BT Infinity Broadband Deals
BT Infinity buyers guide
In this guide we’ll tell you everything you need to know to decide if BT Infinity is right for you. We’ll explain your options, how to choose the right package and what you need to consider before you buy.
Guide contents:
Why choose BT Infinity?
BT Infinity is super-fast fibre optic broadband from the UK’s most popular home broadband provider. It’s available with speeds up to 160Mbps in some areas, and in many parts of the country that aren’t connected to the cable TV network. All packages come with off-peak calls as standard.
What are my options?
There are currently three different types of Infinity:
- BT Infinity 1 - Up to 39Mbps with 40GB monthly usage allowance
- BT Infinity 2 - Up to 76Mbps with unlimited usage
- BT Infinity 160 – up to 160Mbps with unlimited usage
You can find out if the Infinity network has reached your area with our postcode checker at the top of this page.
Which package is right for me?
The best way to work out which Infinity package is right for you is to compare your options, and to consider:
- How much you want to spend
- What’s available in your area
- How many people you’ll be sharing your connection with
- Your online habits
Cable.co.uk recommends
We think that the basic Infinity package with evening and weekend calls is the best package for most people. It’s the cheapest option, has a fast download speed, and the 40GB monthly usage allowance is big enough to stream up to 50 hours of iPlayer TV, or download 10,000 songs in a month.
Five essential questions before you buy
- Do I live in an area with coverage?
- Can I commit to an 18-month minimum term contract?
- Will I be sharing my connection with anyone?
- Would I benefit from adding anytime calls to my package?
- Would I like to add TV to my package?
What will I need?
- A BT phone line
- A BT Home Hub wireless router
- A BT modem that your engineer will deliver and install
- To sign up for a minimum term contract of 18 months
How do I switch?
If you’re an existing BT broadband customer it’s easy to upgrade, and you can do it all online. You’ll be given the option to upgrade your wireless router with a substantial discount on the usual BT shop price, and there should be little or no disruption.
If you’re not an existing BT broadband customer it may be a bit more involved. First of all you’ll need an active BT line, which BT will now connect free for new customers ordering a broadband package. You’ll receive a free BT Home Hub when you order Infinity but BT will charge you for postage and packing.
Whether you're an existing BT customer or not your installation day will follow the same routine. An engineer will supply and install a fibre optic broadband modem and then set up your router for you. The whole process should only take an hour or so, although if you're having a new phone line installed it may take longer.
MAC codes
By requesting a MAC (Migration Authorisation Code) from your current provider you might be able to make the process of switching run a little more smoothly, and it may help you to avoid any surcharges. Call your current provider to request your MAC code, and make sure you give it to BT within the 30 day time limit.
You can get your MAC code by calling the relevant number from the list below:
- AOL 0844 499 5555
- Be 0808 101 3425
- BT 0800 328 6738
- Eclipse 0845 1224 111
- O2 0800 230 0202
- Orange 0844 873 8586
- Plusnet 0800 432 0200 or 0345 140 0200
- Post office 0845 600 3210
- Primus saver 0800 036 3839
- Sky 08442 411 653
- TalkTalk 0870 444 1820
- Tesco 0845 650 8000
- Virgin Media 0845 454 2222
Usage limits
The standard Infinity package has a monthly usage allowance of 40GB, while Infinity 2 and 160Mb packages are unlimited. If you choose the basic option and go over your download allowance more than once BT is entitled to charge you £5 for each additional 5GB of downloads, or part thereof.
Bills and payments
You can pay your bill by setting up a Monthly Payment Plan where you agree to pay a set amount to BT each month, or by Whole Bill Direct Debit where the payments are automatically taken from your bank account.
You also have the option to phone BT or go online and pay by debit or credit card, or to pay by cash, cheque or bank transfer. BT bills you in advance for its services and charges a processing fee for payments made by any method other than Monthly Payment Plan or Whole Bill Direct Debit. Paying a bill late may lead to an additional charge.
Your contract
All BT fibre optic broadband packages and bundles come on 18 month contracts. There is also a minimum term of 18 months, which is the minimum amount of time that BT expects you to remain with its broadband service. If you try to leave your contract before the end of the first 18 month minimum term you may be charged a fee for each month that remains to run on the agreement.
Making changes
If you want to change the package you’re on you can do so by calling BT or by logging on to the “My BT” section of their website. If you add any services, or make changes to your broadband package, a new contract and a new minimum term will begin.
Line rental
You’ll need to pay BT line rental at £15.45 a month to get their broadband services. You can save money by paying for a whole year’s line rental in advance at the cost of £129 per year.
Inclusive Wi-Fi usage
As an Infinity customer you’ll be able to access the internet at any of the millions of BT Openzone hotspots that can be found in restaurants, shopping centres and other public locations. Your usage will be advertised as “unlimited” but it is restricted by a fair usage policy to 10,000 minutes per month.
Bundles
All infinity broadband packages come with evening and weekend calls as standard. This means that you can make as many calls as you like of an hour or less to UK landlines between 7pm – 7am Monday to Friday and all weekend. If you prefer you have the option to upgrade this to anytime calls, or to add a digital TV package.
BT Home Hub
If you're new to BT you’ll get free BT Home Hub wireless router. If you’re an existing customer switching from standard to fibre optic broadband you’ll have the option to purchase a new Home Hub at a reduced cost. BT charges P&P to all customers for delivery of routers.
Traffic management
BT uses Traffic Management to ensure a consistent level of service for all broadband customers. Traffic Management activities result in some non-time critical activities such as P2P file sharing being slowed down at peak times.
Availability
You can find out if Infinity broadband is available where you live with the postcode checker at the top of this page. If the checker tells you that you can’t yet get Infinity you may like to sign up for our availability alerts so we can email you once the Infinity network reaches your neighbourhood.