HOUSEHOLDS are overpaying for their broadband by up to £180 a year but they can save hundreds by switching – and boost their speed at the time.
In a bid to help people find the cheapest deals, Ofcom has proposed that broadband companies – as well as mobile, landline and pay-TV providers – must alert customers about the best deal they can offer.
They will have to do this when any discounted deal is coming to an end, and every year for longstanding customers.
It comes as research by the telecoms regulator found that loyal broadband customers with BT, EE, Plusnet, Sky, TalkTalk, and Virgin Media pay between £8 and £15 more every month when their introductory offer ends.
These plans will now be consulted on until February 1, with the rules coming into force in the second half of next year.
Ofcom will also launch a review into the so-called loyalty premium customers pay and says it will take further action where needed. It expects to set out these findings in 2019.
The move follows a super-complaint made by Citizens Advice after it found that loyal customers are being penalised to the tune of over £4billion a year – which is about £877 a year per household.
Sharon White, Ofcom chief executive, said: “We’re concerned that many loyal broadband customers aren’t getting the best deal they could.
“So we’re reviewing broadband pricing practices and ensuring customers get clear, accurate information from their provider about the best deals they offer.”
In addition, Ofcom reckons half of British households could switch to faster – and cheaper broadband.
It says 94 per cent of UK homes and offices can now get superfast broadband, but less than half have taken it up
But those who do switch to fibre could also find themselves paying the same – or even less money – than on their old-style basic broadband.
Boost your broadband speed
HERE are some top tips to boost your broadband speed from telecoms regulator Ofcom:
- Carry out a speed test using Ofcom accredited price comparison sites Broadband.co.uk, broadbandchoices.co.uk and Simplifydigital
- Talk to your broadband provider if there are problems in the first instance
- Update your web browser to the latest version
- Keep your router as far away as possible from other electrical devices that emit wireless signals, such as cordless phones and baby monitors as these can effect signal
- If you have an old router, consider upgrading it
- Password protect your broadband – if neighbours are accessing your wifi it could be slowing your speeds down
- Use an ethernet cable to connect your computer or laptop directly to the router rather than using wifi
- Plug your router directly into your home’s main phone socket – extension leads can cause interference
- Fit a broadband acclerator to boost speeds
In a bid to help consumers boost their speed, Ofcom has launched a new website called Boost Your Broadband to tell people what broadband they can get in their area, and to give impartial advice on how to find the best deal.
Margot James MP and digital minister, said: “Our rollout of superfast broadband is reaching thousands more homes and businesses every week and millions of people across the UK can now enjoy the clear benefits that superfast broadband provides.
“This is a welcome, positive step by Ofcom and I urge people to visit the website, check what services are available in their local area and then see if they can get a better deal.”
More on money
Earlier this week, we revealed the best and worst streets in the UK for broadband speed.
While, consumer group Which? said earlier this month that the cost of staying loyal to your broadband provider peaks at a whopping £220 a year.
But there is good news for households as broadband customers will now get £8-a-day automatic compensation for lost connection.
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News Pictures Half of UK households could switch to cheaper and faster broadband – and save HUNDREDS of pounds a year
You don’t have to pack away your bikini just because you’re the wrong side of 20. These body-beautiful stars reveal their secrets to staying in shape and prove you can smoulder in a two-piece, whatever your age. Read on and be bikini inspired!
TEENS
Hayden Panettiere
Size: 8
Age: 18
Height: 5ft 1in
Weight: 8st
To achieve her kick-ass figure, Hayden – who plays cheerleader Claire Bennet in Heroes – follows the ‘quartering’ rule. She eats only a quarter of the food on her plate, then waits 20 minutes before deciding whether she needs to eat again.
Hayden says: “I don’t have a model’s body, but I’m not one of those crazy girls who thinks that they’re fat. I’m OK with what I have.”
Nicollette says: “I don’t like diets – I see it, I eat it! I believe in eating healthily with lots of protein, vegetables and carbs to give you energy.”
kim cattrall
Size: 10-12
Age: 52
Height: 5ft 8in
Weight: 9st 4lb
SATC star Kim swears by gym sessions with Russian kettle bells (traditional cast-iron weights) and the South Beach Diet to give her the body she wants. To avoid overeating, Kim has a radical diet trick – squirting lemon juice on her leftovers – so she won’t carry on picking.
Kim says: “I am no super-thin Hollywood actress. I am built for men who like women to look like women.”
https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/NINTCHDBPICT000405311957.jpg?strip=all&w=960
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