First Utility Throws Smart Home Kit in with Energy and Broadband

Energy provider and UK ISP First Utility (Shell) will next week begin bundling a variety of different smart home devices alongside selected energy and home broadband products “at no extra cost.” The offer launches on 15th October running till 19th November for broadband and 22th November for energy tariffs.

The operator will be supplying either the Nest Thermostat E, Nest Cam Indoor or the Google Home Mini, depending upon the service being taken. For example, superfast broadband (FTTC) and phone customers can expect to receive the Google Home Mini smart speaker, which normally sells for around £40 online.

First Utility’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ed Kamm, said: “We’ve sought out the best smart-home technology to help customers enjoy more convenience, energy-efficiency and safety in the way they manage their home. We’re also making it affordable and accessible so everyone can get the benefits. By bundling products with our good value energy and broadband tariffs there are no up-front costs and we’ll cover installation where it’s needed.”

Broadband customers will of course also receive unlimited usage, a free wireless router, phone line rental (standard call charges), free connection + delivery, an 18 month contract term and UK based support. First Utility also says, “Unlike other providers, at the end of the minimum period we’ll not increase your monthly charge.”

Apparently the new offer is “available to new and existing customers,” although we assume they mean upgrading / re-contracting customers for the latter.