What are TV and broadband deals?
A broadband and TV package does what it says on the tin: your internet and television services (and usually a landline) are handled by one company on one convenient bill.
If you’ve been shopping around for a new provider in an effort to save money, one of the best options is to choose a broadband and TV bundle. At the high end, you’ll find unlimited downloads and all the sport and film channels you’d ever want; while if you're looking to save by getting the basics and combining your bills into one service, TV and broadband deals can also be the best way forward.
Which providers offer broadband and TV deals?
You’ll find all the four biggest home broadband internet service providers have the option of signing up for broadband and TV bundles, along with a few others, so there’s lots of choice.
- Sky: Huge selection of channels with optional add-on packs for movies, sports, entertainment and much more. Broadband up to an average 63Mb. Requires a satellite dish and phone line.
- Virgin Media: Like Sky, Virgin has hundreds of channels, but also offers very fast broadband with top speeds over 300Mb, and an option for broadband without a phone. Only available in Virgin network areas.
- BT: Affordable TV service with Freeview, free AMC and BT Sport on some packages, and optional premium channels. Unlimited broadband up to an average 67Mb.
- TalkTalk: Low budget TV bundles with unlimited broadband. Some packages include a Freeview TV box with no additional running costs, or add premium entertainment channels for a small monthly fee. Optional extra channels can be purchased on a flexible rolling monthly contract. As with the three providers above, Talk Talk also occasionally offer flexible student broadband deals.
- EE: Cheap TV packages which include a Freeview box and fibre broadband, and free EE TV app to record shows and watch on the move.
- NOW TV: Great value flexible broadband and TV bundles, including one-month contract options. Access Sky TV channels without a satellite dish. Add sports, movies, entertainment and kids TV channel bundles alongside Freeview.
How can I find out what TV and broadband deals are in my area?
Provider availability varies depending on your location, so to start you’ll want to search with a postcode to see which providers offer service to your home.
You can do this right here by entering a postcode into our comparison table to filter deals by location.
What TV channels can I get with a broadband and TV package?
All TV packages include access to the Freeview channels, such as:
- BBC1
- Channel 4
- Dave
- Film4
Premium TV channels are also available, either as part of the package or an optional channel add-on. This includes:
- Sky 1
- Comedy Central
- Discovery Channel
- Sky Sports
- BT Sport
There’s a huge range of channels available on all the TV packages, but if you want something specific make sure to check that it is available as not every channel is available from all the providers.
Does a TV and broadband deal include a phone line?
Most TV and broadband packages are also bundled with a phone line, and this is required in order for the broadband to function. In some cases the package may also feature inclusive calls so you don’t need to pay to use the phone.
If you want TV and broadband only have a look at packages from Virgin Media. It is the only major provider to offer home broadband without a phone line. If you don’t want or can’t get Virgin Media, look for bundles without inclusive calling to save money on the monthly bill.
Will I get Wi-Fi broadband with a TV and broadband deal?
A free Wi-Fi router is included with most home broadband deals. This will provide Wi-Fi broadband access around your home to any compatible devices.
What’s good about TV and broadband packages?
Value for money: The best TV and broadband deals will save money compared to taking separate services from multiple providers.
Free extras: Getting TV and broadband from the same ISP can net you some freebies, such as free TV channels or discounts on the provider’s other services.
Simplified billing: You pay one price once a month to one company and get broadband and TV, as well as a phone line if required.
Single point of contact: If you run into problems with any of the services you have one point of contact for customer services and tech support.
Are there any downsides to a TV and broadband bundle?
If you’ve got very specific requirements for any of the services you may not find a single provider which can fulfil your needs, and it may be necessary to get broadband, TV or phone from another company. But remember that some TV services are only available from specific broadband ISPs.
How can I find the best TV and broadband deals?
Start by finding out what’s available in your area using the postcode search on our comparison table. Then utilise our handy filters to include or exclude particular features and narrow down the options. You can then quickly compare matching deals in the table (and don’t forget to use the sorting to prioritise by certain criteria).
What should I look out for when comparing broadband and TV packages?
As pricing structures change all the time, our comparison tables are amended constantly to ensure you are always seeing the latest and best deals currently available. Offers come and go too, so if you don’t see the perfect TV and broadband package this week be sure to pop back in a week or so to see what’s new on the market.
Price: This is the standard monthly tariff you can expect to pay for the bundle you choose. How much you pay will revolve around the length of the contract, any of the chosen TV options that are added to the bundle deal, along with the usual factors such as broadband speed and those differing data limits.
Contract length: This is how long you’re signing up for. You’ll tend to find longer deals (two years) will offer better value, as you’re rewarded for your loyalty. However, be sure you’re in a position to commit: might you be moving home, or may your circumstances change? It can be costly to renege on these long contracts – so read the small print!
Speed: This shows the average speed of the broadband and TV package, and is extremely important as it will affect what you can do with the broadband. Many of us will find a cheap ADSL service is sufficient, but fibre optic is recommended for streaming, downloading and gaming. Be sure to enter your postcode to make sure you’re seeing the deals that are actually available in your area. Also, if you are in an area only served by older ADSL speeds (under 20Mb) your distance from the telephone exchange may be an additional factor: check directly with the provider before you buy to get an accurate speed analysis.
Data allowance: Unlimited broadband will mean you never have to worry about extra fees. But some of the cheapest packages have a monthly data limit. Check your current supplier’s bills or website to see what you’re actually using right now, as you may be able to save with a limited deal.
Effective cost: This is the monthly price when you take in any offers and setup fees. It can be very handy to check this, as a deal might be better than you think!