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Your Guide to Mid-Contract Broadband Price Hikes

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Locked in and paying more?

Mid-contract broadband price hikes can leave you scratching your head and clutching your wallet.

Regrettably, they’re becoming more prevalent across internet suppliers.

We’ve got you covered, from the fine print behind price hikes to practical tips to help you dodge them.

Our experts are eager to break down the puzzles around mid-contract broadband pricing rises so that you can stay on top of digital connectivity, whilst keeping control of your budget.

When did Broadband Prices Increase?

You may have noticed that your monthly broadband price has quietly increased since April.

If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to check your most current bill as soon as you can.

This latest price hike is the result of a significant increase in inflation that began in 2023.

As a result, a sizeable portion of internet subscribers have seen an unexpected increase in their monthly charges of up to 15%—a huge price increase that coincides with an ongoing cost of living crisis.

Even if you’ve agreed to a fixed monthly rate throughout your contract period, price rises are becoming regrettably common nationwide.

According to a recent Which? survey, customers could face an uplift of over £100 per year as a result of recent mid-contract broadband price hikes – and this will affect millions of people.

What are Mid-Contract Broadband Price Hikes?

Mid-contract broadband price rises are the act of increasing your current monthly price, whilst you are still in the middle of your contract.

Typically occurring annually, these adjustments are linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, which is published each January.

This amalgamation often results in an annual price increase of approximately 4-5%, regardless of the initial rate you agreed upon when entering your contract.

Price rises are imposed to help suppliers offset the mounting costs associated with running a business and providing their internet service.

However, the anomaly in 2023 emerged due to an unusually high CPI rate of 10.5% recorded in January.

As a result, the ensuing broadband contract price adjustments for 2023 exceeded the norm and left a lot of us reeling – with some prices rising by a shocking 14.4% this year!

Can I Switch Deals if my Bill Goes up?

You might be thinking “Well, surely I can just switch deals to avoid any mid-contract broadband price hikes?”

It’s unfortunately not always that simple.

This depends on the contract you signed up for with your existing supplier.

When you take out a new broadband deal, you agree to accept the terms and conditions put in place by your supplier.

These days, most T&Cs tend to mention that their prices will increase mid-contract, in line with inflation.

This might be tucked away within the fine print of your contract, or maybe your supplier will be more upfront about it.

Either way, we always recommend re-reading your contract in detail – even if it feels like a chore!

If your contract does not include any mention of accepting mid-contract price rises, you’ll be given a 30-day window to switch deals for free.

If it does mention price rises, you could face an exit fee.

You’ll find information about your exit fees within your T&Cs – as it’s likely to be another condition you’ve already agreed to.

What Are Exit Fees?

Exit fees are charges that you might face for leaving your current broadband deal before your contract period is up.

In some cases, you may have to pay for the remaining months left of your contract, but this varies depending on your supplier.

This is something our experts can investigate in depth for you.

Do any Suppliers Offer a Guaranteed Fixed Price?

Some internet suppliers do guarantee you a fixed ‘price for life’ – you just have to know where to look!

We’ve made it easy to search all the latest broadband deals from a range of suppliers in your area.

If you’re approaching the end of your contract when you find out about a price hike, the time couldn’t be better to switch and save!

One of our trusted suppliers, Neatley, offers every customer a fixed and affordable ‘price for life’ guarantee.

Find out more or get in touch directly on 0330 341 1954 today.

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What Exactly is 4G Broadband?

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4G or Fibre?

Don’t be fooled by the name – 4G broadband is very different to your traditional home Wi-Fi!

In some cases, it might be a better option for you.

We’ll explain all the how’s, what’s and why’s you might have.

What is 4G Broadband?

4G broadband is a cutting-edge internet connection.

It’s often used as an effective substitute for regular broadband, and we’ve explained why.

Unlike standard phone-line-based arrangements, 4G broadband frees you from the constraints of wire.

How?

By delivering a smooth internet connection to households over the omnipresent 4G mobile network that spans the majority of the UK.

Why Not Just Use Wi-Fi?

In some areas, internet suppliers have limited infrastructure.

This means that some homes simply can’t access faster broadband because they don’t have fibre optic cables installed in their area.

People living in more rural towns might also find that they have limited choice of suppliers and consequently fewer deals to pick from.

Whilst fibre coverage is expanding every day, lots of people are understandably looking for alternative Wi-Fi solutions.

How do I Access 4G Broadband?

You can connect to 4G broadband in a few ways.

Our experts have covered the main three ways below:

‘Tethering’ – The ‘tethering’ feature on your smartphone effectively turns it into a Wi-Fi hotspot. You will be able to connect a small number of gadgets and devices, but your usage will be limited. You might also notice that your mobile data is quickly eaten up when you do this, so it’s key to review your contract terms.

A Mobile Broadband ‘Dongle’ – A mobile broadband ‘dongle’ is a small gadget with 4G or 5G capability. It connects your devices using Wi-Fi or a USB to give you internet access. Compared to ‘tethering’, you can access more data and at a faster speed with a dongle.

A Dedicated Router – By using a dedicated router, you can connect more devices and handle more traffic than you can with tethering or dongles. Most large mobile networks offer this type of router, as it gives you a strong connection wherever you go.

What are the Benefits of 4G Broadband?

There’s a lot of important benefits to 4G broadband.

Our experts rate the top five perks to be:

  • Reliable Speeds. 4G broadband is faster than the speeds you receive to your mobile phone, as it uses more advanced hardware.  This is what makes it comparable to broadband, rather than mobile data signal.
  • Widely Available. Because 4G is practically everywhere, it is an excellent choice for rural WiFi and other areas lacking cable infrastructure.
  • No Fuss Set-up. Installation is quick and simple, requiring little to no setup.
  • Portable. Certain routers can be transported with you when you travel, allowing them to deliver WiFi in a caravan, for example.
  • Flexible Packages. You are not usually locked in long term with 4G broadband, as flexible packages are more readily available. One of our suppliers even offers a 30-day rolling contract.

Are There any Drawbacks of 4G Broadband?

Despite all the benefits, there are a few factors to consider.

  • Limited Bandwidth and Speed: 4G networks can provide impressive speeds, but they still have limitations in terms of bandwidth compared to newer technologies like 5G. As more users connect to a 4G tower, the available bandwidth is shared, leading to potential slowdowns during peak usage times. This is especially the case in densely populated areas or during crowded events.
  • Signal Interference: 4G signals can be affected by physical obstacles such as buildings and trees. Interference can lead to weaker signals and reduced network coverage, particularly in rural areas.
  • Limited Coverage: We’ve already hinted at this one! While 4G coverage is widespread in many areas, it may not be available in more remote or rural locations. This is something we can help you identify.
  • Data Caps and Throttling: Many 4G broadband plans come with data usage limits and may impose throttling or reduced speeds once those limits are reached. This can be a concern for heavy data users who rely on consistent high-speed connections.
  • Security Concerns: 4G networks, like any wireless technology, can be vulnerable to security breaches. Unauthorized access to the network can pose risks to user privacy and data security.

What About 5G Broadband?

5G works the same as 4G – it’s just considerably faster!

5G broadband is still fairly new and therefore less widely available than 4G, but coverage is growing consistently.

Your supplier will let you know if you’re eligible for 5G, as this depends solely on their network.

It’s also worth noting that 5G is currently more expensive than 4G.

Should I Consider Getting a 4G Broadband Deal?

If you live in a rural area with limited internet availability, it could be a perfect solution for you.

4G and 5G broadband solutions are growing in popularity due to being flexible, fairly priced, and reliable.

However, if your area also struggles with flaky mobile signal, this could affect your service.

This is something our experts can help you decide.

Start searching for the latest deals in your area today and see which plan is best suited to you.

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Debunking 5 Common Broadband Switching Myths

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5 Myths we Need to Debunk

Switching broadband deals isn’t the burden you think it is.

As technology evolves, so does your need for quality internet.

A lot of us couldn’t bear the thought of going without Wi-Fi for a day – but this doesn’t mean you should be afraid of switching suppliers.

Once the initial contract period ends, many of us find ourselves suddenly paying over the odds for subpar internet.

Fast speeds and lower prices could be a switch away, but there are a few misconceptions putting people off.

Our experts have explained the truth about switching broadband deals.

Why are people staying put with their current broadband deal?

According to a recent Which survey, almost 50% of respondents said they’ve never switched broadband deals.

Many consumers have the same excuses for staying put – but they’re not necessarily true.

Some customers stick with their supplier out of a misguided sense of loyalty or fear the switching process is simply not worth it, for various reasons (and they’re usually inaccurate!).

As a result, we’re seeing thousands of people missing out on potential savings and better broadband every year.

In this blog post, we aim to set the record straight and help empower you to switch your broadband deal today.

What’s more, you’ll discover that switching can be a great way to save on upgrade on other deals too, like your mobile plan.

The top 5 Switching Myths we Hear

Don’t believe the rumours!

We’ve explained the top 5 most common myths below.

Myth 1: Switching is Too Complicated and Time-Consuming

One of the most common myths about switching broadband is that it’s an incredibly complicated and time-consuming process.

We know this isn’t the case.

With the help of Switch Experts, the sign-up process has never been easier.

We take care of the switch from your current provider (if you have one), liaise with your new supplier and keep you updated along every step of the way right up until your activation.

Additionally, many providers offer to handle the cancellation of your current service, making the transition seamless. With the right guidance and support, switching can be completed in a matter of days, ensuring minimal disruption to your connectivity.

Myth 2: Switching Will Result in Downtime and Disruptions

This is another prevalent myth – and we understand why it sounds off-putting! Nowadays, switching your broadband doesn’t cause any major downtime or disruptions. If your new supplier is using the same network (like Openreach), as your existing supplier, you’ll be up and running on your new deal in a day.

This is also the case if you’re switching from a fibre deal to another fibre deal, with no landline phone involved. It’s when you switch from an ADSL deal to fibre (getting rid of your landline) that it can get a bit more complicated.

If a visit from an engineer is required, you’ll be given plenty of notice before arranging a visit – and you’ll still be up and running within two weeks.

Our experts will guide you through this and explore if your new supplier offers a temporary solution to keep you connected throughout the switch, such as mobile broadband.

Myth 3: I Will Lose My Email Address and Contacts

If your email address is associated with your current provider, we know it could seem daunting to switch. Some internet providers will let you keep your existing email address and account, but the majority do not.

This is something our experts can advise you on, however, we do strongly recommend creating a new email account with a free service.

Many of the large email providers, such as Gmail and Outlook, even have advanced technology to seamlessly fetch and import your old emails and addresses into your new account. Whilst you may have to spend a bit of time on email forwarding and editing your accounts and subscriptions, you won’t be tied down again in the future.

Myth 4: Switching Providers is Expensive

We know for a fact this myth isn’t true – and you can likely attest to this!

Many providers offer enticing deals and incentives to attract new customers, including zero installation fees or free equipment.

Do you remember signing up for a new deal because it guaranteed low prices for a set period? Once this period ends, you’ll be auto enrolled to a standard broadband plan and could end up paying more for a service that isn’t worth it.

With the help of our experts, you could save up to nearly £200 per year on your broadband bills – just by switching your deal.

Myth 5: All Providers Offer the Same Service, So There’s No Point in Switching

Every provider offers different plans, speeds, and features tailored to various consumer needs.

If you’ve been on a long term broadband plan, for example 18 months or longer, it’s highly likely that your area has received infrastructure upgrades by now. You could be sitting on an affordable fibre deal instead of being tied to a landline and ADSL bundle!

It’s also important to consider if you’re truly happy with the service you’ve received from your current supplier. We only work with reputable and trusted brands to ensure we can offer the right deals for everyone.

Perhaps you think customer support could have been better, or you’d like to explore different products or add-ons (like a mobile 4G broadband router.) We think it’s essential that the service you receive is worth every penny you pay.

Are There any Downsides to Switching?

We believe the switching process only becomes difficult when you go into the world of broadband deals alone.

Manually trawling through separate sites and getting multiple quotes becomes a confusing chore, when in our opinion, it simply doesn’t have to be.

Our deal checker tool is free, easy, and only shows deals that are tailored to you.

We don’t charge a penny and aim to get you switched, sorted and saving money as soon as possible.

Ready to switch and save?

With Switch Experts, it’s never been easier to save money and time.

In a world where costs are increasing left right and centre, we understand that every penny counts.

If you’ve gone over your contract end date, now is the perfect time to switch and start saving money straight away.

We personalise our deals to your internet needs and explore a range of plans from different internet providers, with no hidden fees whatsoever for using our deal checker.

Get started today and find your new broadband plan.

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Home Broadband Or Business Broadband?

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Do you need business broadband?

Business broadband is a dynamic solution for professionals who rely on the internet.

The internet has evolved into the foundation of both personal and professional life in today’s interconnected society.

Reliable broadband is necessary for handling critical corporate processes as well as streaming our favourite television shows.

Did you know that as of 2023, there are 28.1 million fixed broadband lines running up and down the UK?

Of course, we’re all familiar with Wi-Fi for our homes.

However, are these plans suitable for business owners?

In this blog, we’ll examine the major distinctions between business broadband and residential broadband and explain how the right deal will completely transform your company.

What makes business broadband different?

Business owners need strong, reliable, and consistent internet speeds.

As a result, broadband deals that are designed for business use come with a guarantee of high-speeds and minimal downtime.

You also receive dedicated customer service should the unexpected happen.

Typically, this means a more expensive cost too – but we’ll explain why it’s worth every penny.

Benefits of business broadband

Here’s why you should invest in a business broadband plan:

Enhanced dependability and Uptime

The major goal of business broadband is to maintain a high level of dependability. Business broadband providers often provide solid Service Level Agreements (SLAs), in contrast to household broadband, which may be more susceptible to speed variations during peak hours. These SLAs provide minimal downtime and fast reaction times. You also receive a powerful router and a static IP address, allowing you to host your own server, website and more.

Symmetrical Upload and Download Speeds.

The symmetry in upload and download speeds is one of the key distinctions between commercial and home broadband. We all love to stream music and films with speed at home, however, symmetrical upload and download rates are essential in a professional situation where data is handled. Ultrafast internet enhances file sharing, cloud-based collaboration, and video conferencing.

Enhanced Security and Data Protection

Businesses have very different security needs than the average household. To protect sensitive data from online dangers and unauthorised access, business broadband services frequently include cutting-edge security measures, such as strong firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and encryption methods. A secure business internet connection is now essential to protect your precious assets due to the rise in cyberattacks that target businesses.

Flexibility and Scalability

As a company expands, so do its bandwidth needs. The scalability and flexibility of business broadband services enable you to update or modify plans as necessary. Business internet can adapt to your company’s shifting needs, ensuring that you’re always prepared to take on new challenges, whether you’re adding more staff, moving to new locations, or adopting bandwidth-intensive apps.

More Cost Effective Than you Think

If you’re struggling with downtime because of bad Wi-Fi, the cost quickly pays off! Although business broadband is typically more costly, we’re here to help you find an affordable deal.  It’s also important to remember that your business broadband bills may be classed as a business expense.

What else Should I Look for in a Business Broadband Deal?

Just like your home broadband deal which may come bundled with your landline, your business broadband deal can also include a VoIP system.

If you haven’t already transitioned to VoIP over landline, it’s crucial to start considering it! VoIP lets you host seamless conference calls remotely and guarantees clear audio quality with every call.

If you’re running a large business with 100+ employees relying on fast internet, we consider looking into a leased line connection.

This is a dedicated fibre connection that runs directly to your premises.

If I’m Self-Employed, Can I use Home Broadband?

Even if you’re self-employed, or working from home, you should still consider a professional broadband plan.

You get to enjoy all the benefits mentioned above, plus it becomes easier to keep your work and personal internet usage separate.

This is especially true if you live with other people connected to your internet – you don’t want to experience bandwidth hogging when you’re busy with work!

What do Our Business Experts Think?

Although providing internet connectivity is the same objective for both home and business broadband, they are designed to meet different demands.

A home of four Netflix users certainly shouldn’t be on the same plan as an internet-reliant business of 10+ employees!

With its exceptional dependability, symmetrical speeds, specialised support, cutting-edge security, and scalability, business broadband stands out.

By giving your employees the resources they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced environment, investing in a business-grade internet connection is an investment in your future success.

We’re here to help you take advantage of the full potential of business broadband, achieving growth in a world where staying connected is essential.

Find a new Broadband plan Tailored to your Business

Using our free deal checking tool, you can find the latest business broadband deals in your area today.

Our team of experts are on-hand to guide through the entire switch.

We can also help you consider other business solutions to help you thrive.

These include VoIP, mobile, card payment machines and more.

Get started today and optimise your business for less.

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