10 Ways to Help Beat Broadband and Mobile Price Rises

Many people are facing price hikes of up to 11% on their mobile and broadband bills from early April.

It comes during a cost of living crisis that has seen the prices of goods and services soar, and many people are now looking for ways to cut their monthly expenses to save money.

To help ease the April price sting, Uswitch.com offers advice on how you can keep your broadband and mobile bills as low as possible. See our ten tips below.

1. Stick to your budget

Before signing a new contract, be realistic about the price you are willing to pay each month.

Most broadband and mobile contracts last 12, 18 or 24 months, with some also available on a monthly basis. So be sure to budget well to ensure that you can afford your desired package for the entire duration.

Your provider should let you know when you’re nearing the end of your contract, but it’s a good idea to put it in the calendar so you can weigh your options for changing ahead of time.

2. Know your (data) limits

When your phone isn’t connected to Wi-Fi, certain activities, like streaming a video call or watching Netflix, can take a heavy toll on your data allowance, and you may need to purchase more from your provider.

Look for ways to get the most out of your allowance, like downloading services over Wi-Fi so you can use apps offline. If you work from home more regularly, you may find that you’re paying for more data than you use, so be sure to pick a plan that meets your needs.

3. Size a SIMO

Before opting for a monthly pay mobile contract, consider the SIM-only deals available. If you want to keep your existing handset, pairing it with a SIM-only deal could significantly reduce your bill.

Many SIM-only deals don’t have a contract, giving you the flexibility to keep your phone for as long as you want and wait for the right time to upgrade.

4. Need for speed

Don’t overestimate the high-speed download speed you need because you might end up paying too much for a plan that’s not suitable for your current usage. Run a broadband speed test to see how fast your current connection is.

If you’re happy with the performance, ask yourself if a faster and potentially more expensive offering is worth it.

5. Timing is key

Before jumping into a broadband deal, consider how long you want to lock in the contract. Two years is a long time, so be sure you’ll see the package until the end of the term.

For example, if you plan to move in a year or 18 months, consider a package that fits your schedule. You can even explore the option of a monthly rolling contract if you only need to stay signed in for a shorter period, as exiting a longer contract early can be costly.

6. Additional help

If you are applying for Universal Credit or other government benefits, you may be entitled to request additional assistance from your Internet Service Provider.

Contact your provider to see if they offer a social broadband tariff and if you meet the criteria, which could save you up to £144 on your annual broadband bill.

7. Additional Benefits

Some broadband and mobile plans offer additional perks such as gift cards or vouchers, so if you’re an avid shopper, this could be a great perk.

Remember that you will not be swayed by a contract based solely on additional extras, as you must ensure that the overall price, speed and duration of the contract are right for you.

8. Check the streams

Browse the different TV channels you watch, as well as any streaming platform you subscribe to. You might be able to downgrade your TV plan without losing any of your favorites or canceling a streaming service you rarely use.

If you don’t want a subscription, NOW offers monthly packages for its entertainment and sports packages, letting you watch football or Premier League movies for just £9.99 a month, which you can cancel at any time. moment.

9. Like new?

If you are looking for a mobile phone, choosing a refurbished phone, which will have had a previous owner but passed the same quality checks as a new device, can be an easy way to to save money.

Chances are you will know the difference. Check out Uswitch’s guide to refurbished phones.

10. Shop

Use a comparison site like Uswitch to see a wide range of offers across the entire market, depending on your needs. There are often exclusive offers on comparison sites, so keep an eye out for limited time offers.

Learn about each of the broadband and mobile providers that experience price increases every year, as well as those that don’t

Catherine Hiley, telecommunications expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “With mobile and broadband consumers set to be hit by increases in April, it’s worth exploring ways to recoup some of the money.

“Compare your own mobile, broadband and TV plans with current market alternatives to see if you’re getting what you really need. Look to remove any extras you don’t use, whether that’s reducing your broadband speed or dropping unwatched channels from your TV offering.

“Consider if you really need to upgrade your handset when you sign up for a new mobile phone contract and if you do, remember that going for a refurbished phone will probably cost hundreds of dollars less than a whole new model. Signing up for a SIM-only contract instead of a monthly payment plan can also help save money.

‘If you are in financial difficulty, be sure to let your provider know, as you may qualify for a special social rate which can help lower your bills.’

Find out how to save money on your broadband bill or how to reduce the amount you spend on your mobile.