Britons have a tight window to operate in if they are to reduce an impending broadband bill surge, a consumer expert has warned.
Millions of broadband users are about to be pummelled with some of the most costly hikes ever, with some providers set to up prices by over 14 per cent in the coming weeks.
It comes as struggling families across the country contend with the ever-crippling cost of living crisis, meaning the additional financial burden could not have come at a worse time.
Consumer expert Martyn James has offered a glimmer of hope, however, saying there is a way broadband users can mitigate the costs.
Martyn James says Brits can reduce their broadband bills with a simple trick
GB News / PA
Speaking on GB News, he warned Britons will have to act fast in order to avoid a potentially damaging price surge.
He told Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster: “Some companies are absolutely terrible at customer service, never mind being negotiated it.
“But it does pay to know your rights a little bit with this. With broadband and mobile phone increases, we’re looking at about an average of 14 per cent on each of those.
“That’s a 28 per cent increase collectively. The fact that the companies are able to do this is something the regulator Ofcom is looking into, but that doesn’t really help us right now.
Virgin Media are one of the providers ramping up bills
PA
“Two of the big ones, Sky and Virgin, they have clauses in the contract which says they have to notify you in advance.
“So if you’re listening to this now, you have a very tight window where you can phone up and complain.
“So you might possibly be able to get around this on those circumstances.”
It is often advised that you phone your provider and haggle over the price as it is unlikely they will want you to cancel your contract.
If you get through to a cancellations or retentions team they will often put forward the best deals on offer in order to get you to stay.
James says many Britons are out of contract on their broadband bills without even realising, meaning they are in a strong position to potentially negotiate a more favourable deal.
He said: “20 million of us are actually out of contract on these deals and we don’t realise.
“It’s possible to actually move to another provider and halve your bills.
Broadband bills are set for an increase
PA
“I cut mine down from a ludicrous £90 to £40 just by moving to a different provider, so it’s definitely worthwhile doing.”
James added that those who are “stuck” in the middle of their broadband contract, possibilities for a price cut remain open.
“Negotiation probably isn’t going to help too much, but remember, we all moan about terrible broadband service”, he said.
“If your service is rubbish, that firm is in breach of contact. So turn detective and record your speed. Use some of the free apps to record what you’re getting and make a complaint.
“Under those circumstances, you could potentially get out of the contract without paying a hefty exit fee.
“Even if the negotiation doesn’t work, if the company isn’t doing its part of the deal, you might be able to get away.”
Price rises will be coming into force over April, with some even taking effect on the first day of the month. Britons are therefore urged to act quickly to prepare for any nasty surprises.
Other than broadband and mobile bills, Britons can expect hikes in energy bills, council tax and personal tax.
