Many households are likely overpaying for broadband once their “new customer deal” has expired. So if you’re out of contract, it’s time to act and see if you could save £’s on your broadband bill. After your deal ends the price of service typically goes up and it’s estimated over 35% of broadband customers do nothing when their contract expires which is a costly mistake.
It’s probably not a surprise that broadband suppliers’ best deals are aimed at new customers to hook you in. With most households connected to the internet already, these deals are hoped to entice customers from other suppliers.
Thankfully comparing deals available in your area is easy thanks to broadband comparison sites. Check out MoneySavingExpert for the latest special deals. It is also worth noting that smaller suppliers are not always listed on comparison sites and you can sometimes get a better deal with these by going direct.
Top tips for reducing your broadband bill:
Research what’s available from other suppliers
Do your research and be armed with what speeds and prices are available to you. Note any special offers, cash back, free gifts or additional services that are available. By knowing this you are in a better position to negotiate better terms for your deal.
You don’t always have to switch to get a great deal
Suppliers want to keep you so when you have made the decision to switch, call the cancellations department and you’ll be introduced to someone in the retention team whose job it is to keep you as a customer. They are usually prepared to give you the best deals to keep you from switching. If you're armed with what other products are available to you, you’ll be in a better position to ask for a similar deal from your current supplier. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision and if the deal on offer isn’t suitable, don’t be afraid to say no.
Bundle other household services into one bill
If you have TV, phone and broadband through different suppliers you may be able to opt for a bundle which will allow for discounts across all services to give you one monthly bill, often at much better value than individually. Make sure you are not tied to any contracts before doing so and suppliers can make all the arrangements to switch over your subscriptions. Just like broadband we tend to stay with our supplier for TV and phone after the introductory offer so there’s significant savings to be made here.
Set a budget
Know what you want to pay and what service you want. Doing this after your research and before making a switch will mean you have a really good idea of the service you need and the price you are willing to pay, making you less likely to be encouraged into a deal that doesn’t fit your usage and budget.
Social tariffs
Social tariffs are broadband and mobile deals discounted to those receiving universal credit and other benefits.
It’s estimated only 5% of eligible households have signed up to a social tariff, meaning a large proportion of the 4.2miliion eligible households are missing out on a potential saving of up to £250 per year with prices starting from as little as £10 per month.
