Unlike TV streaming or subscriptions you cannot just ditch your broadband service completely, but you can find a better deal or lower the cost of our current package.
Uswitch broadband expert Max Beckett reveals how, with some smart adjustments, you can reduce your monthly payments by a few pounds, leaving more in your budget for seasonal expenses.
Calculate how much you need
Beckett explained in general, faster broadband deals and packages with multiple add-ons can cost more. But it can also depend on what’s available in your area. For example, you might find a full fibre connection of 100-150Mb for the same price as a slower, part-fibre 50Mb plan.
“In cases like that,” he continued, “it’s usually worth going for the better connection if it’s available to you. Beyond these speeds, though, faster does typically mean more expensive, so if you don’t need everything in your current package, a slightly slower plan can save you money.”
Indeed, he suggested considering what you actually use the internet for, before you pick a deal.
If you move to a slower speed, make sure it’s not too slow for your household’s needs or you may end up struggling to work from home or stream Netflix.
Beckett suggests running a broadband speed test to see what your current internet speed is.
“If you’d prefer to wait until you can switch to a different provider,” he said, “there’s a good chance you could find a cheaper broadband plan with the same speed as your current one, as companies regularly change their prices to attract new customers.
“So it’s always worth shopping around for a new deal — even if you don’t want to increase your speed.”
Watch out for price rises
Beckett explained that to stop customers leaving early after their mid-contract broadband price increases, most providers have added an annual price increase to their T&Cs when you sign up.
“It’s worth noting that today,” he added, “it’s quite rare to find a provider without an annual price increase – typically, only some regional providers offer fixed-price deals.
“If you choose one of these providers, you’ll have to agree to a yearly price increase. And unlike end-of-contract price increases, where you’re free to start looking for a better deal, you won’t be able to leave your contract free of charge because of a mid-contract increase.”
Switch (or re-contract) when your plan ends
Once your broadband contract ends, most providers increase your monthly price, Beckett warned.
“At this point,” he said, “they only need to give 30 days’ notice to change your plan, so your bills can go up quickly.
“To stop you getting caught out, providers must now send an end-of-contract notification around 40 days before your deal ends. This lets you know it’s time to either switch to a new provider or re-contract for a better deal.
“If your provider tells you it is increasing your prices at the end of your contract, you will very likely save money by switching or finding a new deal as soon as you receive your notification.”
You can check your postcode to see if your next broadband deal is better suited to you and your household.
Could you be eligible for a low-income broadband social tariff?
If you receive Universal Credit or another form of government financial support, you could be eligible for a low-income broadband contract, Beckett said.
“These are deals that offer the same internet speed as normal broadband packages, but for a much cheaper price,” he continued.
“So they’re a great option if you rely on a home internet connection but need more support to afford it. Note, they aren’t usually available on price comparison websites, so you’ll have to enquire directly with providers to sign up for one.”h
Haggle with your provider
Beckett said haggling may not be a sure-fire way of reducing your broadband bill, but it can sometimes work wonders.
He added: “If you’re struggling to afford your payments or you don’t feel like you’re getting good value for money, contact your provider directly to negotiate a reduced bill or change to another service from your provider.