When was the last time you checked your broadband contract? Was it recently? More than 2 years ago?
If it was anything over a year ago, I recommend spending some time checking what’s available at your home and how much you could save.
While there is no guarantee you’ll save money, broadband is an incredibly competitive market with prices changing all the time.
With bills and the general cost of living going up steadily, saving a little money can make a huge difference.
Especially if you can get the same or even faster broadband while paying less!
But how exactly do you compare broadband deals to make sure you get the best deal?
That’s my topic for today.
How to compare broadband
Comparing broadband deals is actually very straightforward but requires a little groundwork on your part first.
You’ll need to:
- Assess what broadband speed you need
- Check how long you have left on the fixed term part of your current contract
- Compare deals from across the internet
Let’s take a quick look at each before we get into the comparison.
Assess what broadband speed you need
Even if you have gigabit broadband available at your address, you may not need it. Paying for speed you’ll never use is not how you get a good deal.
Assess your needs carefully to get a good idea of your needs.
- If you’re a couple who check prices online and email regularly, you won’t need a very fast connection.
- If you’re a family of gamers and streamers, you’ll need a fast connection to cope with it all.
- If you work from home and use cloud apps and HD video conferencing, you’ll also need a fast connection.
For example, the couple who check their emails and occasionally use the internet could use any current broadband connection of 10Mbps upwards.
The family and homeworkers could benefit from 75Mbps upwards, the faster the better.
If you stream content, you should also bear that in mind.
According to Netflix, you need:
- 1Mbps for standard definition playback
- 3Mbps for high definition playback at 720p
- 5Mbps for high definition playback at 1080p
- 15Mbps for 4K playback
Each streaming service has its own minimum speed recommendations for 4K playback:
- 15Mbps for Netflix
- 25Mbps for Amazon Prime
- 25Mbps for Apple TV+
- 25Mbps for Disney+
- 20Mbps for YouTube at 4K
- 30Mpbs for BT Sport
If you stream as well as work and want to watch in 4K, you’ll need the fastest possible connection.
Check how long you have left on the fixed term part of your current contract
The vast majority of broadband contracts include a fixed term and will then switch to a rolling contract.
You’ll see a 12, 24 or 36 month contract mentioned next to the headline price of most broadband contracts.
This is the fixed term.
You’re locked into the contract for this period. Although, if you need to move or switch you can, you’ll just be charged an early termination fee.
This is typically your monthly price multiplied by the number of months left in that fixed term.
Once the fixed term is up, if you don’t switch, you’ll be put on a monthly rolling contract.
This just means you’re paying monthly for your broadband as usual, but can leave anytime as long as you provide 30 days’ notice.
Compare deals from across the internet
There are dozens of comparison websites online and they all offer valuable information.
One thing they don’t make quite so clear is that not all of them are ‘whole market comparisons’.
This means the website doesn’t include every single provider available. Only those it has an arrangement with and can receive commission from.
Some are whole market providers but as things can change quickly, it’s impossible to outline here without it going out of date.
I would recommend checking several comparison sites to get the most accurate picture of what’s available.
Comparing broadband deals
Once you have an idea of what speed you’ll need and how long you have left on your current contract, it’s time to compare.
Consider:
- Compare the Market
- Uswitch
- Confused.com
- GoCompare
- MoneySuperMarket
- Broadbandgenie
Enter your postcode into the search box and compare the available deals. Rate each deal according to your needs and shortlist a couple to check further.
Be aware of contract length, data caps and whether the deal includes phone or other services as this can skew the comparison.
Three or four play
Threeplay or fourplay refers to a number of services bundled into one contract. Threeplay typically includes phone, TV and broadband where fourplay adds mobile.
If you use all these services, it pays to compare like for like. If you don’t use one or more of these services, they will rarely provide true value for money.
While there’s nothing stopping you taking one of these deals even if you don’t use all services, you’re not maximising your savings by doing so.
Signing up for your new broadband deal
Before you sign a contract, check everything. Make sure your comparison was like for like, or includes your current requirements if they are different.
Make sure you know the full contract length and that it’s reasonable.
Make sure you’re happy with the price and any features or extras you get.
Make sure you know if there are data caps for the contract and if they are reasonable and that you can live within them.
Once you’re happy, sign up for the deal and arrange an installation date.
The broadband switching process
The broadband switching process is very straightforward as the provider does most of the work for you.
It’s a lot like changing bank account. You sign up for a new account, provide the details of your current provider and they will work out all the details between them.
The new provider should enable your connection on the given day and you should receive a final bill from your old provider shortly after.
An engineer visit may be necessary to switch you over, but isn’t always.
This happens most often when switching between networks like from Virgin Media to the BT network or a local fibre provider over to someone else.
Quite often, a switch will merely require receiving a broadband by courier and setting it up yourself using a simple guide.
That’s the basics of comparing broadband and getting a new deal. We told you it was easy!
Now let’s tackle some common questions I often see around broadband.
Can I change deals with my existing broadband supplier?
Yes, you can change deals with your existing broadband supplier. If you compare deals and your current provider comes out on top, contact them direct, tell them you’re comparing deals and let them see what they can do.
While they tend to offer the best deals to comparison sites, that isn’t always the case. Switching may just be a case of calling your provider, getting a cheaper price and signing up for another fixed term.
Can I keep the same email address if I change to a different broadband supplier?
Yes, you can usually keep the same email address if you change to a different broadband supplier. The only change would be if you use a vendor-specific address like a @btinternet.com email address. If you have a Gmail, Outlook or company address, that can stay the same.
Some providers, like Sky, will let you keep your old email address for free. As long as you use it regularly, you can keep the email address long enough to switch or keep it for as long as you want.
What happens if there are problems switching broadband?
If there are problems switching broadband, let the provider sort it out. Switching is actually very straightforward and issues are rare. But they do happen.
If it’s not your fault, let the provider know and let them fix it. Give them an opportunity to address the issue and get you connected. Otherwise, tell them you’re leaving and try another provider.
You have a 14-day cooling off period after signing any contract online. If you’re still within that time, you can leave for any reason without penalty.
If you’re past that cooling off period, there’s a specific process you have to follow. That involves contacting the provider and giving them a chance to fix the issue, raising a complaint and then taking it to the ombudsman if the complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction.
That’s incredibly rare though!
Comparing broadband deals
As you can see, while there is a little work to do when comparing broadband, it’s all very straightforward.
As long as you perform your due diligence, assess your needs, compare like-for-like and check the terms and conditions, you should save money or get more for the same money.
It isn’t often that happens right now so I strongly recommend comparing broadband deals when you get the opportunity!
