Getting a phone and broadband

Getting connected in the UK is straightforward, but navigating mobile plans and broadband options takes a little research. This guide covers the key choices—SIM-only deals versus pay-monthly contracts, which networks offer the best value, the main broadband technologies and their costs, and how TV licensing works in 2026.

Mobile phones: SIM-only versus pay-monthly contracts

When you first arrive in the UK, you'll need a mobile phone plan. You have two main options: a SIM-only deal or a pay-monthly contract that includes a phone.

SIM-only deals are significantly cheaper because you bring your own phone or buy one separately. Budget providers like Smarty, Voxi, iD Mobile and Lebara offer SIM-only contracts starting from around £8–£15 per month for unlimited calls, texts and data. Mid-tier plans with 100GB or more cost £12–£20 per month, while the big four networks—EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three—charge £18–£30 per month for the same allowances. SIM-only plans range from 30-day rolling contracts (more expensive per month but most flexible) to 12-month fixed deals (cheaper overall but locked in).

Pay-monthly contracts bundle a phone with your monthly plan and typically run £25–£70+ per month depending on the handset and data allowance. If you've just arrived and need a phone immediately, this can be convenient, but it's generally more expensive overall. Phones bought on contract since December 2021 are automatically unlocked, meaning you can switch networks later without penalty.

Which network to choose

The UK has four major mobile networks—EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three—plus dozens of smaller providers called MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that use the big four's infrastructure. EE ranks highly for coverage and speeds, Three excels at unlimited data value, and Vodafone offers solid all-round reliability. For budget-conscious customers, MVNOs like Smarty, VOXI, iD Mobile and Giffgaff usually undercut the big names by 10–30%.

Before committing, check which network has the strongest signal where you live and work. Use postcode checkers on comparison websites (Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket, Which?) to see real speeds in your area. This is more reliable than looking at national rankings.

Switching networks and keeping your number

If you're already on a UK contract and want to switch, you can keep your mobile number. Text 'PAC' to 65075 to get a Porting Authorisation Code from your current provider (it's free and takes minutes). Give this code to your new provider when you sign up. Your old contract will end and your new plan will activate automatically.

Home broadband: types, speeds and costs

Most UK households pay between £25 and £45 per month for broadband, though costs vary widely by technology, provider and location. Prices are determined by the type of connection available to your address, so it's worth checking what's available in your area before signing a contract.

ADSL (older copper-based)

ADSL uses old copper phone lines and is the slowest option, with typical speeds around 10–20 Mbps. However, it's widely available and costs £14–£25 per month. It's suitable only for basic browsing and email; video calls, streaming and working from home will struggle.

FTTC (fibre to the cabinet)

FTTC uses fibre-optic cables to a street cabinet, then copper lines the rest of the way to your home. This is the most common connection type in the UK and offers typical speeds of 35–80 Mbps. Cost runs £24–£35 per month. It's suitable for streaming and general working from home, though upload speeds (about 10–20 Mbps) are slower than download speeds.

FTTP (full fibre to your home)

FTTP brings fibre optic cables directly into your property with no copper involved in the final stretch. This is the fastest and most reliable option, with speeds from 30–50 Mbps at entry level up to 900 Mbps or 1 Gbps at the top end. Cost ranges from £28–£40 for basic FTTP packages to £35–£55 for high-speed tiers and £45–£60+ for gigabit speeds. FTTP is rolling out across the UK via Openreach (BT's nationwide network) and alternative networks like CityFibre, Hyperoptic and Virgin Media cable.

FTTP offers symmetrical upload and download speeds (great for video calls and uploading files) and doesn't slow down during peak times. If it's available at your address, it's usually worth choosing even if slightly more expensive, as it future-proofs your home for several years.

Mobile 5G home broadband

If fibre isn't available, 5G home broadband using a router powered by mobile networks (Three, EE or Vodafone) is a practical alternative. Speeds range from 50–500 Mbps depending on signal strength, cost £20–£40 per month, and installation is quick since no engineer visit is needed.

Contract length and switching costs

Most broadband contracts are 12, 18 or 24 months. Longer contracts usually cost less per month but lock you in; shorter rolling contracts offer flexibility but cost more. Be aware that prices typically increase each year in line with the Consumer Price Index plus 3.9%, so your bill may rise after year one.

Leaving a contract early usually incurs an exit fee equal to the remaining months' charges. Ofcom's One Touch Switch rules (in place since April 2023) mean you only need to contact your new provider to switch at the end of your contract—the new provider handles the rest.

TV licensing: do you need one?

The UK has a unique licensing system for television. Whether you need a TV licence depends entirely on what you watch, not on whether you own a television set.

You must have a TV licence if you watch or record live television on any channel (broadcast, satellite, cable or streamed) or if you use BBC iPlayer in any form. The licence applies to every device capable of receiving the broadcast—traditional TV sets, laptops, tablets, smartphones, even games consoles. Importantly, 'live' means programmes watched at the moment they're broadcast, not catch-up services.

You do not need a licence to watch on-demand content on Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All 4, My5 or YouTube (unless watching live broadcasts). You also don't need one for DVDs, downloaded films or streaming services that don't include live TV or BBC iPlayer. A single licence covers everyone living at one address on every device they own—couples, families and joint-tenancy house shares all need just one licence.

Cost and payment

As of 1 April 2026, a colour TV licence costs £180 per year. A black-and-white licence is £60.50, and severely sight-impaired viewers pay £90. You can spread the cost via monthly direct debit, quarterly payments, or other payment methods. Most people use direct debit to make it easier.

Who is exempt

Households where someone aged 75 or over receives Pension Credit are eligible for a free TV licence (you must apply for this concession). If you genuinely don't watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, you don't need to pay, but you should submit a formal 'No Licence Needed' declaration to TV Licensing to stop receiving enforcement letters.

To buy or manage a TV licence, visit tvlicensing.co.uk. The site handles all payments, cancellations, address changes and declarations. Do not use phone numbers or websites that pop up in ads; always go directly to the official site.