Do you think you’re spending too much money on your broadband? You’re not alone, as lots of people feel they’re paying more than necessary to stay connected to the internet. It’s time to try a few tricks to get some money off your broadband bills.
Here are the things you should do to reduce your broadband bills:
1. Shop around
Although you may have a favourite broadband service provider, it’s possible to get a better offer from another company. So, the first step is to shop around to find a provider that delivers the best deal, but this is easier said than done. Most providers know that customers are struggling with rising costs of living; hence, they’re exposed to most tricks already.
Visit a broadband price comparison site to see varying offers from different providers. However, don’t rush into accepting any deals from any company.
2. Negotiate with your provider
Sometimes, your provider may have other cheaper services you’re not aware of. The offer could come in the form of speed upgrades or extra channels. While talking to your provider on the phone, ask about any additional offers you can enjoy from them.
Don’t hesitate to show your displeasure at the current price of your broadband. If there are any strange charges or irrelevant services you’ve been paying for, this is the best time to talk about them. In many cases, your provider will reduce the service charges to retain your patronage.
You may also want to opt for a loyalty discount. Expectedly, the discount will bring down the broadband bills, but you cannot leave the provider without providing a written note about your decision.
3. Switch providers
As you probably know, there’s a plethora of options for broadband service providers. You don’t have to stick to a company if you’re not satisfied with its offers. Check out various providers and determine the best one for you.
Even though the price is essential, you shouldn’t overlook the terms and conditions of each company. Some providers may offer the cheapest service but have conditions that’ll make life difficult for the users. Also, look for shopping vouchers, freebies, and other incentives that each company gives to customers.
Other factors to consider before switching providers are:
- Length of contract
- Broadband speed
- Customer service
- Cancellation fees
Regardless, moving from one provider to another can be costly. You may have to pay for new a new router and modem. If you’re terminating a contract, it could be essential to pay a cancellation fee to your current provider.
Before finalizing the switch, you may want to speak to your current service provider one more time. In some cases, your persistence may convince the company’s agents to reduce your broadband costs.
4. Use price comparison websites
Whether you’re trying to switch providers or want to negotiate with your current provider, you may struggle to decide a fair price for your broadband. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much about this because price comparison websites give you everything you need to know.
Using the websites, you can have a reasonable idea of what other companies are charging for their services. The sites allow you to find the best insurance, mortgages, credit card deals, and lots more. From the comfort of your home, you can find useful guides to save money on your monthly bills.
Besides, price comparison websites can save time, as you don’t need to visit each company’s website or call their agents before knowing their offers. You can get access to everything through your mobile device.
While these websites are great, be cautious. Some companies charge a one-off fee or a percentage of the purchase. You could miss out on a better deal if you don’t pay attention. Additionally, they may not have all the best deals available in the market.
MoneySuperMarket is one of the best price comparison websites you can use. Apart from showing the prices of various products, it also allows you to track the price of a particular item for more than 12 months. The site enables you to request a price alert, letting you know if the price drops.
Another powerful website to consider is Broadband.Deals. This useful website brings you prices on fibre internet plans from many providers, including Vodafone and Virgin Media.
Google Shopping also provides similar offers. The site allows you to compare the prices of a product from popular retailers and lesser-known ones. For a better experience, use the site’s filter to find the best results for your purchases.
You may want to check out the best broadband deals in the UK at the moment.
5. Disable wireless routers and smart lighting when not used
While you may focus on getting affordable deals from your broadband provider, you can reduce the bills by managing your wireless router and smart lighting effectively. A smart light bulb is a device that is connected to the internet and helps to save money on energy bills. It can be controlled remotely with Google Assistant, Amazon Echo, and other virtual assistants. A smart light switch can also control the lighting.
Although smart lighting doesn’t consume lots of energy, it contributes to your broadband bills. Whenever you’re not using the smart light bulbs, make sure they’re disabled. You can program the bulbs to turn on and off based on temperature, time of day, and if all other phones are off.
Similarly, your wireless routers don’t have to be on every time. Whenever no one is using them, you shouldn’t hesitate to switch them off. Different routers have varying means of turning them on or off. Some routers come with a physical power on/off button, whereas others require an automatic switch. Read your router’s manual to find the right way to disable or enable it.
Regardless, you must ensure your wireless and smart lighting are not on when they’re not being used.
In a nutshell, getting money off your broadband bills is possible as long as you’re ready to put in the effort to achieve your goal. Try some of the tweaks above and keep track of your bills to determine whether they work or not.
