How to save over £100 on your annual broadband bill in 2025
Being able to save on your annual broadband is more important than ever in a time of economic hardship.
We’re now exactly a quarter of the way through the 21st century, and the astonishing pace of technological change hasn’t been matched by corresponding economic progress.
Since the 2008 banking crisis, we’ve been in near-permanent austerity, aggravated this decade by a pandemic and multiple lockdowns, political ineptitude and war in Europe.
Many households will currently be struggling to balance their finances in the aftermath of the Christmas period.
The start of a new year is always a timely moment to conduct some financial housekeeping, checking your incomings and outgoings to determine whether savings can be made.
In the case of home broadband contracts, the answer is probably yes…
Flick the switch
A major survey by Which? recently concluded that as a typical broadband-only customer, you could easily save on your annual broadband by switching ISP.
To be precise, out of contract consumers could expect to save an average of £105 per year, simply by moving from one provider to another.
Those who had bundled in a pay TV deal (typically with the likes of Sky or Virgin Media) could expect to save £160 by seeking a comparable deal elsewhere.
Which? noted that customers choosing to negotiate a better deal with their existing ISP also saved money – but only £55 and £117 in the two scenarios outlined above.
While it’s important not to be caught out by early-departure penalties if you’re still in contract, Ofcom estimate 7.4 million people are out of contract at any given time.
There is clearly a strong economic case for consumers no longer under the restrictions of a fixed-price, fixed-term contract to move elsewhere.
So why don’t they?
The loyalty penalty
Like insurance policies and other rolling renewal contracts, broadband customers pay a relatively high price to remain with their existing ISP.
Aggressively discounted deals are offered to new customers, paid for by existing subscribers through higher annual costs which many people accept with weary resignation.
Changing provider requires a degree of market research (ideally right here on BroadbandDeals.co.uk), returning old router equipment and setting up new hardware, learning new WiFi passcodes…
Administrative issues aside, though, it isn’t hard to save on your annual broadband. In fact, it’s never been easier.
Last year, industry regulator Ofcom introduced a one-touch switching service.
This places responsibility for any ISP changeover onto the new provider, even across otherwise incompatible networks such as FTTC to full fibre services.
For the first time, consumers can switch broadband without even having to notify the incumbent provider of their intention to move away.
The Which? survey concluded that 75 per cent of broadband-only customers (i.e. those not enmeshed in triple-play or quad-play contracts) found switching easy.
Five times as many people described customer service as being better after switching than worse, and over a third reported faster download speeds.
Still not convinced?
It’s never been easier to save on your annual broadband costs, and there’s never been a more compelling time to do so.
Above-inflation price hikes (including preordained mid-contract increases) often come into effect in April, when other bills like council tax may also rise by the legally permitted maximum.
Moving from one broadband provider to another represents an easy way to make a three-figure annual saving – and potentially improve your customer experience at the same time.
