Financial guru Martin Lewis has issued urgent advice for those wanting to save hundreds of pounds on their broadband bills.
This comes as energy prices increase today, October 1, and households are preparing for bills to spike as we head into winter.
Speaking on the ITV's Martin Lewis Money Show, he said that by getting a cheap new broadband deal, it could cover the extra cost that many will be paying on their energy bill.
He said that nine million people are out of contract and are overpaying but broadband suppliers now have a range deals and they are "the cheapest [he's] seen since 2019".
Martin added: "So you might be able to get it fast and cut costs over 300 pounds a year,for most that will cover the extra you will be paying due to the energy price crisis.
“I don't want you to think of it as a monthly bill,” he said as he encourages customers to think about how much they spend in a year on internet.
The consumer champion explained that a range of broadband providers have revealed their deals for new customers.
Martin Lewis argues that by switching to a cheap new deal, customers could be saving over £300, which for most could make up for the extra they are paying due to the energy price hike.
Showing a list of broadband providers, the financial guru points out that they are postcode dependant, and notes that rural areas may not be in range.
However, it is worth checking on the price comparison site and if you are looking to switch.
It doesn’t take much time to switch, Martin highlights, and adds that ‘you don’t even need to talk to your old provider’.
However, the most effective came when a social media user explained he has a poor internet connection and asked how he could terminate his broadband contract.
“It’s not going to be easy," Martin admitted.
"My argument would be that if your service is poor and as long as you can write down and justify why you’re getting a poor service then you have not had the service that was advertised and under supply of service and consumer rights, you're not getting what you need, you can ask for a reduction or possibly able to leave and you can push them on that and if they don’t tell then you will take them to the ombudsman."
"It's a negotiation tactic," he said, suggesting the company would choose to waver the termination fee rather than get fined.
He added at the end: "Always be polite to the call centre staff- they’ve never done anything wrong."
The money saving expert also rounded up his 'need to know' facts for those who are looking for a new deal.
Martin Lewis' 'need to knows' on cheap broadband
- Advertised speeds are more reliable these days
- A minimum of 50 percent must get advertised speed at peak times
- Switching only usually means 2 hrs down
- To check if you have a dodgy signal, do a speed test - plug laptop in and place the wifi box up high and away from objects
- Firms hike prices up by a £1-£2 a month
- TalkTalk offers many jobseekers six month free fibre
- Firms must tell you their cheapest tariff at renewal
- If you don't want to switch - haggle
Martin advised that if you are with a provider who you want to stay with, you can haggle for a cheaper broadband deal.
But be polite, charming, he said, and say you'll go elsewhere.
