HOUSEHOLDS can beat the April broadband price hikes by fixing now – but it depends on your provider.
Prices will typically rise by a whopping 14% next month, adding an extra £44 a year for those in contract and more for those whose deal has expired.
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Firms blame soaring bills on dealing with regulatory requirements, higher energy and network costs.
But customers who renew or switch suppliers this month can escape the price jump, as most firms say they will honour their current costs for a year without raising them in April.
It comes as households which are mid-contract on their broadband deal face penalties of as much as £200 for leaving it early.
Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, urged families to check when their broadband and mobile deals were ending so they can plan ahead.
He told The Sun: “Our market insight suggests there are millions of households who are currently out of contract, or about to come to the end of their contract – so many will be facing the dilemma of whether to fix before or after the April price rises.
“While not widely publicised – with some mobile and broadband providers, it is possible to switch to a new deal now to avoid the impact of the April 2023 price rises entirely, including Vodafone, Virgin Media and Shell, while TalkTalk will be offering this to customers from March 2 2023.
“Some providers have also gone one step further and actively committed to no mid-contract price increases at all, including Hyperoptic and Gigaclear; however, depending on your location, these may not be available in your local area.”
We explain which firms will help you avoid bill stings – and which won’t.
Which providers will let you avoid bill hikes?
Vodafone said new and existing customers who take out a new broadband contract from February 24 won’t see any price changes until April 2024.
Virgin Media and O2 said if you switch to a new broadband contract today, you won’t be affected by 2023 mid-contract price rises.
BT, EE and Plusnet said all prices quoted from today will not increase from March 31.
TalkTalk said if you switch your broadband from March 2 2023 – you won’t be affected by 2023 mid-contract price rises.
Shell Energy said customers who sign up to one of Shell’s broadband packages from now onwards will not experience an annual price rise in April 2023.
The prices will be fixed for these customers until April 2024.
Which companies won’t let you avoid bill hikes?
Sky customers who sign up now would still see a price increase on some contracts.
The company said there will be an explanation at point of sale on how this work.
How to switch suppliers
Customers who are out of contract with their broadband supplier can at any time switch to a new contract with a new or existing supplier without paying a penalty.
Some 3.16 million broadband customers are in this position, typically paying £61 a year more than those who regularly fix their service.
Alex Tofts, expert at Broadband Genie, said: “It is important to remember that if your provider has offered you a new deal, you don’t have to accept their first offer, as there is always an opportunity to haggle.”
To find the best broadband deal, find out the details of your current broadband deal, i.e. the speed, monthly price, contract end and how much you’ll pay if it rises in March or April.
Take the details to a price comparison site like uSwitch and see what other deals are available.
Find the best deal and check if it’s shortly to rise in price (ask the provider the question). If it is, weigh up if you’re happy to accept the increases or wait until April to see if you can get a cheaper one.
If you’re happy to switch providers, be sure to claim cashback at the same time.
If you want to stay with your current provider, tell them the best price you have found on a price comparison site and ask them to match it.
Also look at the deals they are offering to new customers and if cheaper, ask if you can sign up for that.
Again check if the prices are to rise at the start of April, and consider if you’re happy to accept them or delay for a cheaper deal.
