With summer in full swing and many households re-evaluating their budgets, July and August are the ideal time to reassess your broadband deal. Major p
With summer in full swing and many households re-evaluating their budgets, July and August are the ideal time to reassess your broadband deal. Major providers, like Community Fibre, often launch seasonal discounts and promotions to attract new customers during this period.
Switching in summer could land you faster speeds and lower monthly bills, without the winter rush later in the year. Below, we’ll outline the top reasons to switch to a new broadband provider sooner rather than later.
Are You In or Out of Contract?
Your broadband deal may have ended over a year ago without you realising, resulting in you needlessly overpaying for your connection. A recent Broadband Genie study revealed that over 60% of UK households are out of contract, often without being aware of it.
Those households pay an average of £75 more per year than those who switch, despite switching savings potentially saving them an average of £184 annually. If you’re out of contract, there’s little sense in waiting. Check to see if you’re free to switch before comparing the available deals in your area. With most new router connections, there is typically minimal downtime, lasting no more than an hour.
The One‑Touch Switch
The outdated fear of the hassle of switching providers and double-paying often leaves consumers stuck with outdated, slow broadband deals. Connections with poor average download, upload, and Wi-Fi speeds can be frustrating, especially if you live in a home where multiple people stream 4K video or play video games simultaneously.
However, new rules are in place to simplify the process. One Touch Switch, introduced by Ofcom in September 2024, is a new process for switching broadband and landline providers that makes the new provider handle the entire switch. They will cancel the deal with the old provider, meaning you only need to contact your new provider to initiate the switch. As the customer, all you need to do is contact your chosen new provider and provide them with your details, such as your address and the name of your current provider.
What the Average Household Does With Its Broadband Contract
Individuals and households often stick with the same broadband provider they’ve used for over six years. For some, it’s a mix of brand loyalty and the assumption that it’s easier to stay with the same company. Many worry that switching will be disruptive and that they’ll lose internet access during the transition, which can be stressful and costly for those working from home.
Ofcom data indicates that only 25% of consumers seek a new contract after their old one ends. If you’re still using the same router you were issued half a decade ago, or if your broadband speed seems slower than it used to be, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Providers are increasingly offering ultra-fast packages with clear switching processes for broadband, making upgrading more convenient than ever.
