There are many broadband packages available to customers in the United Kingdom – and knowing which one to go for can be confusing and time-consuming. It may seem that there are many different costs and factors involved in any given deal – so taking the time to understand them can help you find a package that is right for you. This guide aims to tackle the topic of upfront costs, including how much they are, which companies charge them, and whether or not you can secure a
fibre broadband deal without any set-up or installation cost at all.
How much does it cost to install fibre broadband?
If you are thinking of getting fibre broadband installed in your home or office, you may be wondering what costs are involved – and what they are for. Aside from the monthly cost to use your service, many providers will also charge a one-off installation fee. Within this, an engineer will come to your home and fit it all in for you. There is no fixed cost for this, and the amount varies between providers, so it is worth doing your homework and factoring this cost into the overall cost of your package.
The three leading providers in the UK – BT, Sky and Virgin – usually charge a set-up fee for new customers. The set-up fee currently stands at £19.95 for
Sky, £35 for Virgin and around £65 for BT. This fee can vary though, depending on where you live, what your home set-up is like, and whether you have been a customer previously. You can often negotiate on installation fees, and sometimes companies waive them to entice new customers during promotional periods.
Are there fibre broadband packages which offer free installation?
Yes, there are fibre broadband packages that offer free installation – you need to do your homework to find them and, as mentioned above, keep your eye on the leading companies for special fee-free promotional offers. You can often find broadband packages from some smaller providers that promise to complete the installation without a fee.
Another option is to install your broadband yourself. If you’re confident enough to do this, it can save you at least £30. Virgin is one company that offers this and encourages its customers to give this a go if they want to save on initial costs.
Which broadband providers offer deals with no setup fees?
One Stream, Shell Energy, PlusNet and Vodafone are offering
fibre only no landline broadband packages with no set-up costs. However, these deals are changing all the time, and there are many more companies that will provide you with a new broadband package without the set-up fee. Occasionally, you’ll find deals from the largest companies with the set-up fee waived. It is worth checking out each package’s full terms; however; just because there is no set-up cost doesn’t mean it is the right deal. Don’t be lured into a package that doesn’t suit your needs simply because there is no installation cost. It may well be worth paying that little bit extra for the deal you want – as most packages will tie you in for a minimum of 12 months, sometimes even longer.
Can I get a broadband and TV deal with no installation fee?
If you’re looking to purchase a
combined broadband and TV deal, you may also be able to find one with no set-up cost. Although companies like Sky, BT and
Virgin will charge you for your box and/or dish, there may be promotional offers on through which the set-up cost is free. However, it’s usually a standard charge so be prepared to pay for the installation cost on top of the cost of any equipment.
Currently, finding a company that isn’t charging a set-up fee for TV and broadband packages is tricky. However, TalkTalk is now offering new customers a combined deal with a set-up cost of just £4.95. Within this deal, you get access to its standard channels through a TV box – and can also use it to watch popular apps such as Netflix.
While it’s quite rare to find a TV and broadband package without a set-up fee, it is always worth shopping around and even negotiating with providers to see if they can waive or at least reduce the upfront cost. Providers – mostly new or smaller ones – are always keen to gain new customers, so are often willing to give you a good deal or match their competitors on price.
Do you still get a router with a free install fibre broadband package?
A router is a device that consists of a modem for accessing the internet and network capabilities that enable you to share the connection between devices. Companies would usually charge for this piece of equipment or want it back at the end of your contract. Regardless of whether you secure a free installation broadband package, you will not usually have to pay for the router. The router is an essential part of a broadband connection; without it, the deal you’ve signed up for isn’t worth anything. Therefore, it’s part of what you’re already paying for in your monthly fee.
However, be aware that you may be liable to pay for it if you don’t return your router at the end of your contract. Your provider should send you some packaging when you end your deal and give you a certain period to return it before charging you. If it’s returned in good condition, you won’t be charged.
Is it possible to get fibre broadband with free set-up if I have bad credit?
Yes, it is possible to get fibre broadband with free set-up if you have bad or no credit history. It just might be slightly more complicated, because you won’t be as attractive a customer to your prospective provider. When applying for any broadband package, the provider will run a credit check on you to see if you are within their criteria. The credit check is required because they want to feel assured that you will pay your bills on time each month. If they think that you are a higher risk to them, they either won’t offer you a deal at all, or they may provide you with a more basic deal. Generally speaking, though, if you see a new customer offer that includes free set-up, it will apply to everyone who passes their standard credit checking criteria.
If you are worried about the impact your credit rating may have on your ability to secure a broadband deal, you should check your credit history yourself. It is also worth enquiring which credit reference agencies your prospective provider uses. Each credit reference agency may hold slightly different information about you, meaning that some providers will view your credit history more favourably than others.
In conclusion, it is possible to find the
best broadband deal with no set-up costs, whatever your situation. If you are open-minded about going with newer providers or are prepared to wait until the larger companies offer promotions, you are more likely to secure this kind of deal. And if you’re also willing to negotiate – including using any current agreement you may have as ammunition – you may be able to knock off some of this cost at least.
