UK Guide: Telephone & Internet

When you arrive in a new country, getting connected by telephone, mobile and internet is usually a high priority. See our guide and directory for information about telecom providers, ISPs, tariffs and tips on saving money on international calls from The UK.

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  Mobile phones

  Mobile operators and networks

  The UK has a high mobile phone penetration rate, meaning that they are now an unavoidable part of day-to-day life. There are five main providers in Britain:

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  Mobile plans

  How to choose the right calling plan

  If you decide to get a mobile in the UK, the most obvious question is which company offers the best deal. The different offers are very complex and not always easy to compare. However, there are some basic points you need to consider for choosing the right deal.

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  Getting a phone line

  How to get a fixed line at home

   The main companies that offer fixed-line services and infrastructure are:

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  Calling Cards

  How to save money on international calls

  International calls home can be really expensive. One of the cheapest ways to keep in touch with your family and friends is to use an international prepaid calling card.

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  Choosing

  Choosing a prepaid calling card

  Working out which prepaid international calling card to buy is difficult. There are many cards available; tariffs and conditions are really complicated.

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  How to use

  Using an international phonecard

  Using prepaid calling cards is straightforward once you understand how they work. All you need is the right access number to dial and a PIN number.

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  Internet access in the UK

  What are your options?

  There are lots of ISPs (Internet Service Providers) in the UK market and now most phone companies offer combined packages for telephone calls and mobile internet access. Nowadays, most broadband packages are unlimited, offer a wireless connection and a tech support 24/7.

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  Internet cafés

  Where to go online without a connection at home

  If you don't have access to a computer at home or at work, then Internet cafés are the next best thing. They generally aren't too expensive and can be easily found, especially in city centres.

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