Broadband deals for the elderly

[decembersangel]

Hi Peeps, 👋

I'm sure this has been asked many times but I will ask again  😁

My parents are currently with Sky and have been for some time now. They are on a BB (FTTC) and phone (evening and weekend calls) package and it's costing them £60/mth and that is only because my Mum rang them to see if they could offer a better £ than the ~£70/mth they were paying previously. She is quite shy so wouldn't push for a better deal than the first one offered by CS like many of us would.
My Dad is 82 and my Mum is 68 and they don't get pension credit because their income is only just above the limit where they would be able to apply for it and so their income is stretched thin.

So, does anyone have suggestions of a similar package that would be suitable for them but a hell of a lot cheaper?

They don't use the internet that often and use their mobiles for the majority of calls so the £ they are currently paying seems excessive to say the least for such a basic package!

I have done a 'Comparison' search to look what is out there but the deals shown are for FTTP packages (even when FTTC is selected) and they live in a village that doesn't allow fibre to be laid and so they have to stay on FTTC.

I would love to be able to reduce this cost for them and to ease their money worries.

Surely being able to be connected to the internet REALLY shouldn't cost this much!

All suggestions would be greatly appreciated! 👍

  Ta kindly x

[Manatarms84]

If they are not on pension credit or some other benefits there is no special deal for the elderly.  I reckon you could get a better deal that what they have.  I would call BT and see what offers they have.  Hope you get something suitable for them

[iniltous]

There is no ‘list’ price difference between FTTP and FTTC but it’s only speeds above 80Mb that FTTP can offer.

You need to work out if a phone  service is needed at all , and if it is , how many calls are made , if it’s mainly incoming calls the landline is for , and only the occasional outgoing call (mobiles used for most outgoing calls  ) then broadband and PAYG calls is probably the appropriate deal , that is currently around £35.99  for F2 ( upto 80Mb ) , F1 upto 40Mb is currently £5 for 3 months then £36.99 with increases in March next year and March 2027 although the 2027 increase will be the last month of the 24 month deal and will only be partially applied if you renegotiate or move provider.

If you are offered FTTP using their postcode , FTTP must be available, and will be installed as a condition of service with recontracting or changing provider , the postcode determines if FTTC or FTTP is offered on the website 

[decembersangel]

Thanks @Manatarms84 👍

I'll hopefully find something cheaper for them nearer to the end of their contract. 
It's difficult to get them to look for deals as they are at that age where it's easier to stay with a provider and just put up with what they have and accept the £ increases year on year until it gets to an extortionate cost and they start to struggle financially. I just wish that there was a price cap for packages so that those that stay on the same one never have to pay more than a certain £. It just feels like day light robbery when the cost reaches such a high amount and the provider doesn't, at the least, suggest a cheaper similar alternative. Yes, I know that it is up to the customer to ensure they stay on top of it but surely providers also have a responsibility to ensure that they charge fair prices as well.

Ah, that clears up some of the information I have seen online @iniltous , so thank you 😁
That's the thing though, I know for a fact that the village they live in doesn't allow cables to be laid to properties and that is why I was looking for FTTC prices only and was confused that I was being shown FTTP contract costs 🤔.
I think the reason they keep a landline is because it's a security thing for them and they have always had one.

x x

[iniltous]

If FTTP is available then the majority of the work is complete  , the new FTTP network is already at the pole top (if served by telegraph poles ) or in a nearby jointbox in the footpath outside the address if severed underground…..usually the only permission needed after this point is given by the person ordering service and that’s for work on their own premises ( basically going through their garden , even then that’s only in underground service areas with no existing duct ) and that’s obviously not a problem unless it’s a rented property .

If trying to avoid FTTP you do have a very limited choice , basically you need to remain with who you already with on an uncompetitive ‘out if contract’  price , and it’s only short term anyway , there will be a point where you have to take FTTP or not have a ‘landline’ type service .

[brookheather]

Use the BT Broadband checker by address: https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/AddressHome

If it shows WBC FTTP then FTTP is available and will be the only choice for a new BT connection.  You should be able to get Full Fibre 100 with landline for around £38pm currently with a discount for 3 months plus a £50 reward card.

[decembersangel]

Thanks @iniltous  and @brookheather 

Looks like they'll have to stay with Sky then as they live in a rented property and, like I stated, the village/parish they live in doesn't allow the installation of cables to be installed to serve individual properties and that is why the best they can get is FTTC (they looked at the option of FTTP but it has been declined due to this).

I have tried the link to the 'BT Broadband checker by address' but it doesn't recognise the postcode or any part of the address.

Thank you kindly for your help!
It is much appreciated x