What does "Broadband Only" actually mean?

Broadband only = an internet service delivered over cable or fibre without a traditional phone service or a TV package attached.

Think of it like ordering a single coffee instead of the full breakfast. You get exactly what you want and nothing you do not.

With broadband only, your home connects to the internet over cable or fibre. There is no need for an old style phone line. So if you do not use a landline, why pay for it?

More households in Ireland are choosing simple, great value internet without add-ons. If you never use a landline and you stream most of your TV through apps, a broadband only plan keeps things tidy and cost effective. You pick a speed that matches your home, and that is it.

Yes. Modern cable and fibre broadband do not require a traditional landline. You can order internet on its own.

Most fibre to the home and cable networks are built to deliver broadband independently of a voice line. That is the whole point of a broadband only plan.

Yes. Wi Fi is the wireless signal inside your home. Broadband is the actual internet connection. You need both.

Wi Fi without broadband is like a speaker with no music. Your Wi Fi router shares the broadband connection around the house.

Yes. If you do not use voice, remove it and keep broadband only.

Your internet and Wi Fi keep working as normal. This also aligns with Ireland moving away from copper based phone lines over time.

• Homes that do not use a landline at all.
• People who stream sport, films and box sets through apps.
• Gamers who care about speed and stable ping.
• Remote workers who need smooth video calls and fast uploads.
• Students and renters who want value without extras.

In Ireland, broadband only usually arrives over one of these access types:

• Fibre to the Home, also called FTTH or full fibre. Fast speeds and strong reliability.
• Cable over a hybrid fibre coax network, often called DOCSIS. High speeds with broad availability in towns and cities.

Either way, no separate landline is required.

Bundles suit some homes. Broadband only suits others. It comes down to what you actually use.

Cheapest is not always best. The sweet spot is value. The right price for the right speed.

Too slow and streaming can buffer. Too fast and you might pay for speed you never use. Start with household size and peak time habits, then pick a plan that fits.

• Place the router in the open. Avoid cupboards and behind the TV.
• Use the 5 GHz band for faster devices nearby. Use 2.4 GHz for longer range.
• If your home is large or has thick walls, consider mesh Wi Fi for even coverage.
• Keep the router off the floor to reduce interference.
• Run a speed test beside the router and again in your busiest rooms.

This is what you should do. Keep it simple and follow these steps.

1. Check your address to see what speeds are available.
2. Count your active devices. Phones, laptops, consoles, TVs and smart home kit.
3. Think about peak hours. Evenings and weekends tend to be busiest.
4. Pick a speed tier that matches today with a little headroom.
5. Look at introductory offers and contract length that suit you.
6. Confirm the router you will get and whether you can use your own hardware if you prefer.

• Do I ever use a landline anymore?
• What would a faster, stable connection change in my day?
• Is TV through apps enough, or do I want channels and sport in one place?
• How many people are streaming at once most evenings?
• Do I want simple billing with one provider, or maximum flexibility?

You work from home and jump on video calls. In the evening, the kids watch 4K and play online games. Broadband only makes sense if you use apps for TV and do not need a landline. Choose a higher speed tier so everyone can be happy at once.

Or you live alone and stream a show, browse and shop online. A mid range plan can be perfect. It is like picking the right size coffee. Enough, not too much.

Can I still get broadband without a landline?

Yes. Modern cable and fibre broadband do not require a traditional landline. You can order internet on its own.

That is why broadband only plans exist.

Do I need broadband if I have Wi Fi?

Yes. Wi Fi is the in home wireless network. Broadband is the internet connection. You need both.

Think of broadband as the service coming into the house. Wi Fi is how your devices connect to it.

Can I get rid of my landline and keep broadband?

Yes. If you do not use the landline, remove it and keep broadband only.

Your broadband and Wi Fi continue as normal.

What is the cheapest broadband option?

Choose the plan that matches your usage at the lowest speed that stays stable. Value beats the absolute lowest price.

Start with your household size and peak time behaviour, then compare options.

Do we need a brand‑new laptop for live lessons?

Often, no. A tidy, updated device with a decent webcam works well. If calls still stutter after pausing downloads, wire the device or add a Pod.

Are Bluetooth headphones okay for music lessons?

They can add delay. Wired headphones are safer for timing‑sensitive work like singing or instruments.

How long should sessions be?

Short and regular beats long and rare. Aim for 20–30 minutes for languages and coding, 30–45 for music practice with a break.

What if siblings need the internet at the same time?

Give the learning device priority during the session. Ask others to pause big downloads. If evenings are always congested, consider a higher‑capacity plan.

• ComReg: Types of Broadband Technology — https://www.comreg.ie/advice-information/broadband-and-home-phone/types-of-broadband-technology/
• ComReg: Broadband Checker — https://www.comreg.ie/do-you-know-what-broadband-is-available-at-your-home/
• ComReg: Migration from Legacy Infrastructure to Modern Infrastructure (Decision D09/23) — https://www.comreg.ie/industry/electronic-communications/migration-from-legacy-infrastructure/
• ComReg: Implementation of EU Open Internet Access Regulations in Ireland 2025 — https://www.comreg.ie/publication/implementation-of-eu-open-internet-access-regulations-in-ireland-2025-report?pub_type=consumer
• NBI: Copper Switch Off — https://nbi.ie/copperswitchoff/

Virgin Media Ireland provides broadband, TV and mobile services nationwide. This article was written by the Product Team and reviewed by Network Engineering to ensure accuracy for Irish consumers.

Broadband only keeps things clean and focused. You get fast, reliable internet without extras you do not need. If that sounds like you, check your address, pick the right speed and you are sorted. Can you imagine how much smoother everything feels when the connection just works?