Martin Lewis's MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) team has explained how to get four times the average broadband speed for half the cost. In the latest weekly MSE newsletter, a warning was issued to millions of households currently out of contract with their broadband provider, who are likely paying more than necessary for internet service.
Top Broadband Deals Highlighted by MSE
MSE explained there are deals available including 145Mb broadband for £21 a month and social tariffs for those on lower incomes. The best way to secure a new deal is by doing a quick comparison online. MSE said: “There's a host of deals almost as hot as the weather. As usual, the cheapest aren't direct from providers, but via short-lived comparison site sign-up incentives when firms want to buy in more customers.”
Plusnet, Sky, and Vodafone Offers
The top flagged broadband deal listed by MSE is from Plusnet, which includes speeds of 145Mb. This costs £21 a month, rising to £25 in April 2027 then £29 from April 2028. There is also an additional £120 incentive issued to new customers on a prepaid Mastercard, which is emailed after activation.
MSE has also listed a deal from Sky where you can get 900Mb broadband for £31 a month. This is likely to rise every April, although Sky has not confirmed this. The newbie perk is a £230 prepaid Mastercard, emailed within four months of your deal starting.
Vodafone is also listed by MSE in its newsletter. It costs £22 a month for a 150Mb broadband package, rising to £25.50 from April 2027 and £29 from April 2028. Alternatively, there is a 910Mb package for £25 a month, rising to £28.50 from April 2027 and £32 from April 2028. The incentive is a £145 voucher for 150Mb or £155 voucher for 910Mb for Amazon, Tesco, Sainsbury's or M&S.
Out-of-Contract Costs vs. New Deals
MSE said the typical out-of-contract broadband cost for BT is £70 a month for 67Mb, £43 for 30Mb at Sky and £54 for 132Mb at Virgin. These figures highlight the potential savings for customers who switch or renegotiate.
How to Save Money on Broadband
Before you start comparing prices elsewhere, check your broadband speed. Once you've got a good idea of the speed you need, use a comparison website to find the cheapest deals in your area. After comparing prices online, you can either switch to a new provider if you've found a cheaper deal, or go back to your existing provider and try to haggle them down. Explain that you've found a better price elsewhere and ask if they can beat it. Being polite is always best when trying to negotiate a better deal. If they cannot give you a cheaper price, consider ditching and switching.
Social Tariffs for Low-Income Households
If you claim benefits, check if you are eligible for a cheaper social tariff, with prices starting from £12 a month for broadband and £10 for mobile. Around 5.3 million UK households are eligible for the cheaper tariff, research by Broadband Genie found, but around 4.8 million aren’t currently claiming it. This represents a significant opportunity for savings among those on lower incomes.
