How we work out the 9-month cost

Wireless deals often have equipment costs, such as a router or a satellite dish, and rolling monthly plans can have higher set-up fees. Adding everything up over the same 9 months is the only fair way to compare them.

The sum

9-month cost = the monthly price for each of the 9 months + every one-off charge

What we include

The monthly price for 9 months. For a 1-month rolling plan, that's 9 × the monthly price. For a 9-month contract, it's the 9 monthly payments.
Offers and price changes. If a plan is cheaper for the first few months, we use the real price for each month. We assume a start in September. If a provider has announced a price rise during the 9 months, such as on 1 April, we include it for the months it applies to.
Equipment. If you have to buy a router, a satellite kit or an antenna, we add the full price. If you can rent the equipment instead, we list rental as a separate deal so you can compare the two.
Every other one-off charge, such as delivery, activation, installation and any extra fee for a short or no-contract term.

What we don't include

Refundable deposits. If a provider takes a deposit and gives it back at the end, we mention it but don't add it to the total.
Charges you can avoid, such as fees for not returning rented equipment. We tell you about them in the details so you can avoid them.
Resale value. You may be able to sell bought equipment, such as a Starlink kit, when you've finished with it. We don't subtract that, because it isn't guaranteed.
Optional extras such as mesh wifi, mounting kits you don't need, or extra data add-ons.

Things to bear in mind

Prices include VAT and are for home (residential) plans.
Notice periods. Rolling plans usually need 30 days' notice. To pay for 9 months only, give notice at the start of your 8th month.
Speeds for 4G, 5G and satellite vary a lot with signal, time of day and how many people are using the network. We show the typical or advertised speed from the provider.
Prices change. We show the date we checked each deal. Always check the price and conditions on the provider's website before you order.
We only list 1-month rolling and 9-month deals. Nothing on this site ties you in for longer than 9 months.