Broadband, TV and phones

With so much choice available to you, it can be tricky to know where to start. Ofcom-accredited comparison site Cable is a great resource to help you save money throughout the academic year and find the best broadband, TV and phone deals.

Broadband

While you’re on campus, you’ll probably get online using ResNet or our wi-fi network. However, if you’re living off campus, you may want to arrange your own broadband connection.

You should consider a number of issues before signing up for a broadband contract. Some of the most common questions are:

• What download speed do you need?
• What broadband is available where you are?
• Are you going to be sharing your connection with other housemates?
• How long a contract do you need?

If you are a light internet user and don’t plan on streaming HD video content, downloading or uploading large files or playing online games, then an ADSL broadband connection should be sufficient. If you’re staying near our campus, you’ll find that broadband speeds of up to 7Mbps are available.

Should you want to do more content-heavy internet browsing or are going to be sharing your bandwidth with other users, consider a fibre broadband connection. Speeds of up to 76Mbps are available in most residential areas around the campus.

You can find out exactly what broadband options are open to you on Ofcom accredited availability checker.

An increasing number of broadband providers offer student deals, which deliver an internet connection from early October to late June – designed to last for one academic year. The advantage of such offers is that you’re only paying for broadband for nine months rather than the traditional 12 or 18 months. This is particularly useful if you’re planning on going home during the summer. If you are going to stay on in your student accommodation throughout the summer and into the new academic year, however, then a longer contract would be more suitable.

TV

In the UK a TV licence is required by anyone who owns a device on which they watch television as it is broadcast and this includes watching on a computer, mobile phone or tablet.

You could be fined if you do not have a licence. A licence is not required if you’re only watching catch-up TV online (apart from BBC iPlayer which requires a licence).

Information on paying your TV licence can be found on the TV Licencing website.

It’s possible to save money on your TV package if you combine it with broadband, a landline phone or both from the same provider. The advantages are that you only have one company to contact if anything goes wrong with your TV, broadband or calls and just one combined bill to pay. The main disadvantage is that if there is a problem with one aspect of your bundled services, it can mean you’ll find problems with the others too.

You can compare the TV packages available on the Cable website.

Landline and mobile phone

Phoning overseas can be expensive, especially if you’re using a mobile phone or mobile contract you’ve brought with you from home. Fortunately, there are cheaper options.

Bolt-ons 

Most landline providers offer bolt-on international call packages which can help cut the cost of calling countries outside of the UK. Similarly, the majority of UK mobile phone networks also offer international call plans with reduced rates for overseas calls.

UK SIM card 

If you are an international student and want to continue using a mobile phone you’ve brought with you into the country, we’d suggest putting a SIM from a UK network into it. Most mobile phones are initially network locked so won’t work with a SIM from another provider, but can be unlocked – often for a small fee.

SIM card from a specialist in international calls

Lebara Mobile, for example, offers SIM-only pay as you go deals with free inclusive minutes to the country of your choice when you top up. The nearest stockist of Lebara SIMs to the University is Southwold News and Wine, 113 Southway, Guildford GU2 8DQ. Alternatively you can go to Woodbridge Hill Post Office or Phones4U in the Friary Centre or 115 High Street, Guildford. 

Know your rights

Industry regulator Ofcom has ruled that you can leave without having to pay any early cancellation fees if your provider increases your bill at any point during the contract. This applies even if you still have time left on the minimum term you committed to.

If you find that there are problems with either your broadband, TV or phone provider, your first step should be to officially complain to that company – either in writing or via email.

If this first step doesn’t resolve the issue, you can contact the Communications and Internet Service Adjudication Scheme (CISAS) and Ombudsman Services. They are two independent organisations which will listen to your complaints and try to help you resolve them.

You are also protected under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. If you can prove you aren’t getting what you’re paying for, you can seek compensation or a refund from your provider.

By arranging a broadband, TV or phone contract online over the telephone, your transaction is protected by the Distance Selling Regulations. Under these guidelines, you’re given a seven-day cancellation or ‘cooling-off’ period, during which you can change your mind without penalty.

Local consumer advice

Guildford's Citizens Advice Bureau is available to offer free advice on consumer issues. 

You can also visit MySurrey Hive on campus to speak to one of our advisers.