Short term 'fibre' broadband?

[man]

I was wondering if anyone could suggest any ISPs offering a good deal on fibre to the cabinet (or faster) short term (e.g. 6 month) broadband contracts (and/or a longer contract with good cancellation terms rather than a massive fee) . Last time I looked the only reasonable deal around was for 12months+.

Reason I'm interested is that my current gig may not last long due to the imminent IR35 changes and I'm expecting to need to move - and there's no guarantee I'll need or want to move the broadband with me.

[ladymuck]

I'm not entirely sure such a thing exists. You may have to look at a 3G/4G dongle, depending on what it is you're doing that requires you to have such high bandwidth.

[Hobosapien]

A ploy I stumbled across, which may or may not still be possible or consistent across providers, is if moving and your current provider can't provide a similar service at the new address they have to offer you a free cancellation of any outstanding contract.

So go with a local provider that doesn't offer a comprehensive service elsewhere.

The simplest solution has already been suggested, use a 3g/4g/5g (BT apparently rolling this out now in twenty odd cities) dongle then you can do PAYG or take it with you without hassle providing there's a decent signal.

Most providers seem to be offering longer contract minimum terms rather than shorter, though there probably will be shorter options but at increased cost, so you may not save that much if you do keep the service than paying a cancellation fee if you need to cut a cheaper service short. Check out what is on offer via SamKnows or other broadband availability checkers and do some maths for each possible scenario.

[BoredBloke]

Direct Save Telecom do and I think Now tv do a 1 month rolling contract but not 100% sure. If you live in a building that uses hyperoptic fttp then I know they do because I used it a few years ago

[sal]

Direct Save Telecom do and I think Now tv do a 1 month rolling contract but not 100% sure. If you live in a building that uses hyperoptic fttp then I know they do because I used it a few years ago

Even if they don't Hyper optic let you "off the hook" for free if your new home is not covered by them (or at least they did 3-4 years ago).

Your best bet is mobile broadband PAYG. The dongle will be an investment if you are contracting away from home often. Some providers ignore streaming video from the allowance so even 20GB/m should be enough unless you are downloading stuff like crazy.

[GigiBronz]

Smarty 1m contract, £18.75.
Huawei B525 + Poynting XPOL-01.
Last two might be a bit expensive though...

[SimonMac]

I've just taken out this offer from EE

Netgear Nighthawk M2 | Business Mobile Broadband | EE Business

£25 a month for 50gb and a bullet proof mobile router

[CheeseSlice]

Even if they don't Hyper optic let you "off the hook" for free if your new home is not covered by them (or at least they did 3-4 years ago).

They what?

I use them. If your area/building is connected they'll let you pay month by month for a small amount more than on 12 month contracts. Its targeted at renters.

[sal]

They what?

I use them. If your area/building is connected they'll let you pay month by month for a small amount more than on 12 month contracts. Its targeted at renters.

I don't know how it is today, back when I used them I had to sign a 12m contract. About 6 months into it I had to move, Hyperoptic allowed me to break out of the contract early not having to pay any penalties (let me off the hook) on account that they couldn't offer their service in my new home.

I've just taken out this offer from EE

Netgear Nighthawk M2 | Business Mobile Broadband | EE Business

£25 a month for 50gb and a bullet proof mobile router

This one has special offer for 24m contract - £14/m £75 upfront for 50GB, which is a steal for mobile BB

[SimonMac]

I don't know how it is today, back when I used them I had to sign a 12m contract. About 6 months into it I had to move, Hyperoptic allowed me to break out of the contract early not having to pay any penalties (let me off the hook) on account that they couldn't offer their service in my new home.



This one has special offer for 24m contract - £14/m £75 upfront for 50GB, which is a steal for mobile BB

Looks like they have changed the device from the M1 to the M2 which is a 5G router, bargain of a deal