Documents you need for Broadband + phone Bundles (UK)

Get set for a smooth broadband and phone sign-up

A little prep avoids failed credit checks, number-porting hiccups, and installation delays. With Ofcom’s 2025 rules banning inflation-linked rises mid-contract, you can focus on value and suitability. Here’s the paperwork to gather, how the process works, and what to compare across UK providers.

Who benefits from this checklist

• Households switching or starting a bundle in Great Britain
• Renters who need proof of address or landlord permission
• Home movers seeking to keep their landline number
• Light and heavy callers weighing mobile-only vs landline
• Sole traders and SMEs needing business bundles and static IPs

The essentials - documents and terms to know

Understanding a few fundamentals speeds up approvals and prevents repeat requests.

• Proof of identity: Passport or UK driving licence. Some providers accept a valid national ID card.
• Proof of address: Recent utility bill, council tax bill, tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 3 months.
• Payment method: UK debit card or bank account details for Direct Debit. The account holder must authorise the mandate.
• Credit check consent: Providers run a soft or hard search to assess affordability and fraud risk. Having your address history for the past 3 years helps.
• Contact details: Active UK mobile number and email for order updates and number porting codes.
• Number porting info: For landline ports, you may need your current provider name, account number, and the exact installation address. For mobile-inclusive bundles, have PAC or STAC if moving a mobile number.
• Tenancy approval: Some installs require landlord permission if drilling or external cabling is needed.
• Moving home evidence: Completion date or tenancy start date can align install and cease dates.
• Business specifics: Companies House number, trading address proof, VAT number if applicable, and director ID. Some business lines require a registered contact with authority to sign.

Key rules to note:

• Ofcom’s 2025 protections: No inflation-linked price rises during your minimum term. Any planned changes must be set out clearly upfront, improving predictability across Great Britain.
• Cable supports landlines: Cable-based connections can carry landline calls without extra complex setup, making bundling simpler.

Clarity helps credit checks pass first time. Match your ID name and address to your application details exactly.

Which bundles to consider right now

Below is a snapshot of widely available UK options. Always check your postcode for precise availability, speeds, and pricing.

What this means:

• Households: Virgin Media and Vodafone offer fast consumer bundles with straightforward phone add-ons. Review inclusive minutes, special number charges, and contract terms.
• Businesses: BT Business and Virgin Media Business offer static IPs, call bundles, and service guarantees. Note line requirements, annual uplifts where stated, and service-level commitments.

Price, value, and real-world impact

• Household budgeting: Ofcom’s 2025 rules prevent inflation-pegged increases during your minimum term, helping you avoid bill shock and plan spending.
• Bundle economics: Combining broadband and phone can be cheaper than separate contracts, especially if you still use a landline for UK or international calls.
• Hidden extras: Look for setup fees, delivery charges for hubs, charges for special numbers, out-of-allowance calls, and early termination fees.
• Business costs: Factor in any mandated phone line, IP options, security add-ons, and support tiers. Fixed-price guarantees can stabilise budgets through a contract.
• Returns: Faster speeds support streaming, gaming, and home working. For businesses, better uptime and static IPs can support POS systems, VPN, and VoIP reliability.
• Risks: Long terms reduce flexibility. International calling can be pricey without add-ons. Poor address matching can delay number ports.

Are you eligible

• Age and residency: You typically must be 18+ and resident at the installation address in Great Britain.
• Creditworthiness: Providers assess affordability. Thin credit files may need a deposit. Keep your electoral roll and address history up to date.
• Address type: Flats and some new builds may have installation constraints. Wayleave or landlord approval might be required for external works.
• Network availability: Full fibre or cable may not be available everywhere. Providers will present realistic speed estimates for your specific line.
• Business customers: Must be authorised to contract on behalf of the business. Some plans require proof of trading and a business phone line.
• Number porting: Your number must be active and in the same name and address profile. Cancel only after the port completes to avoid losing the number.

The process in simple steps

1. Check your postcode on comparison tools for availability
2. Pick a speed tier that fits streaming and work needs
3. Gather ID, address proof, and bank details in your name
4. Confirm phone options, minutes, and any international add-ons
5. Request number port and keep the old line active
6. Choose install date and grant landlord permission if needed
7. Complete credit check and Direct Debit mandate online
8. Plug in kit on delivery or attend engineer visit as scheduled

Upsides and trade-offs to weigh

• Pros: Single bill, potential savings, simpler support, and consistent pricing within the term under Ofcom’s rules. Cable lines can carry landline without extra complexity.
• Cons: Longer contracts limit flexibility. Special numbers and international calls can add up. Misaligned personal details can stall ports and activations. Some properties need permissions or have limited routing options.
• Tip: If your mobile already includes unlimited calls, weigh the benefit of a landline before adding it.

Red flags before you commit

• Vague price-change wording: The new rules require clarity. Ensure any increases are fixed and stated upfront.
• Contract length vs. plans to move: Moving mid-term can trigger fees if the new address lacks the same service.
• Equipment returns: Non-return fees for routers or set-top boxes can be steep.
• Number portability limits: Cross-technology ports can take longer. Verify timelines to avoid downtime.
• Business uplifts: Some business bundles include scheduled annual increases - check the figure and date.

If a traditional bundle is not ideal

• Mobile-only: Unlimited minutes on mobile plans may remove the need for a landline, cutting costs.
• VoIP-first: Use broadband plus a VoIP service for flexible international calling and number features.
• Separate contracts: Mix-and-match providers if a better standalone broadband deal outweighs bundle savings.
• Pre-configured security: Consider bundles with built-in security if you lack separate protections.

Common questions answered

• Do the 2025 Ofcom rules apply to me in Great Britain? Yes. Providers cannot link in-term price rises to inflation and must set out any changes clearly upfront.

• Can I keep my landline number when switching? Usually, yes. Keep the old line active, provide exact details, and schedule the port during your new order.

• Do I need a new line installed for phone service on cable? Typically no. Cable-based broadband supports landline calling without extra complex installation.

• Is a landline still worth it if my mobile has unlimited minutes? Often mobile-only is fine. Heavy international callers may still benefit from landline or VoIP add-ons.

• What documents speed up approval? Passport or driving licence, recent address proof, and bank details for Direct Debit. Business users add Companies House and VAT details where relevant.

• Will my price go up mid-contract? Inflation-linked rises during the term are not allowed under 2025 rules. Some plans state fixed increases or none - always check your contract.

What to do next

• Gather your ID, address proof, and bank details today.
• Compare by postcode using trusted tools to see accurate prices and speeds.
• Shortlist 2-3 bundles that match your calling habits and speed needs.
• Schedule installation dates that align with move-in or cancellation timelines.

Fewer surprises, faster activation - preparation pays.

Important information

This guide is general information for UK consumers and businesses in Great Britain. It is not financial advice. Always verify availability, pricing, contract terms, and eligibility with your chosen provider at the time of order.