Uswitch on simple way to save £162 on your broadband

Uswitch have given simple tips to save money on broadband. (Getty)
Uswitch have given simple tips to save money on broadband. (Getty)

The cost of living crisis has forced many people to find ways to save money as households see their outgoings rise faster than their incomes.

New research has found that switching broadband could save some households hundreds.

Comparison website Uswitch found that more than a third (36%) of Brits have never changed their broadband provider – but savings of up to £162 can be made if they do.

The research found more than two-fifths of adults aged 45 and over have never switched broadband provider – despite one in 10 of the same age group seeing an increase of £10-£15 per month on their broadband bills in the last year.

Younger people are most likely to have switched, the research found, but nearly a third (30%) of 18-24 year olds had not switched to a better deal.

The price of goods and services is rising faster than pay, leaving workers worse off (Yahoo News UK/Flourish)
The price of goods and services is rising faster than pay, leaving workers worse off (Yahoo News UK/Flourish)
Over a third of Brits have never changed their broadband provider, research has found. (PA/Alamy)
Over a third of Brits have never changed their broadband provider, research has found. (PA/Alamy)

Uswitch say that switching providers when a contract is up tends to save money. Doing so over the Black Friday weekend could be especially lucrative, they advise, as more offers are available.

Catherine Hiley, broadband expert at Uswitch, said: “Whenever you near the end of your broadband contract, check to see if there’s a better service more suited to your needs…

“For those already approaching the end of their contract, Black Friday can be the ideal time to find a far stronger package.

Watch: Martin Lewis breaks down cost of living payments for 2022 and 2023

“Typically, consumers can save an average of £162 a year by switching to a new broadband deal.”

As inflation rockets, the price of broadband and mobile services are set to increase by up to 14% next year.

Percentage of age groups who have never switched broadband provider:

  • 55+: 40%

  • 45-54: 39%

  • 35-44: 43%

  • 25-34: 31%

  • 18-24: 30%

The Uswitch research also found that three in 10 of those in the lower income bracket (earning up to £25,000 a year) saw an increase of £10 per month in their broadband spending, with 40% of those never moving to other providers.

The price of broadband and mobile services are set to increase by up to 14% next year. (PA/Alamy)
The price of broadband and mobile services are set to increase by up to 14% next year. (PA/Alamy)

Over a third (34%) of those earning up to £45,000 also admit to having never switched broadband, with almost three in five seeing an increase of at least £4.99 per month.

Which? has called on broadband providers and other businesses to do more to help customers who are struggling with rising prices.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: “Broadband providers must improve access to social tariffs and allow customers to quit their contract if the price goes up.”