Broadband and free line rental

For years, BT held a monopoly on home landline connections. But nowadays, you can get your landline through several other companies, including internet providers, who offer a range of cheap line rental deals.

Some internet service providers (ISPs) don't even require a landline to offer broadband. Virgin Media's packages, for instance, run on cable instead of copper phone wires, so you don't need a landline. The upshot is that you can save a substantial sum because you don't have to pay line rental monthly.

Broadband and free line rental packages

Some broadband providers used to advertise free line rental packages. But thanks to new rules from the ASA — who conducted a study and found that most consumers couldn't work out the entire monthly cost of their broadband — providers now show all-in pricing. This means that, from now on, the price you see listed is the actual price you'll pay.

So, instead of luring customers with promises of free line rental or free broadband, ISPs are moving to offer lower monthly pricing overall.

Don't need a landline at all for your broadband?

If you don't use their landline connection for anything other than broadband, you could cut your monthly bills by getting your broadband without a phone line rental. You can do this by signing up for cable broadband packages offered by Virgin Media, which don't require you to have a landline at all.

In the era of mobile phones, Skype and other internet phone call services, broadband without line rental deals are sure to become increasingly popular in years to come.

Check out our latest broadband-only deals to see if this suits you.

Mobile broadband

Mobile broadband is another option for those who don't want to pay for a landline in addition to their broadband connection. This type of broadband uses mobile networks instead of phone lines or fibre-optic cables.

Compare all our best mobile broadband packages now.

Want to learn more about broadband with no landline? Read our guide on broadband without a landline.