Broadband bills rising, but reluctant to give up your current speeds? You’re not alone – with the cost of broadband continuing to go up because of inflation and infrastructure development, many are feeling the pinch.
At the same time, the age of working from home and ever-developing technology both demand fast internet speeds and a reliable connection. And for many, downgrading to a slower internet plan isn’t an option.
Luckily, there are still a few tricks to lower your broadband bill without sacrificing your speeds. In fact, you might even find a better deal for better broadband out there.
The right time to switch
Price increases caused by inflation aside, you might also be falling victim to out-of-contract price hikes. This is when your rates go up after your current contract ends, either because an introductory offer you took ended with the contract or simply because providers can raise prices.
So start shopping around for better deals now, and switch as soon as you’re free of your contract to avoid both early termination fees and out-of-contract rises.
How to pay less for broadband
They say ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get’, and this could be the case if you’re daring enough to negotiate with your current broadband provider.
There’s nothing stopping you from asking them for lower rates, especially if you’ve been a loyal customer with them for some time. Simply call up the company, let them know you’ve seen better deals elsewhere, and that you’d like a better deal (or even that you’re considering leaving them because of the high prices).
And if your attempts at negotiation are unsuccessful? It’s time to start looking elsewhere for a new broadband provider.
Comparing the prices of plans from different suppliers is one option. But another many don’t consider – or even realise is possible – is to bundle your broadband with your home services.
Utility Warehouse (UW) is a multiservice supplier that lets their customers choose and bundle their services together. They offer broadband, energy, mobile and insurance, and the more services a customer takes, the bigger the bundle discount they get. UW’s app also lets you manage your account all in one place, with just one password to remember, and you get just one monthly bill for all your services with them.
Not only that, but you gain access to the exclusive UW Cashback Card as a customer. This top-up card earns you up to 10% cashback on anything from your everyday shopping to bigger spends like cars and holidays, and the cashback automatically comes off your monthly bill.
If you absolutely have to downgrade:
The good news is you might not even notice going a step down on your speeds. Check your speed requirements: do you live in a smaller flat rather than a big house, and do not many people use your connection vs. a large family?
The broadband speed you need largely depends on what you’re using it for. If you’re living by yourself and only using it to send a few emails and read articles online, you won’t need nearly as much speed as a household of five keen 4K video streamers, online gamers and work-from-homers who need to take frequent video calls.
There are also some hacks you can take to improve the speed of your current connection. For example, place your router in an open space and not blocked by any obstacles, put it in a high position, and, if possible, place it in a central location in your home.
You might also be surprised that a common household appliance could be affecting your broadband router’s signal, too – specifically, your microwave. Make sure your router is placed away from it to avoid electromagnetic interference between the two, which could cause a spotty internet connection.
Other electronic, wireless-connected devices like baby monitors, smart TVs and speakers can also interfere with the signal coming from the router, so place your router away from these too.
If you have Full Fibre broadband, you could also consider cancelling your landline subscription if you have one. Unlike copper or Part Fibre broadband, Full Fibre works independently of landline connections. So if you find yourself not using your home phone any more, it can be an expense you no longer need.
What to look out for when switching
If you’re still in contract with your current provider, they might charge early termination fees if you try to switch before your contract ends. Make sure you double-check your current contract to avoid getting charged this additional fee, and take broadband contract length into account when looking into new plans.
Although many broadband suppliers no longer charge setup costs or for routers, it’s always best to check this too as there are still sometimes exceptions.
Beyond comparing prices, it’s also important to consider a company’s track record with customer service and reliability. While a deal might look cheap on paper, it won’t be worth it if you end up stuck with a poor connection and no support. So check out online reviews for the companies you’re considering through reputable independent parties like TrustPilot and Which?.
If your contract happens to be ending at the end of the financial year, keep your eyes peeled for special offers too – some internet service providers launch new discounts at this time to attract new customers.Taking steps to save more money on your broadband doesn’t have to mean settling for a poor-quality connection. By following the steps above, you can still shave pounds off your bill while enjoying speeds that suit your needs with a company that’s always ready to help should you need it.
