How we work out the 9-month cost

Rolling monthly deals usually have a higher set-up fee, and some 9-month deals have offers that change the price partway through. Adding everything up over the same 9 months is the only fair way to compare them.

The sum

9-month cost = the monthly price for each of the 9 months + every one-off charge

What we include

The monthly price for 9 months. For a 1-month rolling deal, that's 9 × the monthly price. For a 9-month contract, it's the 9 monthly payments.
Offers and price changes. If a deal is cheaper for the first few months, we use the real price for each month. We assume a start in September. If a provider has announced a price rise during the 9 months, such as on 1 April, we include it for the months it applies to.
Every one-off charge. That means installation, set-up or activation fees, router charges and delivery. It also includes any extra fee for choosing a short or no-contract term instead of a long contract.
Compulsory extras. If a deal requires something else you'd have to pay for, such as line rental, we add it.

What we don't include

Refundable deposits. If a provider takes a deposit and gives it back at the end, we mention it but don't add it to the total.
Charges you can avoid. For example, fees for not returning a router at the end. We tell you about them in the deal's details so you can avoid them.
Optional extras such as a phone line, TV, faster speeds or wifi boosters that you don't need.

Things to bear in mind

Prices include VAT and are for home (residential) broadband.
Notice periods. Rolling deals usually need 30 days' notice. To pay for 9 months only, give notice at the start of your 8th month.
Speeds are the average speeds providers advertise. The speed you get depends on your address and your wifi.
Prices change. We show the date we checked each deal. Always check the price and conditions on the provider's website before you order.
We only list 1-month rolling and 9-month deals. Nothing on this site ties you in for longer than 9 months.