British households could save up to £240 annually on their broadband bills by investing in a simple, inexpensive device that costs just 15 pence per day to run, according to new consumer research.
The surprising solution? A standard Wi-Fi extender or booster. Many families experiencing poor connectivity automatically assume they need to upgrade to a more expensive broadband package, when often the real issue is weak signal distribution throughout the home.
How This Simple Device Saves You Money
Research indicates that approximately 30% of UK households suffer from inconsistent Wi-Fi coverage, particularly in older homes with thicker walls or multiple floors. Rather than paying for premium high-speed packages they don't fully utilise, consumers can significantly improve their existing connection with a one-time investment in a signal booster.
"Many people are essentially throwing money at their internet provider when the solution could be as simple as a £30-£50 device," explains the research. "The electricity cost to run these devices is minimal—approximately 15p daily—but the annual savings on broadband packages can be substantial."
The Mathematics Behind the Savings
Here's how the numbers work for the average household:
- Downgrading from a premium package (£40-£50/month) to a standard package (£25-£30/month)
- Average monthly saving: £15-£20
- Annual saving: £180-£240
- Cost of quality Wi-Fi extender: £30-£50 (one-time purchase)
- Daily electricity cost: 15p (£4.38 annually)
Even after accounting for the initial purchase and electricity usage, households could still net savings of over £200 in the first year alone.
Identifying If You Need a Wi-Fi Booster
You might benefit from this solution if you experience:
- Slow internet speeds in certain rooms despite having a fast broadband package
- Frequent video buffering or connection dropouts
- Inability to connect multiple devices simultaneously
- Dead zones where Wi-Fi signal completely disappears
Before automatically upgrading your broadband package, experts recommend trying a Wi-Fi extender first. Many modern models are plug-and-play devices requiring no technical knowledge to install.
Maximising Your Broadband Value
Beyond Wi-Fi extenders, consumers should regularly:
- Review their broadband contract and compare market prices
- Check actual internet speeds versus advertised speeds
- Negotiate with providers using competitor offers
- Consider whether they truly need the highest speed package
With the cost of living continuing to pressure household budgets, this simple technological solution offers substantial financial relief for families across the United Kingdom.
