How to choose a flexible broadband contract

Flexibility means freedom, and being tied down to super-lengthy, fixed broadband plans is not everyone’s idea of fun. We get it. So where do you go if you want a flexible broadband contract, plus a plan that’s built for your exact needs – rather than what a provider says you should have?

Before committing to anything you don’t need, for longer than you want, this guide will help make informed decisions that keep your broadband flexible. Let’s go.

Finding a flexible broadband contract

When you’re looking for flexible broadband deals, you might first consider how long you want to sign up for. Good suppliers should give you a choice, with a minimum contract typically lasting 12 months and a maximum two-year deal. Generally, a shorter contract will cost more every month, but you get more flexibility and no super long-term commitment. 

There’s also another type of contract: a non-contract. These can be beneficial to people who know they’re only going to be living somewhere for a short period of time – students, for example – but you will have to pay more every month, which can add up.  

By law, any broadband contract you sign up for can be cancelled during the first 14 days from receipt of your order confirmation. Known as the cooling-off period, this allows you to try the service with full flexibility to change your mind. Some providers offer even longer: for instance, we offer a 30-day Be Guarantee. So if our reliable full fibre connections aren’t for you after 30 days, you have the freedom to leave without cancellation fees.

Picking flexible broadband plans

Everyone uses their broadband differently. Some use it for streaming their favourite shows, while others game online. Some work from home, relying on seamless connections for those Zoom-calls-that-could-easily-be-emails, while others have a family member with a device in every room – requiring speeds that never miss a beat.  

The first step in choosing flexible broadband is to understand your usage patterns. Take note of:

• How often you use the internet
• What activities you engage in, for example: streaming, gaming, video calls, blasting tunes, or watching endless cat videos on TikTok (hey, we’re not judging)
• How many devices are connected simultaneously

You should be able to talk this through with a provider if you’re unsure, as it’s important you only pay for what you use. But figuring this out in advance can help you determine the upload and download speeds (and we mean real speeds) you need.

Flexible broadband providers should also extend that flexibility in terms of how you receive help and support. For example, do you prefer to speak to a real person on the phone, or would you prefer to try and find a solution online instead? We know the pain of talking to robots, so our friendly team is always on hand to make sure your query is dealt with by an actual human in our UK-based call centre. Alternatively, our online help centre is packed with common queries and solutions. 

Explore flexible broadband deals

Choosing a flexible broadband package is essential to ensure you’re not tied into anything you don’t need. But it shouldn’t be complicated. Before you jump into any contracts, remember to:

1. Make sure a broadband provider offers flexible broadband plans tailored to your usage.
2. Check pricing is transparent, and look up a provider’s trial periods
3. Ensure a provider is also upfront about any hidden costs, such as pesky mid-contract price hikes.
4. Be aware of any switching or exit fees, if you do choose to end your contract early.
5. See if a provider offers a range of contract lengths.

At BeFibre, we offer flexible broadband packages from 12 months to 24 months, with absolutely no in-contract price hikes and free standard installation – potentially saving you up to £250. Explore our 150Mbps, 500Mbps, and 900Mbps plans to tailor the perfect service to your exact needs.