A good broadband and internet connection enables seamless calling, downloads, web browsing, and streaming, among other activities. Such robust connectivity is essential for most people, but more so for seniors who rely on uninterrupted access to stay connected with loved ones. Several providers recognise this need and offer special internet packages for seniors. But since signing up for a provider is a long-term investment, carefully considering available options is important to choose the best one.

1. Virgin Media
This provider offers internet and broadband packages. Those who just want to use a phone service can opt for Virgin Media’s Talk Protected service. It is meant for those over 65 with limited mobility, speech or language issues, and cognitive, learning, eyesight, or hearing problems. The monthly price of this senior-friendly service is fixed at £17.99, and it includes free calls to UK landlines and mobiles. The company also offers internet services to its senior customers.

• Essential Broadband plan costs £12.50 per month and comes with a speed of 15 Mbps.
• Essential Broadband Plus costs £20 per month and offers an average speed of 54 Mbps.
• Essential Broadband Plus with Stream offers all that Broadband Plus does, along with streaming services that carry a £20 setup fee.

All of these internet packages for seniors come with a 30-day rolling contract. But  seniors need to have benefits like Pension Credit to be eligible for these low-income deals.

2. Jurassic Fibre
This provider specialises in easing the service installation, setup, and operation for seniors. So, it offers free installation and setup,  along with an easy-to-use, minimal interface and a wide range of packages. Jurassic Fibre is also upfront with its costs, with no hidden charges unless one wishes to upgrade the service plans. Additionally, the provider has a community of seniors that one can join to get additional broadband benefits and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. Finally, Jurassic Fibre offers pensioner-friendly broadband plans like a £35 monthly plan offering unlimited data with 30 Mbps upload speed and a 12-month contract.

3. BT
Those who are eligible for Pension Credit can make the most of BT’s senior-friendly internet packages at cheap prices. Apart from this, seniors looking for only landline and calling options can opt for BT basic plans as well. These plans come with a line rental. Additionally, BT offers worthwhile internet packages for seniors.

• BT Home Essentials Unlimited 36Mbps costs around £20 per month. It comes with a 12-month contract and allows unlimited calls within the country.
• BT Home Essentials Unlimited comes with an internet speed of around 67 Mbps and is priced at £23/month. This plan has a 12-month contract and allows unlimited domestic calling.

Another benefit is that both BT plans do not have any early exit fees. Those who want BT services only for calling can choose home phone packages. Apart from this, the company is known to provide bills and service information in senior-friendly formats, including audio CDs and MP3 files for those with hearing issues and Braille formats for those with vision problems. This makes BT an internet provider worth considering for seniors.

4. NOW Broadband
This is another provider offering senior-friendly broadband deals. For instance, its £20 Basics plan comes with access to its Fab Fibre package, which  offers a download speed of 36 Mbps. This deal comes with an additional advantage— access to NOW Calls, which allows customers to pay only for the calls they make. But to be eligible for this package, one needs to be currently receiving at least one senior benefit like the Pension Credit.

5. Sky
While Sky may not have senior-specific discounts, its Basics plan is priced at just £20 per month and comes with an internet speed of 36 Mbps and an 18-month contract. The provider also does not charge exit fees if one plans to leave or switch the service before the contract ends. This is also valid only for Pension Credit recipients or those receiving other senior benefits.

6. Home Unity
Known for its fair pricing and community support, Home Unity has a dedicated telephone number that allows seniors to skip the queue and call the company for technical assistance. The provider offers VOIP Phone lines with good service and complete setup assistance at no extra charges. Its home phone lines are also easy to use, requiring users to plug the phone directly into the router to get started. Seniors can also choose bundle deals and prepaid plans for additional savings. The company goes a step further and donates 5% of its profits to support charities like Dementia UK.

Tips for choosing the best deal

• Those who use email and video calling software should go with a standard broadband connection, as most such packages are unlimited.
• Those who need connectivity for basic online tasks can opt for an entry-level fibre broadband package. On the other hand, those who want streaming services should choose a high-speed plan.
• Customer service is a key factor to consider, along with other parameters. One should choose a broadband provider that responds quickly and prioritises repairs in case of network faults and other issues.
• It is crucial to compare contracts. Usually, longer contract terms, like 18 months, mean one pays less per month but for a longer duration.
• Comparing plans is a key step. Many internet packages come with phone lines, making them comprehensive options. Some come with benefits like free evening and weekend calls. Assessing the benefits can help one choose the best option.