Most broadband contracts last 18 or 24 months, but a 12-month contract can fall right in that sweet spot of length that certain consumers need.
This could be students, people with short-term rentals or leases, or users constantly on the hunt for the best broadband deals.
Though shorter contracts can mean swapping out a higher price for the time of commitment required, there are plenty of benefits that come with these contract lengths. We’re here to help you decide what’s the best 12-month broadband deal for you.
List of 12-month broadband deals
Pros and cons of 12-month broadband deals
If you’re thinking about a 12-month broadband contract, ensuring it suits you and your household is essential. Let’s go over the key pros and cons of this contract length:
What types of 12-month broadband deals can you get?
Fibre broadband
Fibre broadband is typically delivered a part-fibre or full-fibre, and either delivers a “superfast” (around 30Mbps) or “ultrafast” (around 300Mbps) connection, respectively.
- Part-fibre broadband: This hookup brings the “superfast” connection directly from your telephone cabinet to your property via copper wires and fibre cables. Sometimes referred to as FTTC (fibre to the cabinet).
- Full-fibre broadband: This delivers an “ultrafast” connection via fibre cables directly from the Internet Service Provider itself to your home. This is often referred to as FTTP (or fibre to the premises).
These broadband speeds are more than enough to take care of gaming, streaming, or the day-to-day tasks the average user needs for business or browsing online.
ADSL broadband
ADSL broadband, often referred to as standard broadband, is typically a good fit for smaller or single households. With average download speeds of around 10-12 Mbps, ADSL is really only adequate for the online basics – such as checking email, browsing the web, and scrolling through social media feeds. It simply may not cut it for data-intensive tasks like streaming high-definition video or online gaming.
ADSL broadband works well for light internet use, but it's becoming less popular as fibre-optic technology spreads. Over the course of a 12-month contract, ADSL might actually end up costing more than faster fibre plans. This is because fibre-optic services are becoming more competitive and often offer better value. If you're thinking about getting ADSL, make sure to compare it with fibre plans so you know you're getting the best deal for your needs. Consider how much you use the internet and what activities you'll be doing before making your choice.
Mobile broadband
Lastly, you can use mobile providers to access broadband. Typically, this involves hooking up a SIM card or eSIM through your router or hub to tap into the provider’s 3G, 4G, or 5G networks.
Mobile broadband is an excellent option for those looking for flexibility and mobility as well – your router is often portable and there are many short-term options available.
While there are plenty of benefits of mobile broadband it’s also important to consider data limits, speed caps, and signal strength in your specific location that can drag down your experience.
Which providers offer 12-month broadband contracts?
Not every provider offers 12-month contracts, giving flexibility and shorter commitment periods. Specific offerings can vary based on your location and the availability of services in your area.
Vodafone 12-month broadband deals
Vodafone provides Essentials Broadband with a 12-month or 24-month contract. There are no fees for connection and installation and no early termination charges if you need to cancel before the term ends. You also have the option to choose between Superfast, Fibre, and Full Fibre broadband plans.
Virgin Media 12-month broadband deals
In 2024, Virgin Media will provide 12-month broadband deals and 30-day Wi-Fi deals exclusively for students through its website. If you’re a full-time student with accommodation for one year, opting for a 12-month Virgin Media plan is a good choice.
Non-students can contact Virgin Media's sales team for a possible 12-month deal, but success isn't guaranteed since Virgin Media usually provides standard broadband contracts lasting 18 or 24 months. The good thing is that 30-day broadband deals are open to everyone, not just students. These flexible offers allow you to cancel anytime with a 30-day notice, and there are no early disconnection fees.
Plusnet 12-month broadband deals
Plusnet offers Fibre and Full Fibre deals with contract lengths of 12, 18, and 24 months. Additionally, they provide a 30-day rolling contract, allowing you to cancel services anytime with a 14-day notice without incurring an early termination fee. You can find out more in our Plusnet review.
BT and Now 12-month broadband deals
BT and NOW provide the flexibility of a 12-month contract for most of their broadband packages, giving you the option for a shorter commitment than the standard 24-month plan.
What other duration broadband deals are available?
If you’re staying in one place temporarily, like renting on a yearly basis, opting for broadband with a 12-month contract can simplify things. However, it’s important to note that this option can be more expensive. So, what other duration broadband deals are available there?
30 days or no contract
The shortest contract you can get is typically for 30 days, and it’s often referred to as a no-contract option. It takes about 30 days to cancel or change your contract. So, this is the way to go if you’re after a short-term broadband deal.
However, keep in mind that the monthly cost for a 30-day contract is higher compared to longer-term commitments, like the 12-month contracts. So, if you want flexibility, that’s great, just be aware that it might cost you a bit more each month.
18 months
Many broadband contracts run for 18 months, which is standard for many providers like Virgin Media or Plusnet.
Even though it’s a bit longer than other choices, the good news is that the monthly costs for an 18-month contract are typically slightly lower. So, you get a discount for making a longer commitment.
24 months
The longest broadband contracts you’ll usually find are for 24 months, and many providers, such as Vodafone, offer this option as a standard choice. These contracts are ideal for people who are happy to stick with the same provider for a long time, and they come with less administrative hassle since you’re committing to the service for two years.
Because this commitment is even longer, you might notice that some 24-month contracts have lower monthly prices than 18-month contracts. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, providers offer premium services with 24-month contracts, so the prices are often higher than average.
Are 12-month broadband deals right for me?
While most broadband contracts are offered at 18 and 24 months, there are many situations where users might find that a 12-month broadband contract is just right for them.
- Short-term renters: Those renting short-term or on the move might be interested in shorter-term plans to match their tenancy. No one wants to commit to long-term contracts if they’re only going to be living in a space for a year.
- Students: Students living short-term often need shorter-term contracts to meet their living and broadband needs.
- Deal seekers: Once your contract is finished, promotional pricing can disappear and spike higher. That is unless you hop over to a new one.
Overall, long-term contracts offer the best deals and less administrative headache, but you can still find great promotions in that 12-month sweet spot and nab another one once it runs out.
Conclusion
Opting for a 12-month contract gives you fewer options and deals. On the other hand, a 12-month commitment is ideal for those wanting a shorter term or facing uncertain plans. For a short-term contract, consider Vodafone broadband's flexible packages and incredible speeds for a smooth browsing experience.
More broadband deals you may be interested in:
No contract broadband: discover the best no-contract deals
Broadband deals in Liverpool: find the best deals in Liverpool
Broadband deals in Edinburgh: discover the best broadband deals in Edinburgh
Best broadband without landline deals: all the best no-landline broadband options
12-month broadband deals - FAQ
Can you get out of a 12-month broadband contract?
Yes. If you choose to cancel your broadband before the agreed time, there’s usually an exit fee involved. However, most providers, such as Vodafone, let you cancel the contract at any time without incurring an early termination fee with a 30-day notice.
What happens when 12-month broadband deals end?
Once your 12-month broadband deal ends, you’re out of your contract. While the provider will likely bump up your tariffs from their promotional period, you’re no longer bound by a contract to continue using them or incur late exit penalties. You can either renegotiate another contract or search out other broadband deals.
Are 12-month broadband deals good for students?
Getting a 12-month broadband deal is good for students if they plan on staying in student housing for the majority of that time period. If you’re planning on staying the full academic year, there may be some 12-month broadband deals that make it worth your while. Otherwise, there are other short-contract or no-contract broadband deals you can consider.
How much is NOW broadband after 12 months?
The pricing for NOW broadband after 12 months can vary based on your selected package or plan. Broadband providers often have promotional rates for the first 12 months. After this period, the monthly cost may increase.
How do I cancel my broadband without a fee?
You can cancel broadband without a fee by giving 14 or 30 days’ notice, depending on your contract terms. Another option is to contact customer service about your specific situation. It’s important to note that if your contract has ended, you may cancel without facing any fees.
Can I pay for broadband annually?
Certain broadband providers offer customers the option to pay for their entire yearly contract upfront. This upfront payment typically includes line rental costs and is often referred to as Line Rental Saver.