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Direct Save Telecom: What's on offer?
Direct Save Telecom offers a range of broadband deals available across the UK, using a mix of wholesale networks to deliver coverage in different areas.
Most customers will be served via the Openreach network, which is also used by providers such as BT, Plusnet, Vodafone and Sky. Full fibre services are also available in Hull through MS3 Networks, and in selected areas via Open Fibre Networks and Full Fibre Limited.
Speeds range from around 35Mb on part fibre (FTTC) connections up to 1Gb on full fibre (FTTP), depending on availability.
Customers can add a home phone service with pay-as-you-go calls or choose an anytime call plan alongside their broadband package.
Package options are otherwise relatively simple, with Direct Save Telecom focusing on a straightforward, lower-cost approach rather than bundling extras or add-ons.
Read our full review of Direct Save Telecom.
Availability of Direct Save Telecom
Direct Save Telecom stands out by working across multiple wholesale networks, giving it broader coverage than many smaller providers.
They operate on the following networks:
- Openreach - copper, part fibre (FTTC) and full fibre (FTTP)
- Open Fibre Networks - full fibre (FTTP)
- MS3 Networks - full fibre (FTTP)
- FullFibre Ltd - full fibre (FTTP)
This approach allows Direct Save Telecom to offer nationwide availability via Openreach, alongside full fibre deals in a growing number of regional areas, including Hull.
MS3 Networks, for example, was launched to increase competition in the city of Hull, where KCOM had historically held a monopoly.
Open Fibre Networks (formerly IFNL) has coverage in a range of developments and smaller areas across the UK, while FullFibre Ltd focuses on towns and villages, particularly in the West Midlands.
Use our free postcode tool above to check whether Direct Save Telecom broadband is available in your area.
Direct Save Telecom broadband speeds
Because Direct Save Telecom operates across multiple wholesale networks, available broadband speeds vary depending on location and the infrastructure serving your address.
Most customers will be connected via the Openreach network, where both part fibre (FTTC) and full fibre (FTTP) services are available.
Here are the typical average download and upload speeds for Direct Save Telecom packages on the Openreach network:
| Download speed | Upload speed | |
|---|---|---|
| Superfast Fibre 35Mb | 35Mb | 9Mb |
| Superfast Fibre 63Mb | 63Mb | 18Mb |
| Full Fibre 115/20 | 115Mb | 20Mb |
| Full Fibre 220/30 | 220Mb | 30Mb |
| Full Fibre 550/75 | 550Mb | 75Mb |
| Full Fibre 1000/115 | 1000Mb | 115Mb |
In areas served by alternative full fibre networks such as MS3, Open Fibre Networks and FullFibre Ltd, available speeds may differ. MS3 Networks do offer symmetrical connections, where upload speeds match downloads, providing faster performance for tasks like video calls, cloud backups and large file uploads.
New customer offers
Direct Save Telecom typically offers discounted pricing for new customers during the initial minimum term of a broadband contract.
These introductory prices can reduce costs in the short term, but monthly charges usually increase once the minimum term ends, which is standard across most UK broadband providers.
The latest deals are shown in the comparison table above. Prices and offers are updated regularly, so check the details carefully before signing up.
Key terms of Direct Save Telecom broadband deals
Direct Save Telecom broadband contracts typically have a minimum term of either 12 or 24 months, depending on location. Customers are expected to remain for this period, or early termination charges may apply.
Direct Save Telecom also reserve the right to increase prices annually for in-contract customers by £2 per month each 31 March, so this should be factored into the overall cost.
Broadband packages do not include a home phone service by default. Customers can add a digital voice line for £4 per month, with calls charged at £2.95 per month on a pay-as-you-go basis or £13.95 per month for an anytime call plan.
A wireless router is provided with all broadband deals, though customers may need to pay a £8.95 postage and packaging fee. These costs are reflected in the comparison table above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Direct Save Telecom include a broadband router?
Direct Save Telecom provides a broadband router to customers who need one. The router itself is free, but a £8.95 postage and packaging fee applies, which is charged on the first bill.
Will I get a home phone line with Direct Save Telecom?
Direct Save Telecom broadband deals do not include a home phone line by default. Customers can add a digital voice service for £4 per month.
Calls can be charged on a pay-as-you-go basis for £2.95 per month, or customers can choose an inclusive call plan, including options with 700 minutes or anytime calls, for an additional monthly fee.
Direct Save Telecom also offer a phone line-only option without broadband. Read more in our guide to the cheapest home phone and landline calls.
Does Direct Save Telecom carry out a credit check?
Direct Save Telecom does not typically carry out a credit check for customers signing up to its broadband deals.
Customers are still required to have an active payment method on their account, either via Direct Debit or a recurring card payment.
What is the Loyalty Club offered with Direct Save Telecom?
Direct Save Telecom broadband customers receive access to the Direct Save Online Discount Club, with the first year included at no extra cost.
The provider states the club has a value of £49.95 per year, though customers can renew membership for £12.95 per year from the second year onwards if they choose to continue.
The service offers discounts across a range of categories, including groceries, fuel, insurance, utilities, clothing and home services. However, participating retailers are relatively limited, so it's worth checking whether the available offers are useful before renewing.
How do I switch to Direct Save Telecom broadband?
Switching to Direct Save Telecom is typically straightforward thanks to the One Touch Switch system, which applies across most UK broadband providers and networks.
Under One Touch Switch, customers can move to a new provider by placing an order for a broadband deal. The new provider manages the transfer, including contacting the existing provider and arranging for the current service to be cancelled.
To switch to Direct Save Telecom, choose a deal from the comparison table above and follow the sign-up process online.
Read more about switching broadband in our main guide.
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