Check your broadband contract now (Image: GETTY)
Millions of BT, , , Vodafone and other broadband users are paying far too much for their whilst not getting the speeds they deserve. It’s a well-known fact that most UK Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer massive incentives to get consumers signing up for their latest plans. These impressive deals usually offer major savings off the standard cost. However, once the initial discount ends, prices can shoot up significantly, and that means many are paying way too much for mediocre broadband speeds.
Don’t just take our word for it. Money expert recently highlighted the issue on his ITV show and, if you haven’t checked your bill for while, then it’s advice you should not ignore.
During his broadcast last week, Lewis confirmed that around millions of UK broadband users are paying £40 – £70 per month for access to the internet.
That might sound reasonable, but if you shop around, you can get double those speeds for half the price.
One top tip issued by Lewis is to use comparison sites rather than signing up directly with the supplier as there are often big discounts that reduce prices further whilst boosting those all-important downloads.
One deal highlighted on the live ITV programme currently offers 500Mbps broadband—via Vodafone—for just £28 per month. The cost is then reduced further via a cash-back saving, which brings the monthly cost down to just £26.13.
Lewis also offered more broadband advice, including checking local providers – called Altnets – who often dish out blisteringly quick downloads at much lower prices than the big names such as BT and Sky.
It’s also worth seeing whether you can sign up for cheap social tariffs, which offer much cheaper access for those on benefits such as Universal Credit.
One thing you definitely don’t want to do is nothing. If you don’t check your current plan and switch, you will be paying more than you should be.
If you don’t want to leave your current supplier, you should ring them up and haggle. A 10-minute phone call might suddenly slash the cost.
When ringing your ISP to get a better deal, do your research first so you know what offers are available via rival supplier.
Always be polite and make sure you’re totally happy before accepting a new contract, as you will be tied in for at least 12 months.