Switching broadband can be intimidating, but potentially save you hundreds of pounds a year. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting a better broadband deal.
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Millions are overpaying for broadband
Millions of broadband users are paying more than they should for their connection as a result of providers failing to send ‘end of contract notifications’ (ECN).
That’s according to price comparison site Uswitch, whose latest research suggested that as many as three million households whose deals expired in the last 12 months did not receive an ECN.
This is important as the end of your contract means you can switch to a new, likely more competitive deal, without having to pay any exit fees. Uswitch reckons that being on an expired tariff costs a household an extra £90 a year on average.
ECNs were introduced by Ofcom, the industry regulator, last year. They force broadband, mobile and pay-TV providers to notify customers when their contract is coming to an end, and highlight how much they could save by moving to a new package.
ECNs are supposed to be sent out by letter, text or email between 10 and 40 days before their contract expires.
They appear to be effective too, with Uswitch’s study suggesting that around four in five people who receive one using the information to move to a better deal, whether with their existing provider or a new one.
However, with so many people apparently not receiving a notification, there’s a significant risk that they end up paying more than necessary for their broadband service.
Uswitch also raised concerns that the inconsistent language used within ECNs may mean that people are unaware they have even received one. For example, it cited emails sent by some providers with bland subject lines like “An update to your broadband service” or “A little reminder about your contract”.
In addition, it warned that some providers had extended price discounts beyond contract end dates as a way to get around the need to send out a notice when the new discount concludes.
While it's tempting just to stick with your current provider, the sad reality is the best deals are reserved for new customers, so if you want cheap broadband, you need to switch every now and then or at least pick up the phone and haggle.
We have put together a quick guide to help you with this process and hopefully get you a much better deal.
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How to compare broadband deals
It’s easy to compare different deals using various websites.
We have a deal with Broadband Genie, which means we earn a small commission if anyone switches through them from this article, but you can use any price comparison site you're comfortable with, really.
USwitch, MoneySuperMarket and the like all let you compare broadband deals from various providers.
Usually, broadband firms will try and sweeten the pot for new customers with contract and set-up discounts, as well as free vouchers or reward cards.
Speaking of which, if you're a member of a cashback site, check if that deal is available there as you could earn cashback on top of your deal as well.
Just make sure that you pick the right broadband package based on your needs, not on any possible rewards.
Factors to consider before choosing a deal
Set a reminder to switch again
When you switch, it’s a good idea to set a reminder before the deal ends and to note down any notice period.
When that deadline arrives, this will give you some ammunition to haggle before you get hit with a higher bill.
If you can’t get a better deal and are likely to suffer from the loyalty penalty, then you will have time to compare the best offers and change providers.
It’s best to set a reminder at least a month before your contract is due to end as it may take weeks to get an appointment for broadband setup (if you decide to switch).
Using this approach, you’re more likely to have a seamless transition between broadband providers and keep bills down. Just make sure you time it correctly to avoid any early exit penalties!
Have you saved money switching using this guide? Comment below to let us know how you got on.
*This article contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission on any sales of products or services we write about. This article was written completely independently.