One simple change slashes your BT broadband bill and boost your speeds at the same time – Express

BT broadband customers could be missing out on big savings by not making a simple change. Millions of Brits are on BT’s most basic broadband plans and might not realise that the firm also offers much cheaper deals which can offer much faster speeds too. If you haven’t recently shopped around for your BT broadband deal or compared prices from other providers then it could be time for a quick review to make sure you are on the best value package.

By making a simple change BT broadband customers can potentially shave huge chunks off their bill. They can also unlock some extra speed at the same time – a welcome bonus for those constantly battling buffering while streaming or gaming.

According to research carried out by MoneySavingExpert.com, thousands of customers could be better off switching to another plan with BT itself, while millions of others could be saved even more by leaving the BT network completely and going to another provider altogether. It’s worth doing your research before ditching BT altogether, though. Some rival providers may also boast some special perks and benefits that make them a better choice, such as mobile discounts.

Martin Lewis, the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, said: “Millions are needlessly paying too much for their broadband, whether with BT, or any other provider. If you haven’t checked your deals in the last year, you’re almost guaranteed to be able to save money by switching, or even simply by switching to a cheaper deal with your existing provider.”

Here’s everything you need to know about making this simple change and how to make the biggest savings:

BT Broadband’s Cheaper Plans

The good news for many BT broadband customers is that there is already a huge array of other packages within BT itself, so you may not need to switch to a new provider.

These are the options you should compare against your current broadband plan:

• BT Superfast Fibre: For those who just want fast broadband and nothing fancy this plan is perfect. Download speeds are boosted to 67Mb per second.
• BT Broadband & Home Phone: As the name suggests, this offers broadband and unlimited calls. Prices vary, so shop around and compare quotes to see what deal suits you best.
• BT Fibre 1: If you’re after even faster speeds then the BT Fibre 1 plan is the option for you. Customers get average download speeds of 36Mb per second.
• BT Fibre 2: Want speeds that really impress? The BT Fibre 2 plan can boast an impressive average download speed of 52Mb per second.

For those who don’t know where to start with choosing a new package BT’s handy price checker can do all the heavy lifting. You just enter your current plan and it’ll give you a selection of alternative broadband plans.

Save Even More By Switching Providers

If you’re still not satisfied with the deals on offer through BT itself, then it might be worth thinking about switching providers entirely. You may get an even cheaper price by heading to another network and many other providers also offer various deals.

As long as you let your current provider know that you’re planning on leaving you can avoid any exit fees and ensure that you don’t have to pay for services you don’t need anymore.

Check You Can Actually Switch Providers

If you’re not currently in a contract or if you’re coming towards the end of your agreement it will be super easy to switch providers without facing penalties. However, there’s a good chance you will face an early exit fee for ditching BT before your contract is up. You could consider going down the road of purchasing the remainder of your contract, however, many would be happy to accept the exit fee as it would probably work out to be less expensive than sticking to a contract they no longer want.

Important Considerations Before You Switch

Before jumping straight into switching it’s important to understand your internet usage and see whether you need any additional services. You may need to purchase an internet phone line in addition to your new provider. In that instance, it would be a good idea to check out bundles from various providers. Bundles might include phone line, mobile, or even a broadband package which would end up saving you even more cash in the long run.

Do your research to make sure that your new provider has adequate network coverage in your area before you make the final decision. Also, it’s worth knowing that while switching can seem daunting, it’s easier than ever to make the change with many providers able to take care of everything for you from notifying your current provider to getting you set up on the new network.