How to get broadband without a landline
Are you looking to get broadband without a phone line in your home? Here’s how to access the internet with mobile, satellite or fibre broadband.
Do you need a phone line to get broadband?
No, while some types of broadband like part fibre or ADSL use your phone line to deliver broadband, there are alternatives if you don’t have one.
If you don’t want a landline, or can’t have one, there are other types of broadband connection available in Ireland, such as:
Who offers broadband without a phone line?
Mobile broadband
If you don’t need a landline or are without a phone line, another alternative is to opt for a mobile broadband plan.
- The technology that provides mobile broadband is the same as your mobile phone, so many mobile networks offer mobile broadband via mobile dongles and 4G SIMs.
- Mobile broadband can be useful, especially if you need to access the internet on the move, but you’ll need to be sure that the coverage is decent, in order to get a reliable internet connection.
Bear in mind that if your mobile phone signal is bad where you live, you’re likely to get a poor mobile broadband signal, too.
Fibre broadband
Full fibre broadband, also known as Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH), is delivered to your door using fibre-optic cables. Unlike part fibre, also known as Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC), it doesn’t need a landline.
If you live in a rural area, some fibre and faster broadband packages may not be available. You can find out what’s available in your area with our quick and easy broadband checker.
Satellite broadband
If you can’t get fibre broadband where you live, and your mobile coverage isn’t good, you could opt for satellite broadband.
Although speeds through satellite broadband are generally slower, it’s useful because it’s available anywhere in Ireland, including rural areas, and doesn’t depend on cables or telephone lines.
The main provider of satellite broadband in Ireland is Konnect.
Is it worth getting a landline installed?
Here are a few reasons why you might want a landline:
- Signal problems: If you have don’t have a strong mobile phone signal at home, a landline can be a lifesaver.
- Reliability: If there’s a power cut, or mobile signal goes down, your landline won’t normally be impacted.
- Free local calls: If you don’t have an unlimited mobile plan, making local calls on your landline can sometimes work out cheaper, depending on your package.
If you don’t intend to use your landline you can always choose a broadband-only ADSL plan. This means your phone line is used to provide your broadband, but you can’t make phone calls.
How to check broadband availability in your area
The broadband options you have will depend on the providers operating in your area.
If you’d like to find out about broadband availability where you live, our broadband comparison tool displays all of the broadband providers and plans in your area, so it’s simple and quick to find the best deal.
If you’d like to know about choosing a new provider or switching broadband, visit our guide How to switch broadband providers.
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Broadband without a phone line FAQs
Can I get Virgin media broadband without a phone line?
Yes, Virgin media uses cables to deliver broadband directly to your home so you don’t need a phone line.
It’s one of the few broadband providers that doesn’t require you to have a phone line, but it’s not available all over the country.
If you require a call package, you can opt for a broadband & phone bundle.
Do I need a phone line for Sky broadband Ireland?
Yes, some Sky broadband plans that are fibre to cabinet (FTTC) require a landline, but you don’t have to bundle a home phone call plan if you don’t need it.
Full fibre (FTTH) does not require a landline, but you can add on a Sky Talk VoIP package if you require a call plan.
If you only want Sky TV, you don’t need a phone line because the TV streaming service uses satellite technology.
Is broadband without a landline cheaper?
Broadband only deals are not necessarily cheaper and in most cases cost the same as broadband and home phone deals.
This is because part fibre and ADSL broadband use your phone line to connect broadband to your home.
