Trying to find the right broadband deal can be difficult at the best of times. If you’re a pensioner, then there are even more things to consider, which potentially makes getting the right type of bundle even more challenging.
Fortunately, not only are there more packages than you shake a stick, at but there’s some that cater specifically for pensioners. So, if this sounds like something you might be interested in, then you’re in luck.
The first thing to do when picking broadband is to figure out exactly what you will be using it for.
For example, if you’re just going to be sending emails and searching the web, you probably won’t need anything much faster than 10-30Mbps. But if you’re going to be regularly streaming HD movies and video calling, then you might want something a little bit punchier, potentially 50Mbps +.
It’s important to note that the advertised Mbps that you’re advertised is not the speed you will always get. Depending on network usage throughout the day, your connection can drop to as little as half of what’s expected. While this is rare, it means that you generally need to go a bit higher than what you think is necessary to compensate.
Another thing to consider is any other people that you live with. If you are living with a partner, for example, you will probably need a speedier connection than if you are on your own.
As well as an internet connection, ISPs offer a range of other products. Almost all of them will have landline services, which can include unlimited calls to other numbers. This can be a great way to keep in touch if Zoom isn’t your thing, or you struggle to get a good enough connection where you are.
Many also have entertainment packages, including TV channels, films, documentaries and more. Some are available for a small, additional fee each month, which as part of a package could be cheaper than buying internet and entertainment separately.
Once you’ve decided what kind of thing you want, it’s best to do a bit of research into what’s included in different bundles. The last thing you want is to pay for something you don’t need.
As a pensioner, the cost of your broadband package is likely of high importance. Therefore, it’s key to make sure you budget for what you can afford, ensuring that you stick to it as closely as you can.
While you might be tempted to go for the cheapest, most basic offering available, this isn’t always going to be the right option. ISPs are constantly offering enticing deals to try and get new customers, with their faster connection speeds featured more heavily. This means that with a little bit of digging, you can often get a decent fibre package for little more than your bog-standard broadband offering.
Being with an ISP that has good customer service is an often-overlooked bonus. For many, this will mean being able to speak to someone on the phone; for others, quick and responsive emails will be more valuable.
A good customer service team will contain all of these, but before you take the plunge, it’s important you assess what’s important to you, and research what’s on offer.
While there are many different ways to judge customer service, Ofcom offers one of the most comprehensive breakdowns. Check out their rankings here.
Most broadband contracts these days last for around 18 months. If you aren’t sure you want to commit for that long, then there are shorter plans available. It’s important to note though, that if you opt for a more flexible contract, you will almost certainly pay more per month.
There are lots of different deals that might suit a pensioner’s needs. However, there was only one we could find that was specifically geared towards the older generation, which makes it our clear winner:
Only available for those on Pension Credit, BT Basic offers a cheap, no-frills broadband and phone package, which is perfect for those who just need the basics. With it, you get standard 11Mbps download speeds and £1.50 worth of calls, for £9.95 a month.
If you need something with a little more firepower then you can upgrade to BT Home Essentials, which comes with 67Mbps and still has BT Basic calls.
Another great feature of BT is that they offer all of their billing in different formats. This includes MP3s and brail, so you can always keep up to date with your account no matter what your personal situation is.