Switching broadband? Don’t just compare the monthly price. Check what it costs to get connected, too.
When you’re on the hunt for a new broadband provider, it’s easy to focus on the headline price. £25 a month sounds better than £35 a month, right?
Not necessarily.
Broadband deals can come with:
- One-off activation costs
- Set-up fees
- Installation charges
And these are not included in the monthly price.
Once you’ve added these costs, and any annual in-contract price rises, the deal you thought was cheaper might not be better value after all.
That’s why it’s worth checking the total cost of your broadband deal, including getting connected.
What are broadband activation and installation fees?
An activation or set-up fee is a one-off charge some broadband providers apply when you start a new service.
Depending on the provider, and the type of broadband you’re ordering, this can cover things like activating your line, arranging your connection or getting an engineer involved.
How much does broadband installation cost?
There isn’t one standard broadband installation cost. This can depend on the provider and the broadband technology they are providing.
It pays to look beyond the monthly price when comparing broadband deals.
While some providers charge activation or set-up fees, others don’t. At Grain, we include your activation and set-up as part of your package – and provide standard installations free of charge.
| Provider | Activation or set-up cost |
| EE | £30 |
| BT | £30 |
| Plusnet | £20 |
| Grain | £0 |
*Comparisons correct as of 12/08/2026.
These are one-off costs, rather than something you pay every month. But they still add to the overall cost of switching.
Grain makes getting connected simple
At Grain, we don’t think getting better broadband should come with a surprise bill before you’ve even started using it.
- Standard installations are free
- Routers are included
- Expert set-ups are included
- And, we don’t charge up-front costs
Don’t compare broadband on monthly price alone
A broadband deal isn’t just its monthly price.
When comparing providers, check:
- Monthly broadband price
- One-off activation or set-up fees
- Installation costs
- Router costs
- Annual in-contract price rises
- The speed and technology you’re getting
This gives you a much better idea of what you’re really paying for.
With Grain, routers and expert set-ups are already included, alongside your free standard installation and no upfront costs. Plus we never increase your price during your contract, ever.
It’s all part of the deal.
Switching broadband shouldn’t cost extra
Getting connected to better broadband shouldn’t feel like an additional purchase.
Check your postcode to find a no-faff deal in your area.