Thousands of homes across the UK are overpaying for their broadband service without realising it.
Be honest! When was the last time you logged into your broadband account, checked your current contract end date and your bill? Do you know how much your broadband has gone up by since you signed up? Take a look– the figures might shock you.
If you're worried about the price you're paying every month, all’s not lost. Switching broadband is a great and easy way to make sure you’re never paying over the odds. And if you stay savvy and get your timing just right, you can make even bigger and better savings.
Follow the tips below and find out how much money you can save!
March is Switching Season: avoid price hikes from broadband providers
Most broadband providers raise their prices annually – usually either on 31 March or 1 April.
Ofcom rules mean that providers must inform customers of these prices in clear pounds and pence. Unfortunately, there’s no limit to how much providers can add on.
Internet service providers who increase their prices annually include familiar names such as BT, Sky, Virgin Media, TalkTalk, Plusnet, and Vodafone.
Unless you have access to a provider that offers a fixed price promise, you may find it tricky to avoid these pesky price hikes. But time it right and you can limit your damages.
Why is spring a great time to switch broadband?
For the second year in a row, as we’ve headed towards the end of March, providers have waived that year’s price rise for new customers. We predict this is likely to happen annually.
So, if you time things right, you may only be subjected to one price rise during your contract, and you could save even more money by switching.
Around this time of year, keep an eye out for price-freeze deals. Or, alternatively, be prepared to make the most of free gifts and rewards that could offset any price rises.
If you switch today to a new broadband provider, here are some deals that won’t see a price increase until 2026.
November: Black Friday broadband deals
If your contract end date doesn’t quite time well with spring, all’s not lost. You have a great opportunity later in the year when the broadband Black Friday offers pop up.
Black Friday is one of the best times to switch broadband provider. It’s a great time to get hold of exclusive discounts or rewards, as well as reduced monthly prices.
Unlike spring switches, may face two mid-contract price rises, but you’ll also have the chance to cash in on a high-value reward to balance things out..
In 2025, Black Friday is on 29 November, but things tend to start happening a week or so before this, so you should have plenty of time to browse for a great deal.
Bookmark our Black Friday deals page and set a reminder in your calendar!
Out of contract? Avoid overpaying and switch
As well as annual price hikes, your current provider is likely to increase your monthly bill once your contract ends - if you’re out of your minimum term agreement, they may have already raised it!
Switching as soon as you’re at the end of your contract is always the best way to save money at any time of the year.
New customers will get the best deals and if you haven’t switched internet providers in the last couple of years, you can probably get an upgrade on your broadband speed, too!
Check your broadband contract end date today. If you’re not quite there yet, make sure to mark the date in your calendar so you can avoid your out of contract price hike.
How to switch broadband hassle-free
As long as you’re out of contract, switching is quick and easy!
Start by using our address checker to find the best broadband deals available in your area.
Use our filters to sort by price, speed, contract length, or find bundles that include TV and landline calls.
Don’t forget to double-check the price rise information in the ‘monthly cost’ box and find out the total price breakdown in the ‘full details’ section.
You can start your switch by clicking on the ‘Get deal’ button to complete your checkout.
As part of this process, you’ll be asked to confirm your old provider. One-Touch Switch means that your new provider will handle the switching process. As long as you’re out of contract, there should be no need to cancel your existing broadband package - your new service should be set up automatically.
Need more help finding the best deal for you? Find some great broadband switching tips in these guides:
Conclusion: when should you switch?
Switching as soon as you’re out of contract is always better than letting your old service carry over. Annual broadband price hikes can add on over £3 per month to your bill every year. Plus, you’ll likely see an increase in your bill once your minimum agreement term is over.
But you can save even more money by timing your switch.
New customers changing broadband providers in March usually have that year’s price hike waived. This makes it the perfect opportunity to avoid price increases for over a year. And for those signing up to either 18 or 24-month contracts, should mean you only have to put up one increase.
Later on in the year, Black Friday is the next best opportunity to switch and have the best selection of providers offering vouchers and reduced monthly prices.
Don’t let your old broadband contract price spiral out of control. Find a new broadband deal today and beat the price rises!