I saved £480 a year with quick phone call in less than 20 minutes – everyone needs to check their bill now

BROADBAND bills are set to increase in April, with monthly prices rising by around six per cent for millions of households.

Getting a better deal is quick and simple and could save you hundreds of pounds.

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Broadband bills are set to rise by 6% in April, but switching to a better deal is quick and simple – and could save you hundreds[/caption]

Here, Harriet Cooke shares her step-by-step guide on how to do it.

 YOU FREE TO SWITCH?

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Find out when your current deal is due to end – leaving you free to get yourself a better and cheaper package[/caption]

BROADBAND deals are typically 12, 18 or 24 months long and your supplier will let you know when your fix is due to end.

Or, you should be able to log in to your online account with your broadband provider to find out this information.

If you’re out of contract, it’s time to move to a cheaper package as you will be paying more than customers on a fixed deal.

Nathan Walters, of discount site MyVoucherCodes, said: “Broadband providers love to lure new customers with fantastic introductory offers, but these often increase once your minimum contract ends.

“Note your end date and shop around to see if you could get a better deal elsewhere.”

If you’re still in contract, there will likely be an early exit charge of up to £200.

Ask your supplier what the penalty is before switching.

CHECK YOUR SPEED

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Run a speed check to see if your current connection is sufficient – or even more than you actually need[/caption]

CONSIDER whether the download speeds you are getting are sufficient or more than you need.

Mr Walters advises against paying unnecessarily for a “lightning-fast” service.

“You might not need a top-tier package if you mainly browse, stream on one or two devices, and send emails,” he said.

 “Down­shifting to a slightly slower speed can save pounds without drastically affecting your internet experience.”

GoCompare’s calculator can help you work out the ideal speed for your household, based on how many devices you have and what you use them for.

Check whether you are getting your advertised service by running a speed test such as this one at comparethemarket.com/broadband/speed-test.

If the results fall below the minimum you were promised, you should not have to pay a penalty to leave your contract early under Ofcom rules.

But you must contact your provider first to give them a chance to fix the problem.

If you face sluggish speeds, check whether a new router or wifi extender might help. Your supplier can advise you on this.

COMPARE OFFERS

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If you never use a landline, consider a broadband-only deal[/caption]

USE a price comparison site such as GoCompare or uSwitch to see the best deals locally.

If you never use a landline, consider a broadband-only deal.

In some areas, smaller re­gional providers like Zen Internet, Hyperoptic or Community Fibre might provide a cheaper service than the big firms.

Sometimes, combining broadband with TV, phone or even mobile services under one provider can unlock discounts. For example, you can save money on your home broadband if you have an EE mobile contract.

But don’t add on any extras you don’t need. Before switching, factor in set-up costs, connection fees and extras like wifi boosters.

Ring your new provider and ask for the total cost of moving, in case any charges are hidden.

READY TO SWITCH?

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When switching broadband types, such as from cable to fibre optic, you’ll need to cancel your old contract yourself[/caption]

IF you are moving suppliers, your new one should arrange everything for you, and tell your current provider.

But if you are switching broadband types — for example, from cable to fibre optic — you will need to cancel your old contract yourself.

Cashback sites like Topcashback or Quidco also offer bonuses for switching.

STAYING LOYAL?

IF your contract is at an end and you want to stay with your supplier, ensure it gives you the price new customers pay.

 Check its website for introductory deals as well as its offers on price comparisons sites then ring and ask it to match the best one.

You may be put through to the firm’s “customer retention” team as they have the power to offer you a discount.

Matt Sanders, spokesperson for GoCompare Broadband, said: “One of the easiest ways to get a better deal is to haggle. We recommend calling 30 days before your contract is due to end.”

SOCIAL TARIFFS

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Low-cost social tariffs, available for those on certain benefits, can save up to half the price of standard deals[/caption]

THESE low-cost pack­ages are up to half the price of standard deals. To qualify, you need to receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Personal Independence Payments.

Matthew Sheeran, expert at Money Wellness, said: “Providers don’t widely advertise social tariffs, so call your provider.

“Social tariffs aren’t subject to mid-contract price rises.”

“And if your current provider doesn’t offer a social tariff, you can switch to one that does without being forced to pay a penalty if you leave early.”

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