Millions of mobile and broadband customers across the UK have a crucial opportunity to save significant money before anticipated price increases take effect in April. According to Uswitch, approximately eight million broadband users and 14 million mobile customers are currently out of contract, leaving them vulnerable to higher bills if they fail to act promptly.
Potential Savings and Provider Hikes
Ernest Doku, a telecoms expert at Uswitch, highlights that proactive customers could save a combined total of £633 by exploring better deals now. Specifically, broadband customers might save an average of £329, while mobile users could reduce costs by an average of £304 by switching from handset contracts to SIM-only plans. This potential for savings comes as major providers such as O2, Virgin, Three, and Vodafone prepare to implement bill hikes starting in April.
Regulatory Changes and Consumer Advice
Recent regulatory changes have banned mobile and broadband firms from linking mid-contract price rises to inflation. Instead, providers must now inform customers in clear "pounds and pence" terms about any increases. Despite this, many consumers remain unaware of better alternatives, often paying more than necessary by staying with their current plans without negotiation.
Doku emphasises that the broadband market is currently offering some of the strongest deals in years, driven by fierce competition among providers. He warns that the biggest mistake is inaction, allowing bills to creep up without checking for better options or attempting to haggle with existing suppliers.
Steps to Save Money
If you are out of contract, you are likely overpaying for your mobile and broadband services. To address this, follow these steps:
- Assess Your Needs: Before comparing prices, review your current usage, such as minutes, texts, and broadband speed. Many people pay for higher allowances they do not actually require.
- Compare Deals: Use comparison websites like Uswitch, Compare the Market, Confused.com, or MoneySupermarket to find the cheapest available packages tailored to your needs.
- Negotiate or Switch: Once you have identified better deals, approach your existing provider politely, explain the competitive offers you have found, and ask if they can match or beat them. If they refuse, consider switching to a new provider. Additionally, check cashback websites for incentives when taking out new contracts.
Social Tariffs for Benefit Claimants
For those claiming benefits, there is an opportunity to access cheaper social tariffs, with broadband prices starting from £12 per month and mobile from £10. Eligibility varies between suppliers, but benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Personal Independence Payment, and Attendance Allowance may qualify you.
Research by Broadband Genie indicates that around 5.3 million UK households are eligible for these discounted tariffs, yet approximately 4.8 million are not currently claiming them. It is advisable to contact your broadband or mobile supplier directly to check your eligibility and potentially reduce your monthly expenses.
In summary, with April price rises looming, now is the ideal time for consumers to take control of their telecoms bills. By shopping around, haggling, or switching providers, millions can avoid unnecessary costs and secure better value in a competitive market.
