Would you like to know how you can access a landline-free broadband service? You’ve come to the right place. Here we give you all the information you need to know about the pros and cons of broadband without a phone line.
Most internet users have broadband packages that require the phone line to deliver the broadband. This line cost is generally included as part of the telephone charge, and it can be pricey depending on the package you use.
Can I access broadband without having a landline? The simple answer is yes, but it may not be as cost effective as you first thought. In the UK, there are three main ways of connecting to the internet.
Virgin Media
Virgin Media with its fiber optic cable is the best way as the speed is exceptionally fast and has no download limitations.
They offer a landline-free broadband as part of the network that doesn’t use fibre optic uses coaxial cable, not the usual copper ADSL most ISPs rely.
Mobile Broadband
You can get a USB stick to plug into the side or front of your computer to connect for internet access.
On the first experience, this might look to be a great way to access the internet, but it’s not very reliable for data-heavy stuff, for example, downloading or streaming movies and TV shows.
Satellite Broadband
If you live out in a rural area getting your broadband via a satellite dish might be the way to go if you want to access the internet. The problem with satellite broadband is that it only permits the use of broadband through it, and there is quite a large one-off cost to purchase it, from £500 and upwards. The monthly costs can be expensive of up to £100.
There are advantages to owning a landline as many people use them in the home for business and have multiple phones connected, but there are also downsides to not using a landline as part of a broadband package.
Pros
If you don’t use your landline you could say goodbye to nuisance calls as they are less common on a mobile, and they are also easier to block.
There are better deals with mobiles. Most contracts include free calls and data. Landlines are restricted to certain times of the day, some deals allow you to talk for an hour and then start to charge.
Mobiles are a cheaper and more flexible way to access broadband. Just connect a USB or dongle into your computer or laptop to a mobile phone signal.
Cons
It might be worth considering how many people use the landline. A landline might be especially useful for large households where having access to a landline is essential in that they can talk on the phone without disturbing anyone. There is also the older generation who might know how to use a mobile phone and feel comfortable using a landline.
The main reason to consider is safety. Mobiles run on a battery, and if there is an emergency when the battery has died, then that can cause a problem. Not only that but in a wide-spread emergency, cell towers get jammed up quickly because of the amount of traffic. This doesn’t happen with a landline because the wires are underground.
If your landline is already part of a broadband package it could cost you more to cancel and ditch the phone line.
It may be cheaper to keep your landline as some companies only supply broadband through a landline connection.
Final Verdict
If you’re on the fence about whether to ditch your landline and go with a mobile broadband package then it might be worth considering Comparison websites. The information on their website will help you to compare deals from the country’s major internet and phone providers.
Right now going landline free has never been so tempting, but ditching your landline while keeping your broadband at its fixed rate can be difficult. We recommend to do research and weigh up the pros and cons.