You could save £235 a year on mobile, broadband and TV bills
Switching to a different mobile, broadband and TV deal could save you as much as £235 a year, research by Which? has revealed.
The consumer rights champion surveyed over 5,000 customers whose mobile phone, broadband or combined contracts had ended in the past 12 months.
They were asked how much they had saved on their bills and if they had switched or haggled.
The research was carried out ahead of new rules to protect telecoms customers from mid-contract price hikes.
Switch or haggle?
The survey found that those who were on out of contract saved an average of £160 a year by switching.
Sky customers saved the most (£235 a year) by switching to a better deal, while Vodafone customers saved £146 by switching.
Broadband-only customers who changed deal saved £105, on average, while those at the end of their phone contracts saved £67 by switching.
The savings for those who haggled were smaller, but still substantial.
Broadband and TV customers who bargained with their existing provider managed to save £117 a year. Broadband customers who haggled saved £55 a year, with Virgin Media customers seeing the biggest savings of £81.
And phone users saved £61 on average by haggling their current provider at the end of their contract. EE customers who haggled saved the most with £101 a year on average.
Reasons for switching
The participants were also asked why they decided to change provider. The price was the most common reason, followed by faster download speeds, better connections, and customer service.
How easy is it to switch?
The research revealed that most people found that it easy to switch provider.
Three-quarters (75%) of broadband customers said it was easy. A similar number (73%) of mobile customers said the process was straightforward, and more than half (55%) of customers with combined broadband & TV contracts found the process simple.
What are the new customer protection rules?
Under new rules set by the communications regulator Ofcom, providers must now clearly inform customers about any price increases in pounds and pence before they happen.
And mobile and broadband companies can no longer link price changes to inflation during a contract.
Which? had led the campaign calling for an end to unpredictable mid-contract price hikes.
The changes will come into effect in January 2025.
Natalie Hitchens, head of home products and services at Which?, said that research shows how out of contract broadband, TV and mobile customers can save a substantial amount of money by switching providers or haggling with their current one. On top of the savings, most people find the process easy.
“With many telecoms providers already adopting Ofcom’s ban on unpredictable mid-contract price hikes before it officially comes into effect in January, consumers can more easily compare deals and should feel empowered to switch and potentially save hundreds of pounds,” she said.
Tips for paying less for broadband and phone bills
If you’re determined to bring the cost of your broadband and phone bills down, there are several steps you can take that could result in savings. Such as:
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Checking your broadband speed
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Using a comparison site
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Getting more from your deal
Have a read of our blog on what to do if you’re overpaying for your broadband and mobile.
Receiving benefits? Ask about social tariffs
If you receive benefits, ask your provider about social tariffs - cheaper broadband and phone packages.
If you’re not sure if your provider offers broadband and phone social tariffs, you can check using Ofcom’s full list.
Do you need money help?
If you’re struggling with your budget, we might be able to help you take control of your money.
We give free debt advice online or you can give us a ring. Whether you need budgeting help, advice on your benefit entitlement or information on debt solutions, we’re here for you.
All advice is free and impartial. Some debt solutions are also free, some have a fee.
Gabrielle Pickard Whitehead
Gabrielle is an experienced journalist, who has been writing about personal finance and the economy for over 17 years. She specialises in social and economic equality, welfare and government policy, with a strong focus on helping readers stay informed about the most important issues affecting financial security.
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