If you are considering switching broadband provider there are a few things to think about: speed, data usage and what kind of deal you want. With a little preparation and a good price comparison website the process should be pretty straightforward. A comprehensive survey by Which magazine asked 5000 switchers how they found the process and a staggering 81% said things went smoothly and that they found it easy.
There really is no reason to feel stressed by the search for your next broadband provider, even if the family currently use enough bandwidth to supply a small village 😉
Superfast Broadband vs Standard Speeds
Superfast broadband is very much in vogue at the moment, with the UK government supporting efforts to widen its reach and take-up levels. With speeds up to nine times higher (152 megabytes per second) than a standard ADSL line (16 Megabytes per second), superfast fibre-optic broadband will give you instant connectivity and access. If you are looking to cut costs it is important to establish what speed you actually need as the fastest packages will cost you more. Comparing speeds and prices is easy. Googling something like ‘best broadband deals’ or ‘BT and virgin media comparison broadband’ will bring up a variety of comparison sites.
Unlimited Data vs Capped Data
If you’re an avid streamer of movies and music then you will need a broadband package that gives you unlimited data. The good news is that most broadband deals offer anunlimited data allowance these days. Capped deals are still available though and could work out cheaper for some users. A 10 Gigabyte or 20 Gigabyte limited service is good for people who only occasionally browse the web and send the odd email.
Standalone Package vs Bundled Deal
Broadband deals come in all shapes and sizes and you will be able to find the right one to suit your budget. Before visiting comparison sites it is a useful idea to calculate what price you can (or want to) pay per month as this will make your search more focused.
Decide too whether you want to merge your TV, phone and broadband arrangements into one easy-to-manage bundle – this is an attractive option for many. If you have been with your existing broadband provider for a long time give them a call before you switch providers because they may be willing to strike a deal. When comparing prices on comparison sites always remember to look out for hidden charges such as set-up fees, connection charge and router postage.
With the right preparation, sorting out the best broadband deal for you and your family can be a superfast process.
This post was provided for Patch of Puddles.