What To Look For When Choosing A New Broadband Provider

Is it time to break up with your broadband provider? According to an April 2024 Uswitch survey, customers are punished for being loyal. Those who haven’t switched internet provider for seven to eight years pay on average £22.10 extra per month. But knowing what to look for in a new provider can be tricky. Here, Guy Miller, CEO of full fibre network operator MS3 Networks, advises you how to find a better deal without sacrificing speed and service.

The UK’s full fibre rollout is picking up pace. 18.7 million households can now access full fibre, also known as ultrafast broadband, which covers speeds ranging from 100 Mbps (Megabits per second) up to 900 Mbps. For large households, Netflix bingers, gamers and remote workers, ultrafast broadband is the best option.

But unfortunately, full fibre may be out of reach for many people. Research from the Citizens Advice Bureau shows that one million people disconnected their internet access in 2022 due to cost-of-living concerns. Switching internet providers to get a cheaper deal could be the difference between staying connected and having to cancel your home internet package. If you’ve never switched before, here are some things to look out for when choosing a new provider.

Mid-contract price hikes
Unfortunately, it’s common practice for some broadband providers to increase the fees you pay in line with inflation each April. This will likely be written in your contract as Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 3.9 per cent, but it can be difficult to work out how much more this will cost you each month.

Ofcom has cracked down on the confusing T&Cs, proposing that all planned price increases should be set out in pounds and pence. However, you should still check your contract before deciding on a broadband provider, as some choose not to hike their prices each year, which could save you money.

Sufficient speeds
Although the majority of homes can now access ultrafast internet, it’s important to consider whether you need it. If you’re only a light internet user who browses the web a couple of times a day and sends the odd email, choosing a package with speeds between 100 and 500 Mbps could reduce the amount you pay.

Suitable contract length
If you’re living in a student house, or you’re only working in an area temporarily, look for a provider that can offer a shorter contract length, such as six, nine or 12 months. This could also be a good option if you want to shop around more often to guarantee the best deal. Some providers include set-up fees for shorter contracts, so it’s important to calculate whether you’d still be better off once this is added on.

Consider business broadband
While the speeds offered by most internet service providers (ISPs) are sufficient for homeworking, business broadband can offer added peace of mind in the case of a network fault. For most remote and hybrid workers, residential broadband is perfectly fine. But if extended time without internet connectivity would cause huge issues for your company, it could be a good idea to opt for a business connection, as many offer round-the-clock customer service and a minimum service guarantee.

Bundled up
Combining broadband with other services such as your phone and TV plans can sometimes be cheaper than paying for them individually. It also provides an easier way of staying on top of your finances, as they can be billed together rather than individually.

Switching broadband providers can save you money, but the grass may not always be greener. Keeping these considerations in mind when making the move will ensure you end up with a fast, affordable and reliable internet service.

To find out if MS3’s full fibre network is available in your area, enter your postcode here.