Mobile and broadband bills are easy to forget once they are set up. However, contracts end, prices change and your needs may change too.
A quick check can show whether you are paying for more than you need.
Check Your Contract
Start by finding out whether you are still in contract.
If your contract has ended, you may be able to save by taking a new deal with your current provider or switching to another one.
Your provider should tell you when your contract is coming to an end and show you its best available deals.
If you are still in contract, check any exit charges before making a change.
Check What You Use
Next, look at what you are actually paying for.
For broadband, check the speed your household needs. For mobile, look at how much data you normally use.
You may find that you are paying for a faster broadband package or a larger mobile data allowance than you need.
If so, a smaller package could save money without making much difference to the service you use.
Do You Need Faster Broadband?
Faster is not always better value.
A busy household with several people streaming, gaming or working from home may benefit from a faster connection. However, a smaller household with lighter use may need much less.
So, choose the speed that suits your home rather than simply buying the fastest package available.
Read Broadband Speeds Explained if you are unsure what you need.
Is Your Phone Paid For?
If your current phone works well, you may not need another handset.
A SIM-only plan lets you keep your phone while paying for calls, texts and data separately. It is usually cheaper than a deal that includes a new phone.
Before choosing a plan, check how much mobile data you actually use.
Our Mobile Data Calculator can help with this.
Check the Full Price
Do not compare deals using the headline monthly price alone.
Check:
- the full contract length
- the monthly price
- any planned price rises
- setup or delivery charges
- extras and add-ons
- any cost for the handset
- early exit charges
Then compare the total cost with what you pay now.
Check Your Extras
Broadband and mobile packages can include extras such as TV, streaming services, extra data or other add-ons.
Some may be useful, while others may have been forgotten.
Check what you actually use and remove anything you no longer want.
Should You Bundle Services?
Putting broadband, TV or other services together can sometimes cost less than buying them separately. However, a bundle is only good value if you want what it includes.
So, compare the total price and check each part of the package.
A cheaper bundle filled with services you never use is not necessarily a saving.
Check Before You Switch
Price matters, but so does the service.
Before changing mobile network, check coverage at home, work and other places where you regularly use your phone.
For broadband, check what connections and speeds are available at your address.
A cheap deal is poor value if it does not work well where you need it.
Ask Your Provider
You do not always need to switch to save.
Once you know what other deals are available, ask your current provider what it can offer. It may have another package that better suits your needs.
Compare the full deal before accepting it rather than looking only at the monthly saving.
Switching Is Easier
If you find a better broadband deal, your new provider can normally manage the move through One Touch Switch.
For mobile, you can also switch without having to call your old provider. If you want to keep your number, you can request a PAC and give it to your new provider.
Our Broadband Contracts and Switching and Switch Mobile Network guides explain the steps.
Could You Get a Social Tariff?
If you receive certain benefits, you may qualify for a cheaper broadband or phone social tariff.
These are designed for people on lower incomes and do not have mid-contract price rises.
If money is tight, check whether you qualify before choosing a standard deal.
Check Again Later
You do not need to compare deals every few weeks.
Instead, check when a contract is ending, when your bill changes or when your needs change.
A regular check can stop an old deal becoming an expensive one.
Start Here
If you want to lower your mobile and broadband costs:
- Check whether you are in contract.
- Look at what you actually use.
- Remove extras you do not need.
- Compare the full cost of other deals.
- Check coverage or broadband availability.
- Ask your current provider what it can offer.
- Switch if another deal is better.
The aim is not simply to find the lowest price. It is to pay less for a service that still gives you what you need.
Key Points
- Check your contract before making changes.
- Do not pay for speed, data or extras you do not use.
- SIM-only may save money if you already have a suitable phone.
- Compare the full contract cost, not just the headline price.
- Check coverage and broadband availability before switching.
- Ask your current provider about a better deal.
- Check whether you qualify for a social tariff.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
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