No Contract and Short Contract Broadband
Most UK broadband providers want you locked into 24-month contracts. But what if you’re renting short-term, planning to move house soon, or simply hate being tied down?
Welcome to the world of no contract and short contract broadband – where flexibility matters more than rock-bottom pricing.
What Is No Contract and Short Contract Broadband?
No contract broadband operates on 30-day rolling terms. You pay monthly, and you can cancel anytime with just 30 days’ notice. No early exit fees, no guilt, and no customer service nightmares about leaving mid-contract.
Short contract broadband typically means 12-month deals, though 9-month options exist specifically for students. These packages offer more flexibility than 18 or 24-month contracts without the premium pricing of true rolling contracts.
Here’s the crucial difference: with rolling contracts, your agreement automatically renews each month until you cancel. With 12-month contracts, you commit for a full year but gain the freedom to leave or switch once that year expires without waiting another 12-24 months.
Who Actually Needs Flexible Broadband?
Rolling and short contracts aren’t for everyone. They cost more monthly, charge steeper setup fees, and miss out on promotional perks. But for certain situations, flexibility justifies the premium.
Students top the list. Academic accommodation changes annually, term dates create gaps in usage, and house-sharing arrangements shift constantly. Virgin Media’s 12-month student packages and BT’s 9-month deals specifically target this market.
Renters on short-term leases benefit massively from rolling contracts. If your tenancy agreement ends in six months or you’re on a rolling rental, committing to 24-month broadband makes zero sense. Moving house mid-contract triggers early exit fees that wipe out any savings from lower monthly rates.
People planning house moves should seriously consider flexible broadband. Your current provider might not serve your new address, or your new property might have access to better alternatives like Community Fibre or Hyperoptic. Flexible contracts let you switch providers when you move without paying hundreds in exit fees.
Digital nomads and remote workers who travel frequently or relocate for work find rolling contracts invaluable. Why pay for broadband you’re not using six months of the year?
Anyone wanting to test providers appreciates rolling contracts. If you’ve heard nightmare stories about a provider’s customer service, spending one month testing them before committing long-term reduces risk.
Holiday let hosts need broadband for guests but don’t want year-long commitments for properties occupied seasonally.
How 30-Day Rolling Contracts Work
Rolling contracts are remarkably simple. You sign up, pay your first month plus setup fees, and service activates. Each month, the contract automatically renews unless you give notice to cancel.
Notice periods typically require 30 days. Cancel on 15th January, and you’re paid through 14th February. Some providers allow shorter notice, but 30 days represents the standard.
The beauty of rolling contracts? No early exit fees exist because you’re never “exiting early.” You’re simply choosing not to renew next month. Compare this to 24-month contracts where leaving at month 12 costs you 12 months of remaining fees – potentially £200-£400 depending on your package.
Auto-renewal each month means you don’t need to actively renew. Your direct debit processes automatically, and service continues uninterrupted until you actively cancel.
How 12-Month Contracts Work
Twelve-month contracts hit the sweet spot between flexibility and cost. Monthly rates typically run lower than rolling contracts while avoiding the two-year commitment most major providers now demand.
Cancellation during the 12 months triggers early exit fees, usually calculated as remaining months multiplied by monthly cost. Leave at month 6 on a £30 monthly package, and you owe £180.
However, once those 12 months expire, you’re free. No further commitment, no penalty for leaving, and you can switch providers or renegotiate immediately.
The flexibility advantage shows clearly for students whose academic year runs September through June. A 12-month contract signed in September expires the following August, perfectly aligned with university timelines and avoiding out-of-contract price jumps during summer breaks.
Pros and Cons of No Contract Broadband
The Advantages:
Freedom dominates. Cancel anytime without £300 exit fees hanging over your head. If you hate the service, customer support frustrates you, or speeds disappoint – just leave. Many households waste months tolerating poor service because exit fees make switching too expensive.
Testing providers risk-free lets you sample customer service, actual speeds, and reliability before committing long-term. Sign up for one month, see if they deliver what they promise, then either commit longer or switch to someone better.
Uncertain timelines become manageable. When you don’t know if you’ll be in your current home six months from now, rolling contracts remove the commitment anxiety. You’re not trapped paying for service you can’t use.
No mid-contract price rise concerns simplify budgeting. While providers can technically increase rolling contract prices, they must give notice, and you can cancel if unhappy. Traditional contracts lock you in when prices jump every April.
The Disadvantages:
Higher monthly costs represent the most obvious drawback. Expect to pay £25-40 monthly for speeds that cost £18-25 on 24-month contracts. Over a year, that extra £7-15 monthly adds £84-180 to your costs.
Setup fees sting. WHERE NOW broadband charges £60 for rolling contracts versus lower fees for longer commitments, Virgin Media adds £35 setup plus £45 rolling contract fee. These upfront costs add £60-80 before you even receive your first bill.
Fewer promotional offers means missing cashback, reward cards, or bill credits. Long-term contracts sweeten deals with £100-150 rewards that rolling contracts never match.
Limited provider choice frustrates. Not every provider offers rolling contracts. Your options narrow significantly compared to 24-month shoppers.
Pros and Cons of 12-Month Contracts
The Advantages:
Better value than rolling contracts without 24-month commitment. Monthly costs typically run £20-35, splitting the difference between rolling and long-term pricing.
More providers offer 12-month options than rolling contracts, expanding your choice without forcing 24-month commitments.
Fewer or no mid-contract price rises benefit 12-month customers. Because providers implement annual April increases, a 12-month contract signed in October might experience just one increase versus two increases across 24 months.
Academic year alignment makes 12-month contracts perfect for students and university accommodation, avoiding summer complications.
The Disadvantages:
Higher costs than 24-month deals remain unavoidable. That £30 monthly package on 24 months might cost £33-35 on 12 months – an extra £36-60 annually.
Early exit fees still apply. Unlike rolling contracts where cancellation costs nothing, leaving a 12-month deal at month 6 triggers penalties.
Fewer providers offer 12-month contracts than 24-month options. While more common than rolling, 12-month deals require more searching than standard offerings.
Setup fees may apply depending on provider and promotional periods.
No Contract Broadband Providers in 2025
Community Fibre dominates London with rolling contracts offering symmetrical speeds and genuinely low pricing. Full fibre options start around £18-20 monthly with coverage remains London-focused, but if you’re in their area, Community Fibre delivers exceptional value even on rolling terms.
Hyperoptic offers flexible contracts in urban areas and apartment buildings. One-month, 12-month, and 24-month options let you choose commitment level. Symmetrical gigabit speeds and competitive pricing make Hyperoptic attractive where available. Coverage concentrates on London and major cities.
Virgin Media technically offers rolling contracts, but their pricing makes them almost impossible to recommend. Rolling contract costs dwarf equivalent speeds on 24-month deals, and Virgin charges both £35 setup and £45 rolling contract fees upfront. Unless you absolutely cannot commit and no alternative exists, avoid Virgin Media rolling contracts.
toob now operates well beyond Hampshire, using its own network and a CityFibre partnership to reach dozens of towns and cities. It offers full fibre with 900Mbps download and upload speeds, available on either an 18-month plan at £25 per month or a 1-month rolling plan at £37 per month.
Alternative network providers increasingly offer flexible options as they compete for customers. Check whether smaller regional altnets in your area provide rolling contracts – many do.
12-Month Contract Providers in 2025
BT offers 12-month contracts, though finding them requires effort. BT buries 12-month options deep in their website rather than promoting them prominently. BT also offers 9-month student packages requiring ac.uk email verification. These student deals align perfectly with academic years.
Rebel Internet specialises in flexible broadband, offering 12-month contracts with national coverage through Openreach infrastructure. Pricing competes reasonably, and customer service generally satisfies.
Community Fibre offers both rolling and 12-month options in London with fixed pricing that doesn’t increase mid-contract. Their 12-month packages deliver outstanding value for London residents.
Hyperoptic provides 12-month contracts alongside rolling and 24-month options. Symmetrical speeds, urban availability, and transparent pricing make them attractive.
Virgin Media Student Broadband requires ac.uk email addresses and delivers 12-month commitments suitable for academic years. Pricing runs more competitively than Virgin’s rolling contracts but still costs more than alternatives.
BeFibre, 4th Utility, Highland Broadband operate in limited areas but offer 12-month options where they have coverage.
Plusnet offers 12-month contracts, though you must contact them directly as these options don’t appear readily online.
Speeds and Technology
Rolling and short contracts don’t limit which speeds or technologies you access. ADSL, FTTC fibre, and full fibre all exist across flexible contract lengths.
ADSL delivers 10-30Mbps through phone lines. While slow by modern standards, ADSL reaches virtually everywhere. NOW Broadband offers ADSL on rolling contracts for homes still awaiting fibre rollout.
FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) provides 30-70Mbps by combining fibre optic cables to street cabinets with copper lines for the final stretch to homes. This technology covers 97% of UK premises and appears across rolling and short contracts.
Full Fibre (FTTP) delivers 100Mbps to 1Gbps+ through dedicated fibre lines directly to properties. Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, and Cuckoo all offer full fibre on flexible contracts. Availability keeps expanding but still concentrates in urban areas.
Symmetrical speeds (where uploads match downloads) appear primarily with full fibre providers like Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, and Cuckoo. Traditional FTTC connections offer asymmetrical speeds – 67Mbps downloads with just 10-20Mbps uploads.
Which speeds you need depends on household size and usage. One or two people browsing and streaming manage fine with 30-50Mbps. Families with 3-5 people gaming, streaming 4K, and video conferencing need 67-100Mbps. Large households or power users benefit from 150Mbps+.
Setup Costs and Hidden Fees
Rolling contracts typically charge £30-65 setup fees while twelve-month contracts often waive or reduce setup fees during promotional periods.
Router costs usually include in package pricing, though quality varies dramatically. NOW’s router performs adequately but lacks WiFi 6. Cuckoo includes the eero Pro 6E worth around £250, making their package exceptional value.
Delivery charges add £5-15 for posting routers and installation kits. Most providers include delivery, but some itemize it separately.
Credit check requirements vary. NOW Broadband famously doesn’t run credit checks, making it accessible for customers with poor credit history. Most providers conduct standard credit checks that may result in requiring upfront payment if credit scores concern them.
Monthly Pricing: What to Expect
Rolling contract costs typically span £25-40 monthly depending on speeds. Expect to pay £25-30 for 67Mbps FTTC, £30-35 for 100-150Mbps full fibre, and £35-40 for 300Mbps+ packages.
Twelve-month contract costs run £20-35 monthly. The £3-10 monthly savings compared to rolling adds up – £36-120 saved annually.
Twenty-four-month contracts for comparison typically cost £18-30 monthly, representing the absolute cheapest monthly rates but requiring two-year commitment.
When flexibility justifies higher costs depends on your situation. If you’re certain you’ll be in your home 18+ months, 24-month contracts save the most money. If uncertainty exists about staying six months or you’re testing providers, paying £7 extra monthly for rolling contracts costs £42 over six months – far less than a £200 early exit fee.
Social Tariffs
Social tariffs available on rolling contracts deliver exceptional value for eligible customers. NOW offers Broadband Basics at around £20 monthly for customers receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit – a no-contract package with no activation or delivery fees.
Eligibility requirements typically include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Income Support. Some providers extend eligibility to Personal Independence Payment recipients.
Savings reach up to 44% compared to standard pricing, making social tariffs easily the best value for qualifying households. Speeds typically provide 30-67Mbps – sufficient for typical household needs including HD streaming and video calls.
Social tariffs don’t include mid-contract price rises, providing budget certainty that standard contracts can’t match. This price protection particularly benefits households managing tight finances where surprise increases create real hardship.
Student Broadband
Virgin Media Student Broadband is available with 12-month contracts requiring ac.uk email verification. Packages deliver competitive speeds suitable for student accommodation, though pricing runs higher than alternatives.
BT’s 9-month student deals specifically address academic year timelines. These packages start in September and expire in May/June, avoiding summer break complications when students vacate accommodation.
House-sharing cost-splitting makes flexible contracts particularly valuable for students. When five housemates contribute to broadband costs, individual contributions stay affordable even at premium rolling contract rates.
What happens during summer break depends on contract terms. Nine-month contracts expire before summer, eliminating wasted payments. Twelve-month contracts continue charging through summer unless you cancel with notice – potentially wasting three months of payments for empty accommodation.
Mobile Broadband
Mobile broadband delivers internet through 4G or 5G rather than fixed lines. For ultimate flexibility, mobile broadband can’t be beaten – no installation, no engineer visits, and genuine portability.
Vodafone GigaCube offers 4G home broadband with pay-as-you-go and contract options. Pay as You Go Plus lets you add credit monthly without long-term commitment. Speeds vary dramatically based on local signal strength – anywhere from 10-100Mbps typically.
Three mobile broadband provides 4G and 5G home broadband options. Their 5G coverage delivers impressive speeds where available, sometimes exceeding 200Mbps.
USB dongles plug into laptops for portable internet. These work brilliantly for light usage – browsing, emails, occasional streaming – but data allowances and speeds suit mobile use better than home broadband replacement.
Tethering from smartphones costs nothing extra if your mobile plan includes decent data. Modern phones handle tethering easily, though heavy usage drains battery and data allowances quickly.
Mobile broadband makes sense when fixed-line options don’t exist, you need truly portable internet, or your usage stays relatively light. For heavy streaming, gaming, or working from home with video calls, fixed-line broadband delivers better value and reliability.
Coverage and Availability
Checking your postcode reveals which providers and speeds reach your address. Never assume availability – even within areas providers serve, coverage varies street by street.
Urban areas enjoy the widest choice. Multiple full fibre networks, traditional FTTC options, and cable from Virgin Media mean city residents can choose between numerous rolling and short contract providers.
Rural availability narrows dramatically. Alternative networks like Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, and Cuckoo rarely reach countryside locations. Rural residents often find only NOW Broadband and traditional Openreach-based providers offering flexible contracts.
National providers using Openreach infrastructure (NOW, BT, Sky) reach more than 98% of UK premises with at least basic fibre. Full fibre availability has grown to around 80% of homes as of 2025.
Alternative network providers expand coverage constantly but remain geographically limited. Community Fibre serves over a million London homes. Hyperoptic focuses on major cities and apartment buildings. Cuckoo uses CityFibre infrastructure, available where that network operates.
Mid-Contract Price Rises
Traditional 18-24 month contracts implement annual April price increases. Providers add £3-4 monthly, meaning your £25 introductory rate becomes £28-29 by year two.
Twelve-month contracts signed in October often experience just one April increase before contract expiry, versus two increases across 24 months. This limits price rise impact significantly.
Rolling contracts technically can increase prices, but providers must give notice. Because you can cancel anytime, price increases on rolling contracts trigger more cancellations, creating natural restraint. Many rolling contract customers report stable pricing throughout their time with providers.
New Ofcom rules from January 2025 require providers to disclose exact price increases in pounds upfront. Vague “CPI plus 3.9%” clauses no longer fly – providers must state “Your bill will increase by £3.50 on 1 April 2026.”
Switching and Cancellation
Cancelling no-contract broadband requires 30 days’ notice in most cases. Contact your provider, state you’re cancelling, and note your cancellation date. Service continues through your notice period, then stops.
One Touch Switch launched in 2024, simplifying provider changes. Your new provider handles cancelling your old service automatically when you switch. No coordination headaches, no service gaps, and no accidentally paying two providers simultaneously.
Equipment return depends on provider terms. Some require router returns, others let you keep equipment. Read your contract carefully – failing to return required equipment triggers charges.
Service gaps during switching typically don’t occur with One Touch Switch. Your new service activates the day your old service cancels, maintaining uninterrupted connectivity. Self-coordinating switches risks gaps if timing misaligns.
No Contract vs 12-Month vs 24-Month: Which to Choose?
Choose rolling contracts when:
- Your living situation might change within 6-12 months
- You’re testing a provider before committing longer
- You absolutely cannot tolerate being locked into contracts
- You’re in temporary accommodation
- The extra monthly cost (£5-15) doesn’t strain your budget
Choose 12-month contracts when:
- You’ll definitely stay your current location at least a year
- You want better value than rolling without 24-month commitment
- You’re a student matching academic year timelines
- Your rental lease runs 12 months
- You want some flexibility without maximum cost
Choose 24-month contracts when:
- You’re settled long-term in your property
- You prioritize lowest monthly cost
- You’re confident in your provider choice
- You want cashback and promotional perks
- Commitment doesn’t concern you
Cost calculations matter. Rolling contracts costing £32 monthly versus 24-month at £25 monthly means paying £84 extra annually for flexibility. If you stay two years, that’s £168 extra. But if you need to leave at month 12, the 24-month contract’s £300 exit fee dwarfs the extra rolling contract cost.
Tips for Getting Best Value
Check multiple providers at your specific postcode. Availability and pricing vary dramatically even between neighbouring streets.
Calculate effective monthly cost including setup fees. A £25 monthly package with £60 setup costs £30 monthly over your first year when averaged. Compare this against a £28 package with zero setup for accurate value assessment.
Consider alternative network providers seriously. Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, and Cuckoo often beat mainstream providers on price, speeds, and customer service while offering flexible contracts.
Look for free setup promotions. Many providers waive activation fees during promotional periods. Timing your signup around these promotions saves £40-60.
Check student discounts if eligible. Student-specific packages from BT and Virgin Media deliver better value than standard contracts, and academic email addresses unlock these deals.
Evaluate upload speeds if you need them. Content creators, photographers, and households with multiple video call users benefit massively from symmetrical connections. Paying slightly more for Hyperoptic or Community Fibre’s symmetrical 300Mbps often beats “cheaper” FTTC with 10Mbps uploads.
Test providers with rolling contracts before committing. Spending one month at £32 to verify a provider delivers good service beats signing 24 months with someone whose customer support disappoints.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring setup fees skews cost comparisons. That “cheap” £25 monthly package with £60 setup might cost more over six months than a £28 package with zero setup.
Assuming all “no contract” means identical terms trips people up. Virgin Media’s rolling contracts cost dramatically more than Community Fibre’s rolling contracts despite both being “no contract.”
Paying for speeds you don’t need wastes money. If your household manages perfectly on 67Mbps, don’t pay premiums for 300Mbps or 1Gbps packages.
Not checking coverage properly leads to disappointment. Providers might serve your postcode area without reaching your specific address. Always verify exact address coverage, not just postcode-level availability.
Forgetting about 30-day notice means paying an extra month unintentionally. If you know you’re leaving in February, cancel by early January to avoid March charges.
Overlooking 12-month contracts as compromise options happens frequently. Everyone focuses on “no contract” versus “24 months” while forgetting 12-month packages split the difference nicely on both flexibility and cost.
FAQ
Is no contract broadband more expensive?
Yes, rolling contracts typically cost £5-15 more monthly than 24-month deals. Setup fees also run higher. However, avoiding early exit fees saves money if you leave within 12-18 months.
Can I get full fibre on a rolling contract?
Absolutely. Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, and Cuckoo all offer full fibre up to 1Gbps on rolling or 12-month contracts.
What’s the shortest broadband contract available?
Thirty-day rolling contracts represent the shortest commitment. Some providers offer these with just one month’s notice to cancel.
Do I pay setup fees every time I switch?
New providers typically charge setup fees when you join. Switching frequently between rolling contract providers means paying setup fees repeatedly – potentially £60-80 each time.
Can I get TV bundles with no contract broadband?
Options exist but remain limited. NOW offers TV streaming memberships on rolling terms that pair with their broadband. Most traditional TV bundles require longer contracts.
Are speeds different on rolling contracts?
No, speeds match longer contracts. You get identical performance whether you choose rolling, 12-month, or 24-month terms – only pricing and commitment differ.
What if I need to cancel before 30 days?
Standard terms require 30 days’ notice. Cancelling immediately usually means paying through your notice period even if you don’t use service. Some providers offer shorter notice or immediate cancellation for moves, but expect to pay your notice period regardless.
