Finding the cheapest broadband can be a challenge. Especially as prices keep changing left, right and centre. And there’s a ton of suppliers vying for your attention too, making it hard to know where to even start. With some clever thinking though – and a few hours of extra research – you can easily save some money on your broadband bill. Whether you’re fed up with your fee, or are just savvy about saving, this mini guide will help you cut down on your broadband costs.
Compare broadband deals
The first step is really straightforward. Compare the deals that are actually available. If you’ve been with the same broadband provider for a while, chances are you’re not going to be on the best deal. The suppliers usually save their best prices for new customers (to get them to sign up), so have a look around.
This is where comparison websites come in. These sites let you compare prices, speeds and what’s included in the package. When you’re comparing, keep an eye on…
Data limits (if any)
The speed you’ll get
Installation fees
Monthly price (after the initial offer period)
Don’t be scared to call your current provider and ask if they can give you a better deal to stay too. If you’ve found cheaper somewhere else, tell them. You never know, they might match it. And if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
Figure out your needs
Don’t dive into the first deal you see. Think about what you really need first. Do you stream a lot of Netflix? Work from home and need a strong connection for all those Teams meetings? Play multiplayer games on your console? Then you’ll probably want to go for broadband with faster speeds (100 Mbps and above). Especially if it’s not just you in the house too. The more people and devices there are, the more strain on your internet.
But if you’re only living on your own, you might prefer to bag a basic package. Something around 30-50 Mbps should be enough and will be much cheaper in the long run. Basically, don’t pay for more than you need. Otherwise, you’ll be left looking at a hefty bill for no reason.
Choose the right contract length
Your average broadband contract will run from 12 to 24 months. Those shorter contracts might seem more flexible, but you’ll usually be slapped with higher monthly fees. On the flip side, longer contracts lock you in, but you’ll benefit from a lower price. It’s all swings and roundabouts.
If you want to be in for the long haul (and don’t plan on moving anytime soon), a 24-month contract can be better value. Double check the small print before signing up though – otherwise you could get lumped with a price hike halfway through. Some providers also offer 30-day rolling contracts. And while they’re nice and flexible, they do tend to end up on the pricier side of things.
Bundle your services
A clever way of saving some cash is to bundle your services together. A lot of providers will have deals that include TV, phone services and broadband in the one package. And this bundling can work out cheaper than paying for all of those separately.
Before you bundle, think about whether you actually need all those services. If you don’t watch much live telly, something like Netflix or Amazon Prime will probably be enough for you. Plus, lots of people don’t even have a landline anymore. So, if you make most of your calls from your smartphone, you can miss out on the phone service entirely.
Watch for price hikes
Price hikes are one of the easy ways for broadband providers to make more money off you. Once your deal ends, the cost of it is almost definitely going to leap up. A lot of people don’t even realise that once that first 12 or 18 months is over, the bill can spike. Always see what the price is going to be after the deal ends. Oh, and set a reminder to review your contract before that happens!
If your bill gets pricier – and you weren’t told about it – you may have the right to cancel without paying an exit fee. Again, just have a read through your contract and get in touch with your provider if anything changes suddenly.
Switch providers at the end of your contract
Out of contract? Now’s the perfect time to switch to a new provider. Especially if you find out that you’re overpaying. When you switch, your provider can handle all of that for you. Here in the UK, most of the big names (apart from Virgin Media) use the same Openreach network - making switching simple. It shouldn’t involve a ton of downtime swapping things over either. You’ll be back watching that new box set in no time.
Or, if you like who you’re with, you can always ask your current provider for a better deal. Broadband companies really don’t want to lose customers, so they’ll usually give you a decent discount if you threaten to jump ship.
FAQs
What are the best broadband, TV and phone deals?
This is really going to depend on where you live and what you actually need. Most of the top names like Sky, BT and Virgin Media offer special bundle deals. These packages usually throw in your TV, phone, and broadband services for a way more competitive price. Just check any of their current deals online before taking the plunge.
How do I know if I’m overpaying for my broadband?
If you’ve been with your provider for around 18-24 months (and haven’t haggled over a new contract during that time), there’s a good chance you’re overpaying. Check your monthly bill against new customer deals online. If they’re getting a way better deal, it’s time to give your provider a ring and ask for a discount. And if it doesn’t look like they’ll budge, you can always think about switching.
Can I switch broadband providers without paying to cancel?
Yes. You can switch without paying to cancel if your contract is up, or if your provider’s been sneaky and bumped up the price without telling you first. Still in the middle of a contract? Then you might have to pay out an early termination fee. Always look at the terms of your contract before switching – and make sure you time any future switch for when your current deal ends.
What’s the best way to compare broadband deals?
If you want to quickly see what kind of offers are out there (and find the best broadband deals), go and use an online comparison website. MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch are a good bet – letting you enter your details to see the best offers in your area. You’ll be able to filter by speed, price, and contract length to find the perfect deal. It’ll take a little bit of effort, but if you take the time to compare broadband prices, it’ll pay off.
Want to learn more about broadband? We’ve got you covered. Mobile broadband is high speed internet that you can take with you almost anywhere. While a brief history of broadband is a must read. Especially if you want to see just how far the tech has come.
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