Easy trick to cut broadband bill to £12 this month, resulting in a huge 7.9% increase
A simple broadband trick could help you reduce your bill ahead of a huge 7.9% increase, but you'll need to act quickly.
Households with pension credits, universal credit and other benefits could miss out on huge broadband savings.
People on benefits can even save hundreds of euros a year on their broadband bills if they take out social broadband rates.
But according to Independent Age, only 5.1% of eligible households use it.
With Virgin Media and Community Fibre, you can get a social rate from just £12.50 per month.
The average broadband bill in Britain costs £26.90 per month, or £322,280 per year, according to USwitch – and it's set to rise further.
This is because broadband bills will increase by up to 7.9% from March 31.
The new rate will take effect from your next bill after that date, so it's best to check as soon as possible to see if you can get a cheaper deal.
According to figures from USwitch, the average broadband customer will pay an extra £27.19 annually.
This means it's even more important to make sure you get the best possible deal on your broadband.
The increase will impact customers even if they have signed a fixed price contract.
This is because many companies have included price increases halfway through the contract in their general terms and conditions.
In the future, providers could be banned from linking price rises to runaway inflation figures, according to new proposals from Ofcom.
The regulator said mobile and broadband customers were hit with interim contract increases that they found difficult to understand.
Instead, providers are encouraged to explicitly spell out the exact amount in pounds and pence.
BT has already confirmed that this will happen from the summer.
The Sun has put together a guide to what each provider does and how you can avoid it.
Do you think you are entitled to a social rate? Ofcom has a list of all providers who offer this on its website.
You must check with each telecom provider how you can register. You will often have to do this online or by telephone.
Please note that some suppliers may charge you a penalty if you leave a rate mid-contract.
Always keep in mind that the exact amount you save by switching will depend on how much you previously paid for your broadband.
Here you will find a full list of companies offering social rates and their eligibility requirements.
How to avoid the price increase
The easiest way to save more of your hard-earned money is to switch suppliers when your contract expires.
If you have exceeded the minimum term of your contract, you do not have to pay cancellation fees. You may be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere.
If your contract is still in the period, you may be charged exit fees.
But don't just change contracts because the price is cheaper than what you are currently paying.
Check how much speed you need for broadband or how many minutes and texts and how much data you use on your mobile, to find out which subscription suits you best.
Use comparison websites, such as MoneySupermarket and USwitch, to compare the best rates and phone prices.
If you're happy with your provider, it may be worth using your research to negotiate a better deal as well.
The first thing you need to do is find out what the cheapest deal is on the market.
You can use this rate as a negotiating tool to get a better offer from your provider.
Contact your provider to see if they can match this rate. If not, you might want to switch.
For more ways to reduce your phone bill, we have eight tips to reduce costs.
In the meantime, here's the full list of household bills set to rise by up to £370 in 2024 – and how you can avoid paying more.
In addition, millions of people will experience tax changes in 2024 that will affect both their income and savings.
Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.
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