CONSUMERS PAYING WAY TOO MUCH FOR BROADBAND AND INTERNET, CONSUMER GROUP WARNS
A consumer champion group has told Brits there are big savings to be made by switching broadband, TV and mobile contracts.
Consumer expert Jane Hawkes, who founded the Lady Janey website to provide simple and effective advice for consumers, says anyone who has been with the same company for more than one year will probably be paying more than a new customer for exactly the same service.
“The main reason people don’t switch providers is a combination of hassle and fear that the process will be complicated and lead to a period where they are without a service,” says Jane.
“Even if they believe their current provider isn’t providing the best value, there is a contract inertia which is hitting households in their pockets.
“But with the UK’s prices sticking to their upward trend, every penny you can save can make a difference to your bank balance.”
Research from Which? found that telecoms customers can save as much as £258 by switching or haggling for a better deal, particularly if they move providers to a SIM-only contract.
The research also found that out-of-contract TV and broadband customers could also make significant savings by switching – £169 on average with Sky customers saving the most – £237 on average.
“The biggest savings can be found if you switch providers, but even if you want to stay with your current company there is still money to be saved by haggling,” Jane explains.
“The power is in your hands as consumers to make sure you are getting value for money and you should not be afraid of walking away from an expensive or unsatisfactory deal for fear that moving providers will be a difficult process.”
Consumer Champion Jane’s Top Tips for getting the best deal
- Check your payments are fair
Never assume your deal or provider is a good one just because you’ve had it for years. Use comparison sites like Uswitch, MoneySavingExpert or Compare the Market and see what’s available at your address. If you’re out of contract, you’re as free as a bird. This means you can switch or haggle to get a better rate.
- Haggle Like a Pro
If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Us Brits might not historically be the best at this, but you choose the option for ‘am thinking of leaving you’, you will be connected to the ‘retentions’ or ‘cancellations’ teams who will be able to offer more to keep you.
- Remember loyalty does not pay
Broadband is one of the services where loyalty can cost you a lot more. Negotiating across mobile and broadband combined can save £325 per year on average (Source: Citizens Advice website) and it usually takes just minutes to do so once you’ve found the package that’s right for you. If you’ve got a mobile contract with the same company, check for bundles where you can combine broadband and mobile costs into much more cost-effective plans.
- Check out social tariffs
If you’re on Universal Credit, Pension Credit or other benefits, you might be entitled to a social broadband tariff, which is a lower-cost deal providers rarely promote. They’re fast enough for most households and there’s no harm in asking. Broadband is a basic, essential service not a luxury.
- Don’t overpay for speeds
Providers love to upsell on ‘superfast’ and ‘ultrafast’ packages you’ll never fully use. Unless you’ve got gamers, streamers, and home workers all online at once, a standard fibre connection is ample. Run a quick speed test and if your line rarely hits the top speeds you’re paying for, save money by downgrading your package. Ditch the add-ons, decline fancy routers and skip any services that don’t clearly improve your connection.
- Make money while you spend it
If you’re switching, do it through a cashback site like TopCashback or Quidco. Some bank accounts also offer ‘rewards’ with certain purchases or providers, so check current offers. Equally you could benefit from free gift cards which mean you still get some kind of cashback, albeit in virtual form.
- Know your consumer rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a service should be carried out with reasonable care and skill. A product should be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. If not, then you are entitled to complain and seek redress.
- Don’t be a mug
Broadband companies count on your inertia. They know most people won’t switch, won’t haggle and won’t question their bills. That’s how they get away with it. However, the moment you start checking prices, challenging quotes and moving your custom elsewhere, the balance of power shifts.
You don’t have to accept inflated prices or confusing contracts. With a bit of research and the confidence to say no, you can cut your broadband bill and still enjoy fast, reliable internet. Being connected should not mean being taken for a ride.
