Getting Online: A Guide for Everyone
How to get internet access at home, manage costs, and find alternatives if traditional broadband isn't an option.
Why get online?
Being online opens up a world of opportunities: apply for jobs, manage benefits like Universal Credit, book GP appointments, shop around for better deals, video call family and friends, and learn new skills. It's now considered an essential service — like water and electricity.
📡 How to Get Internet at Home
Step 1: Check what's available at your address
Use a broadband checker like Broadband.co.uk or Uswitch.com to see which providers serve your area. Enter your postcode to compare options.
Step 2: Compare prices and deals
Standard broadband starts around £20–£30/month. If you receive benefits, check if you qualify for a social tariff (from £12/month). See our Social Tariff page for details.
Step 3: Contact a provider
Once you've chosen, call or sign up online. They'll send you a router and set up your connection. Some offer no-setup-fee deals.
Step 4: Set up your router
Plug the router into your phone line or wall socket. Connect your devices using WiFi or a cable. Follow the instructions included with your router.
Sharing Internet from Your Phone (Tethering / Hotspot)
If you don't have broadband at home, you can share your phone's internet with other devices (like a laptop or tablet). This is called "tethering" or creating a "personal hotspot".
📱 iPhone (iOS):
- 1. Settings → Personal Hotspot
- 2. Turn on "Allow Others to Join"
- 3. Set a WiFi password
- 4. On your other device, find your iPhone in WiFi settings and connect
🤖 Android:
- 1. Settings → Network & Internet
- 2. Tap "Hotspot & Tethering" or "Portable Hotspot"
- 3. Turn on "Portable WiFi Hotspot"
- 4. Set a password, then connect from your other device
Important: Tethering uses your phone's data allowance. Check your mobile data plan — if you have unlimited data, tethering is great. If you have a limited plan, be careful not to use it all up. Video streaming uses a lot of data.
On Benefits? Check Social Tariffs
If you receive Universal Credit or other benefits, you could get broadband from just £12/month with no setup fees.
View Social Tariffs →💸 Cost Challenges & Solutions
Broadband too expensive
- Ask about social tariffs (from £12/month)
- Use PAYG mobile data for light browsing
- Visit your local library for free WiFi
- Check if your community has a free WiFi scheme
No landline / can't get broadband
- Use mobile data (4G/5G) instead
- Share a neighbour's WiFi (with permission)
- Use a mobile hotspot / tethering
- Visit community centres with free WiFi
No computer or tablet
- Use your smartphone for basic tasks
- Visit your local library (free computers)
- Ask about device loan schemes at your council
- Look for refurbished devices from charities
Poor signal at home
- Ask your provider about a signal booster
- Try a different network SIM card
- Position your router near a window
- Use WiFi calling on your phone
Free Internet Access in Your Community
📚 Public Libraries
Free computers and WiFi at every UK public library. Just bring your library card (free to join).
🏛️ Community Centres
Many community centres and village halls offer free WiFi and computer access.
☕ Cafés & Restaurants
Most cafés, pubs, and fast-food chains offer free WiFi for customers.
🛒 Supermarkets & Shopping Centres
Many large supermarkets and shopping centres provide free WiFi.
💡 Top Tips for Getting Online on a Budget
- • Check social tariffs first — they're the cheapest way to get broadband at home if you're on benefits.
- • Use your phone's hotspot to get internet on a laptop or tablet without paying for separate broadband.
- • Get a library card — it's free and gives you access to computers and WiFi at any library.
- • Compare deals on Uswitch.com or Broadband.co.uk before signing up.
- • Ask about no-contract deals if you're not sure about committing to a long contract.
- • Don't pay for speeds you don't need — 15–30 Mbps is fine for browsing, email, and video calls.