Things to consider

Coverage can also be another potential pitfall, with a growing number of promotions using unbundled lines. This is where the ISP has purchased access to install its own hardware in a BT telephone exchange, limiting the product to only those areas where this has occurred. Unsurprisingly it makes more business sense to install the kit in urban locations, often leaving more rural areas and smaller towns uncovered. Always verify that you’re covered via the ISP’s availability checker before making a commitment.

There are a number of smaller points that need to be considered too. For example, do you require e-mail and does the ISP include that in the package? Is the e-mail protected by anti-virus facilities? Do you have the right hardware or does the ISP supply it (free or at cost)? How much do support calls cost and will that impact you etc? Some providers may not include the most essential pieces so as to cut costs, hence you should never assume they’re there – check first and know what you’re buying beforehand.

Conclusion

Overall there is choice and the prospect of a generally cheaper connection will always prove to be an attractive one, enticing interest from far and wide. Consumers should still be wary; many similar packages are popping up all the time and this trend is set to continue. It’s worth remembering that businesses also have a knack for raising their customer numbers only to push prices up later.

For now I’d recommending avoiding Carphone until they’ve cleared the backlog and instead go with one of the growing alternatives or simply wait to see what else comes out. The largest operators are already gearing up to launch quad-play (combined TV, phone, mobile and Internet) packages, which while not necessarily “free” promotions, may ultimately prove better value for money. Remember, the less you pay the less you get, there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

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