Millions of broadband customers have just days left to avoid bill hike – or face unexpected fee
AS April edges closer the deadline to get ahead of the increasing cost of broadband is fast approaching.
The hike in costs also affect energy, gas, water, council tax, mobile phones, TV license and car tax.
Broadband customers on inflation-linked contracts are expected to pay on average an additional £21.99 per year.
Users on inflation-linked contracts are not in a fixed term contract and it’s important to check if your contract has ended or if it’s about to expire.
And those on pounds and pence plans, where providers must clearly show any mid-contract price increases in pounds and pence, could see their bill increase by as much as £42 annually.
By switching to a new broadband provider now, customers can secure a better deal and completely avoid the hikes entirely.
Sabrina Hoque, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: “For the millions of broadband customers currently out of contract, now is the time to act before the April price increases kick in.
“If you don’t know when your contract ends, you can usually find this information on your bill.
“It only takes a minute or two to check, and it could end up saving you a significant amount in the long run.
“Our data shows that switching to a new broadband deal after your initial contract has ended could save you £181 a year.”
If you are out of contract there are a few things to take into consideration when looking for a new deal.
Check the speed of the internet you’re already receiving by using online tools like speedtest.net, fast.com or broadbanduk.
This will help to understand if you’re getting a like-for-like deal or if you’re looking to improve on the service you’re already receiving.
Also, check with neighbours who they’re currently with and get their feedback on service and realiability, which might help to discount any bad players.
Comparison sites like USwitch, Comparethemarket and MoneySuperMarket will provide you with a breakdown of all the new deals on the market in the click of a button.
An additional plus point on using comparison websites is that customers could get an enticing deal of a gift card or bill credit on taking out the deal.
If you prefer speaking directly to the company you’d like to go with, rather than doing it online, they are likely to honor the deal from the comparison site.
Once you’ve got a new deal in place, now would be a good time to contact your current provider to see if they will match the deal.
When haggling with them stay calm and polite.
If they are unable to, switching has never been easier with One Touch Switch.
This was introduced in September 2024 by Ofcom.
Once you’ve taken out your new contract with the new provider, they are then able to initiate the switch your behalf.
Switching broadband the lowdown
HERE are some handy tips on how to switch your broadband
When is a good time to switch?
This is usually when your contract has come to an end.
The main reason customers switch is that they’re paying too much.
Most broadband deals include an annual price increase, which usually happens at the end of the financial year in April.
When do broadband price hikes usually happen?
Price hikes happen annually every Spring or when your contract comes to an end.
Price increases were attached to the inflation rate but under new rules by Ofcom they are a fixed-rate change.
I’m in a contract can I still change provider?
You are free to leave your broadband provider when you like, but if you’re in your contract you may incur a penalty fee.
Contact your broadband company to find out what that is and what the cost might be.
Other household bills going up in April
Millions of households will see their monthly bills rise by around £660 a year from April 1.
Energy, gas, water, council tax, mobile phones, TV license and car tax are all set to go up.
ENERGY
Will increase to 6.4% to £1,849 a year this is down to Ofgem‘s energy price cap rise.
Around 22million households on standard variable tariffs and will be affected.
For a typical user, this will add an additional £111 to their annual bill, equating to roughly £9.25 extra per month.
WATER
Water bills will also see an increase of around £123 a year.
That’s an extra £10 a month on top of what you’re already paying.
Some regions will face even steeper hikes, so it’s worth checking with your specific supplier.
COUNCIL TAX
Council tax is likely to be increased by 4.99% in England, which is the maximum hike that councils are allowed to make.
This will add over £100 to a typical Band D property’s annual bill.
But for those of you in Scotland and Wales, the news is even worse.
You could be facing hikes of up to 10%.
TV LICENCE
A colour licence will increase by £5 to £174.50 a year from April 1.
But there are ways to legally reduce your bill, or even eliminate it entirely.
If you don’t watch or record live TV broadcasts on any channel or device, and you don’t use BBC iPlayer, you can cancel your TV Licence.
If you’re legally blind, you’re entitled to a 50% discount.
And if you’re over 75 and receiving pension credit, you qualify for a free TV Licence.
CAR TAX
Car tax is going up in April too.
For vehicles registered after April 2017, the increase is £5 taking the cost up to £195 a year.
Now electric cars are going to be taxed too.
Those registered from April 2025 onwards will pay £10 for the first year and then the standard rate of £195 thereafter.
Another additional cost to be aware of is if you are buying an electric vehicle over £40,000, there will be expensive car supplement of £620 per year for the first five years.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories