There’s cash to be saved (Image: Halfpoint Images via Getty Images)
Broadband subscribers who haven’t switched providers for more than two years are being cautioned that they could be squandering hundreds of pounds each year by staying on an uncompetitive package. This unwritten rule means families can save up to £452 annually by making the switch, according to research from Broadband Genie.
The alert arrives as the UK broadband comparison platform’s findings indicate customers stick with the same broadband supplier for an average of three years and five months. This represents sufficient time for promotional rates to lapse and yearly price rises to mount up.
Numerous customers are hesitant to move due to fears of disruption. Approximately 34% stated potential downtime deterred them, while 32% were unwilling to approach their current provider.
More than a quarter expressed worry about installation procedures, and 22% were anxious about paying two suppliers concurrently.
Alex Tofts, broadband expert at Broadband Genie, said: “If you haven’t switched in over two years, you are almost certainly overpaying. With a healthy broadband market across the UK, the vast majority of consumers have plenty of providers to choose from. Starting with a trusted comparison service is the easiest way to see all your options in one place, including exclusive deals.
Alex Tofts (Image: Newspage)
“Pay attention to what speed you actually need, as higher speed tiers come with higher price tags. Once you pick your deal, the One Touch Switch system makes the transition effortless. Just complete the checkout, and your new provider will take care of cancelling your previous contract.”
The potential saving hinges on the customer’s existing package, location and the deals available in their area. However, Alex urged consumers to start comparing prices as their minimum term nears its conclusion, rather than letting the contract roll over automatically.
Alex advised examining the “effective monthly cost”, which combines the subscription price and setup fees, then spreads the total across the contract. Customers should also steer clear of paying for speeds they are unlikely to use.
As a broad guideline, Broadband Genie recommends starting at 50Mb for a two-person household and adding 10Mb for each additional resident.
Households with multiple people gaming, streaming or downloading large files at the same time will require greater capacity. Annual price hikes represent another key factor to bear in mind.
Numerous providers add between £3 and £5 to monthly bills each April, though the precise increase must be clearly displayed when the customer signs up.
Certain smaller providers offer fixed-price guarantees with no mid-contract rises, making it essential to compare the overall contract cost rather than simply opting for the most attractive introductory rate. Individuals claiming benefits such as Universal Credit should also verify whether they’re eligible for a social tariff.
These reduced-price packages are tailored for lower-income households and are frequently safeguarded from yearly rises.
Alex added: “Switching is your superpower. Broadband providers do not usually reserve their best prices for existing customers, so start shopping around as soon as your contract end date approaches.
“Do not compare deals using the headline monthly price alone. Look at the full contract cost, choose the speed your household genuinely needs and check what will happen to the price each April.”
