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Signing up for a new broadband deal comes with many different factors to consider; while you want to ensure the price and speed suit your household, you shouldn’t forget about the contract length.
12-month broadband deals are suitable for a wide range of households, including renters and homeowners, and allow you the flexibility to move on to a new provider at the end of the year without incurring any cancellation fees. Our expert team will break down everything you need to know about 12-month broadband contracts so you can find the right deal for your home.
Broadband infrastructure is expanding throughout the UK, and residents can benefit from a wide range of broadband types when it comes to 12-month contracts.
Some providers offer full fibre broadband contracts, also known as FTTP broadband. FTTP, or fibre to the premises, is the fastest type of broadband available in the UK, offering speeds upwards of 1,000Mbps, depending on the provider.
If you don’t qualify for FTTP broadband, you can find 12-month fibre broadband contracts. This type of connection is sometimes referred to as fibre to the cabinet, or FTTC, and it offers speeds of up to 80Mbps for eligible households. FTTC can be more beneficial for households on a budget since it’s generally more affordable than a full fibre package. If you want to learn more about the difference between FTTP and FTTC broadband, consult our guide.
You can also find standard broadband on a 12-month contract basis, although it’s less sought after than its faster siblings. Speeds for standard broadband, or ADSL, cap out at around 11Mbps, so it won’t be suitable for some households.
Mobile broadband is another great option and can be obtained via mobile broadband sims, dongles and portable hotspots. You can also look into wireless broadband and satellite broadband if you live in a rural area and don’t have access to traditional broadband solutions.
12-month broadband deals are worth considering if you think you may need to switch providers or move home within the next 12 months. You should consider the type of broadband connection alongside a host of other factors to ensure the smoothest experience possible when browsing the web.
Standard broadband deals, which only offer speeds of up to 11Mbps, are best suited to smaller households with fewer people. Those living in larger houses who enjoy indulging in online gaming or streaming will be better off with a fibre or full fibre broadband deal, as speeds of between 20Mbps to 100Mbps will offer the best experience. Gaming broadband comes with a range of options, with some providers offering ultrafast packages on a 12-month basis.
If you want to find out more about your broadband speeds and how to measure them, take a look at our guide.
Choosing a shorter contract comes with a wealth of benefits, as well as some pitfalls. Here are some of the main things to consider when looking at the best 12-month broadband deals:
Pros
Cons
While not every provider in the country offers 12-month broadband deals, there’s still a whole host of companies to choose from.
Here are some of the best broadband providers that offer 12-month broadband deals in the UK, although keep in mind that not every provider will serve your area.
| Broadband provider | Deal name | Average download speeds | Price per month | Upfront costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOW Broadband | NOW Super Fibre | 63Mbps | £23 | £10 |
| NOW Broadband | NOW Fab Fibre | 36Mbps | £23 | £10 |
| BT Broadband | Full Fibre 100 | 150Mbps | £40.99 | £31.99 |
| BT Broadband | Full Fibre 500 | 500Mbps | £50.99 | £31.99 |
| Hyperoptic | Superfast | 150Mbps | £29.99 | £19 |
| Hyperoptic | Ultrafast | 500Mbps | £34 | £19 |
| Community Fibre | 150Mbps Fibre Broadband | 150Mbps | £27 | £14.95 |
| Community Fibre | 1Gbps Fibre Broadband | 920Mbps | £32 | £14.95 |
All prices and speeds correct as of 8 March 2024
There are several contract lengths available from various providers; most notably, you can find broadband contacts lasting 18 or 24 months. Certain providers offer no-contract broadband offers, which roll over every month and negate cancellation charges, although the monthly fee is usually more expensive.
Yes, some providers offer monthly rollover contracts. These types of contracts are best suited to households on a budget or those who move around a lot and cannot commit to a long-term deal at one address.
Once your 12-month broadband contract expires, you have a couple of options. You can choose to renew with your current broadband provider and sign on for another year, or you can switch to a new broadband plan. New plans can be taken out with your current provider or a new company, giving you the chance to upgrade your plan and experience faster speeds or additional services, such as a phone line or TV subscription.
Yes, you can cancel any broadband plan early. However, you may be liable for cancellation fees. Cancellation charges vary between providers and will depend on how far into your contract you are and any additional services you may be receiving. When cancelling your broadband plan, you must inform your broadband provider as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition.
