bundles can cut costs for heavy users.
• FTTP delivers excellent reliability and latency when available.

Cons:

• Post-promo price jumps are common.
• Long terms limit flexibility if you move or needs change.
• Add-ons can tempt you into paying for unused services.

Consideration: Paying slightly more for a rolling contract can be worth it if you expect to move within the year.

Red flags and fine print to review

• Availability mismatch - Never order a speed tier before confirming it at your exact address.
• Exit fees - Calculate worst-case cost if leaving early.
• Price rise clause - Understand the formula and timing for increases.
• Call exclusions - Non-geographic numbers and international zones often carry premium rates.
• Traffic management - Check if peak-time throttling could affect your use.
• Equipment returns - Note return windows and charges to avoid fees when leaving.

If a deal looks unusually cheap, check the post-promo price and contract length carefully.

If a bundle is not right for you

• Standalone broadband only - Ideal for households that rarely use a landline.
• Mobile broadband or 5G home internet - Useful where fixed lines are slow or FTTP is unavailable.
• Separate providers - You can pair broadband from one provider with call services from another, though you may lose bundle discounts.
• VoIP apps - If you mainly call mobiles or abroad, app-based calling can beat landline packages.

Choose the option that best fits your actual calling and data behaviour.

FAQs

Q: How do I check what speeds I can get at my home? A: Use UK comparison sites and provider checkers with your full postcode and address. Results show available tech and predicted speeds.

Q: Are unlimited calls really unlimited? A: Unlimited typically excludes premium, non-geographic, and certain international numbers, and may cap individual call duration. Read the call plan rules.

Q: Will my price go up during the contract? A: Many contracts include inflation-linked rises. The clause should state timing and index used. Budget for it.

Q: Is FTTP worth it for a small household? A: If you only browse, email, and stream in HD, superfast FTTC may be sufficient. Go FTTP for multi-user, 4K, large uploads, or home working.

Q: Can I leave early if service is poor? A: You have rights if the provider fails to deliver minimum guaranteed speeds or breaches terms, but standard early exit fees can still apply otherwise.

Q: Are setup fees avoidable? A: Often yes. Many deals waive activation or include bill credits. Compare current promotions.

What to do now

• Run a postcode check on Compare the Market, Uswitch, or MoneySavingExpert.
• Shortlist three bundles that match your speed and call needs.
• Compare total costs, contract terms, and post-promo pricing.
• Apply online and set a calendar reminder to re-shop 30 days before your term ends.

Smart move: Pay for what you will use, not what is advertised.

Important information

This guide is general information for GB consumers and not financial advice. Prices, terms, and availability change frequently by location and provider. Always read provider terms and verify availability and total costs at your exact address before ordering.