As you begin to compare different broadband deals, you will quickly find that you can obtain these services either as part of a larger package or as a stand-alone product. Known respectively as bundled and unbundled services, there are advantages to each approach. Here are some examples.
Bundling your broadband in a package with other communication services can sometimes allow you to take advantage of price discounts that are not offered with unbundled DSL or cable services. It is not unusual for broadband providers to offer lower pricing on all services when you put your home phone, mobile and broadband into a single package. Compare what you would pay for all three services individually with the total cost of the bundled package and if the savings are significant, this may be your best bet.
However, remember that this bundled rate invariably comes with restrictions. Usually, the provider is likely to require a longer contract period in order to apply the lower rates to each of the services in the bundle. If you are unsure about committing yourself making a long-term contract, your interests may best be served by going with individual services, rather than the bundle.
Stand-alone broadband service is a good solution if you prefer to not have all your communication services with one provider. In times past, this was sometimes a good idea, as provider networks would fail and affect all their product offerings, not just one or two. However, today, most networks are configured to safeguard against this sort of thing occurring. If your broadband is out of order, there is a good chance the cellular and home phone components of your bundled package will be unaffected.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to ask a prospective service provider what happens to the other services if any one of them is out of order for a short time. The response you receive will tell you whether that particular bundled services option meets your needs and if its provider is the one for you.