Freeview switch-off / Broadband for Freely
What broadband do I need for Freely?
At least 10Mbps, according to Freely. If you’re on Universal Credit, Pension Credit or similar benefits, broadband social tariffs start at £12.50 a month.
Cheapest: broadband social tariffs
For people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support. All are fast enough for Freely. Not every provider serves every address.
| Provider | Tariff | A month | Average speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Fibre | Essential | £12.50 | 35Mbps |
| Virgin Media | Essential Broadband | £12.50 | 15Mbps |
| Hyperoptic | Fair Fibre 50 | £15 | 50Mbps |
| BT | Home Essentials No Income | £15 | 36Mbps |
| YouFibre | Social Tariff | £15 | 50Mbps |
| Hey!Broadband | Everyday Fibre | £16 | 100Mbps |
| BT | Home Essentials Unlimited 36 | £20 | 36Mbps |
| Sky | Broadband Basics | £20 | 36Mbps |
| Vodafone | Fibre 2 Essentials | £20 | 73Mbps |
| toob | Essentials | £20 | 50Mbps |
From Ofcom: broadband social tariffs (page last updated 7th November 2024). Prices can have changed since; check with the provider before you order.
Not on benefits? Check providers at your address
Deals depend on your address. These open each provider’s own broadband checker. Listed alphabetically.
Check broadband at your address:
- BT (opens BT’s website in a new tab)
- EE (opens EE’s website in a new tab)
- Plusnet (opens Plusnet’s website in a new tab)
- Sky (opens Sky’s website in a new tab)
- TalkTalk (opens TalkTalk’s website in a new tab)
- Virgin Media (opens Virgin Media’s website in a new tab)
- Vodafone (opens Vodafone’s website in a new tab)
Opens the provider’s own site. Some providers pay Tely when you join; that never changes the order or the figures.
Local full fibre networks are often cheaper: who builds where, and their prices.
Questions
- What broadband speed do I need for Freely?
- At least 10Mbps, according to Freely. Faster helps if others in the home stream at the same time.
- What's the cheapest broadband if I'm on benefits?
- Social tariffs. Ofcom's list starts at £12.50 a month (Community Fibre Essential and Virgin Media Essential Broadband), for people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and similar benefits. Availability depends on your address.
- Can I keep my landline number?
- Usually, yes. Most broadband deals include a home phone or can move your number to a digital line; ask the provider when you order.
Checked 6th November 2026. Some provider links may earn Tely a commission; it never changes the order or the figures. How Tely earns.