Top Tech: Giffgaff is dishing out £100 to try its new broadband to rival Sky and Virgin

These days, a broadband connection is a household essential that many of us couldn’t live without, but what if, instead of paying a provider for a service, the provider paid you? That’s what’s being offered by , the budget mobile network that’s announced the launch of its first-ever broadband service.

The O2-backed brand is preparing to enter the broadband market and is looking for 500 people to trial its service for a year, with each participant receiving a £100 bonus. It’s not a free trial, but at £10 per month it’s far cheaper than the likes of Sky, Virgin Media and BT.

Those participating in the trial will receive a £100 bonus ‘in exchange for feedback’ about the service, effectively reducing the overall cost to £20 for a year. Those interested can and will be contacted with further information if selected.

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Successful applicants will receive for 12 months, with the bonus split into two payments: the first £50 upon installation and the second £50 a month later. On its website, giffgaff said: “Broadband should be better. And we want your help to make it happen. Sign up and we’ll choose a select group to help build something special.”

The firm has confirmed that applications for the trial will close when capacity is reached or after three months, whichever comes first. However, those living in an area where full fibre isn’t available may not be eligible to take part.

The main thing to consider is that this is a trial of a brand-new service, so there may be some teething problems. However, the overall cost of the plan saves hundreds of pounds over a year compared to a contract with Sky or Virgin.

At £10 per month, the trial will effectively cost participants a total of £20 for 12 months’ access after receipt of the £100 bonus. This positions as by far the most affordable option amongst the major broadband providers.

Signing up for a 24-month contract on Sky’s cheapest broadband plan comes to £624 based on today’s £26 price, or £312 per 12 months. This makes giffgaff £292 cheaper when taking into account the bonus.

Sky is in the midst of a spring sale that’s seen its fibre broadband reduced to its ‘lowest ever price’, with the plan now £26 per month. It’s also offering the option for £28 in a ‘digital exclusive deal’

For our money, these deals beat Virgin Media and its entry-level , which delivers 132Mbps for £25.99 per month. However, speeds can vary by area, so it’s worth checking what’s available with each provider.

But both Sky and Virgin dwarf BT’s offerings, as even the brand’s cheapest broadband options are more expensive and far slower than its rivals. BT is currently giving away three months free on select plans, such as the , 74Mbps plan, but this will still work out more expensive than Sky and Virgin over the 24-month contract once it reverts to the usual £32.99.

Giffgaff is yet to launch its home broadband, so we will have to wait to see how it compares to the other providers. However, the brand has received more than 17,000 five-star reviews from its mobile customers on Trustpilot.

One happy customer said: “So reliable and trustworthy. Any issues are dealt with quickly, and they often give rewards to thank you for staying with them. I just trust them, which is very rare with so many services nowadays. I can’t imagine ever going anywhere else.”

Another said: “Giffgaff are the best. I find giffgaff is great value for money, and gives a really good service.”

A third said: “It’s a few months since I switched from one of the mainline providers to giffgaff. I have found their service to be excellent. Their communications are not excessive. I am completely satisfied with the change.” However, one less-impressed customer said: “Poor service if you have an issue, but you get what you pay for, I guess.”