Broadband
Do You Really Need a 24 Month Broadband Contract in the UK?
A 24-month contract usually brings a lower monthly price but ties you in for two years, with an exit fee if you leave early and stated rises each April. If you may move within two years, a shorter term can cost less overall.
- Lower monthly, longer tie-in
- Exit fee to leave early
- April rises for two years
Plans from the providers Wisemium works with. Wisemium does not provide broadband itself. Keeps the price and the contract end date on record.
Contract length
- Term
- 24 months
- Exit fee
- Checked
- End date
- On record
Example. Your own details appear once you add them.
24 months or shorter
24 months
- Monthly price
- Usually lower
- Suits
- Staying put for two years
Shorter or rolling
- Monthly price
- Usually higher
- Suits
- Moving, or unsure how long you will stay
General information. The contract states its own exit fee.
The full guide
If you are choosing broadband in the UK, you will notice that many deals come with a 24 month contract. It is the most common option, but it is not the right one for everyone.
A 24 month contract means you agree to stay with a provider for two years. In return you usually get a lower monthly price. That can work well if you want to keep costs down and do not plan to move.
Flexibility
Two years is a long time. If your situation changes, leaving early can be expensive: many providers charge exit fees that cover the remaining months.
Price changes during the term
Many UK broadband providers state a higher price that applies partway through the contract. On a 24 month deal that step may come more than once. A deal that looks affordable at the start may cost more later, so read the future price before you commit. Wisemium displays future price steps where the provider has supplied them.
Shorter contracts
A 12 month contract gives you more flexibility: you can switch sooner, adjust your plan or move house without being locked in for as long. The downside is that it is usually more expensive each month.
So the right choice depends on you. If you plan to stay put and want the lower monthly cost, a 24 month contract can work well. If you are unsure about your plans, a shorter one may suit you better. Wisemium shows both short and long term packages it lists with the monthly price, the term and any stated future price side by side, so you can weigh them yourself.
You do not always need a 24 month broadband contract in the UK. The key is to choose what fits your life, not just what looks cheapest at first.
Wisemium may receive a commission if you take out a deal through a partner. It does not affect what you pay.
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