It's no crime to want to spend your money on something else other than broadband services. In fact, quite a few ISPs don't want you to break your piggybank - which is why they decided to offer cheap broadband bundles.

A few considerations before you start

Think about what it is that you really need from your internet service provider. Is it an unlimited allowance? Perhaps you are interested in superfast download speeds? A UK based customer support service? Maybe you are interested in getting digital TV and home phone services from the same provider as well? To help you answer these questions, have a look at our broadband basics guide.

When you are looking for low-cost broadband, don't just think of the overall price of the broadband package. Make sure you are not only getting the cheapest, but also the best broadband deal that's in your budget. Don't buy a package just because it comes at a low price, if it doesn't provide what you need from an internet service, chances are that it's not worth having.

Here is Simplifydigital's list of top cheap broadband providers:

There are many packages that will only provide you with basic broadband and landline but you can also expand and include digital TV services and free calls.

With Plusnet, you will receive broadband, home phone for under a tenner. This does not include line rental though which customers will be charged for separately on a monthly basis.

A very popular option is Primus. It is one of the cheapest broadband providers out there. If you go with Primus you will receive standard ADSL speeds and a download allowance of 20GB. It's worth mentioning that like with Plusnet, the package does not include line rental.

If you want something basic and simple, you may want to look at Tesco Broadband. Perhaps it will not provide you with digital TV or mobile broadband, but it will cost under a tenner and you will have an unlimited download allowance. Line rental is paid on top of that.

TalkTalk also provides you with a cost-effective broadband solution but line rental will cost a bit extra. In addition, keen digital TV fanatics will be able to bundle TalkTalk's broadband services with the shiny new YouView service.

Last but not least, you may want to have a look at what Direct Save Telecom has to offer. This broadband provider often hits the headlines with unbelievably cheap prices, however digital TV enthusiasts may need to look elsewhere if they plan to sign up for a triple play bundle (broadband, home phone and digital TV).

Now that you know who the key players in the cheap broadband field are, the time has come to reveal the secrets of how to get the perfect cheap broadband package.

• DON'T believe everything you read

Just because the advert says "cheap broadband" and "the best broadband deal ever" it doesn't mean that it is. You need to look at what other broadband providers include in their value broadband packages.

You may find that there are hidden charges which make the deal inexpensive only in theory, but in reality it may be quite costly. Be on the lookout for extra charges such as penalties for exceeding the monthly allowance or installation and cancellation fees.

• BEWARE of free broadband

Now this must be the best kind of cheap broadband - free broadband! Believe it or not, it is actually possible - but as you might have realised, it definitely comes with a twist.

Providers will often advertise free internet services but these will come remain complimentary only for a limited period of time within your contract (i.e. 6 months free with an 18 month contract). Equally, companies might demand you take their landline and home phone service in order to get free broadband. It's wise to read all of the Ts and Cs before signing up to such an offer.

• DON'T shy away from switching providers to save money

If you find that your chosen broadband package is not what you really wanted, or that the broadband speed is too slow for what you want to do, you may be better off switching your broadband provider or upgrading to a better deal instead of paying penalties for overuse.

It's not always straight-forward though; many broadband providers will charge you a transfer or service fee. If you are still in contract, BT Broadband may charge up to £70 if you decide to leave its broadband service and switch to another provider.

• BUNDLE up and save money

If you want more than just a broadband connection, for example digital TV and home phone services, you may think you would not be able to combine cheap broadband with all these services.

Thankfully that's not true. In fact you could actually save money by signing up to a broadband bundle deal from a broadband provider. Another benefit is that as well as broadband, the digital TV and home phone services you use will all be provided by the same company. This makes paying bills easier not to mention cheaper.

Final thoughts: Instead of quickly grabbing the cheapest deal you find, have a look around and compare all of the deals in your price range. Sign up for one which ticks all the boxes and is in your budget - this way you will escape all the nasty penalties and won't spend hours closely observing the video buffering sign.