How to Save Money on Broadband, Phone and TV Bills

The average UK household spends well over £50 per month on broadband, phone, and TV services. With living costs remaining high, cutting these bills can free up hundreds of pounds each year.

The good news? 

Most people who actively manage their telecom bills successfully reduce costs. Research shows that 71% of customers who negotiate with their provider get a better deal, while those who switch providers save an average of £105-£235 annually.

This guide explains proven strategies to save money on broadband, phone, and TV costs, from timing your switch correctly to negotiating better deals. Whether you’re in contract or out, these tactics can help you save.

Check If You’re Out of Contract

One of the biggest money leaks is staying on an old contract after the minimum term ends. 

When your initial contract period (typically 12-24 months) ends, most providers automatically move you to their standard variable tariff, which is almost always more expensive than competitive deals.

How to check your contract status

Log into your online account and look for ‘My Contract’ or ‘Account Overview’. You should see your contract end date and current monthly charges. If you can’t find this information online, call customer service and ask for your minimum term end date and whether you’re out of contract.

What to do when you’re out of contract

If your minimum term has ended, you can leave at any time with typically 30 days’ notice. This is your moment of maximum leverage to save money on broadband. Immediately:

• Compare current deals from other providers
• Contact your provider to negotiate a better broadband rate
• Consider switching if other deals are significantly better

Set calendar reminders for 30 days before your contract renewal date to explore deals before you automatically roll onto expensive standard pricing.

Here are 5 Strategies That Will Help You Save Money on Broadband

Strategy 1: Switch Providers

New customer deals are often far cheaper than what long-time customers pay.

How much can you save on broadband?

Recent Which? research found:

• Broadband: Average savings of £105 per year
• Pay-TV bundles: Average savings of £160 per year (£235 for those leaving Sky)
• Mobile: Average savings of £67 per year (£120+ leaving major networks)

A household could save money on broadband and mobile by switching in the same year their contract is up, leaving around £200-£300 annually in their pocket.

The process is easier than ever

For broadband, One Touch Switch means your new provider handles everything. You only contact your new provider, and most switches complete within two weeks with minimal downtime.

For mobile, text to get a PAC code and switch within one working day.

When switching helps you save money on broadband

• You’re out of contract – No exit fees to pay
• Multiple contracts end together – Coordinate switches across services
• Providers are running promotions – January and September typically see competitive offers
• You haven’t switched in years – The longer you’ve stayed, the more you’re likely overpaying

Comparing deals effectively

Look beyond the headline price:

• Calculate total first-year cost including setup fees and equipment charges
• Check speeds you actually need – Most households manage fine on 50-100 Mbps
• Read contract terms – Check minimum term and price rise clauses
• Question bundle value – Sometimes separate providers for each service costs less

Use Switchity’s comparison tool to see available deals. For complete switching details, see our guide on how to switch broadband provider.

Strategy 2: Haggle With Broadband Provider

Negotiating can yield substantial savings without needing to change providers.

Why haggling works

Providers would rather keep you at a lower price than lose you entirely. Retention teams are specifically authorised to offer discounts to prevent customers leaving.

Success rates:

• Overall: 71% of customers who haggled got a better deal
• Virgin Media broadband: 84% success rate, average savings £81/year
• EE mobile: Average savings £101/year

When and how to haggle for a better broadband deal

Best time: 30-60 days before your contract ends, when you have maximum leverage.

Preparation (15-20 minutes):

• Find specific competitor offers with prices and speeds
• Know your current monthly cost
• Decide what you want (lower price, faster speeds, shorter contract)

The conversation:

1. Call and ask for retentions/loyalty team
2. Be polite but firm: “I’ve been looking around, and [competitor] offers [specific deal]. I’m currently paying £X with you. Can you match or improve on that?”
3. Don’t accept the first offer immediately – push back if it’s not good enough
4. Ask for multiple improvements: lower price, speed upgrades, no price rises, shorter contract

If they won’t budge:

• Mention exit fee reimbursement offers from competitors
• Try calling back another day (different representatives have different authority)
• Ask to speak to a manager
• Be prepared to actually switch

Strategy 3: Trim Unnecessary Services

Taking inventory of what you’re paying for and eliminating non-essentials immediately reduces bills.

Audit your packages

• TV services – Are you paying for sports or movie channels you rarely watch? Premium TV can add £20-£40 monthly. Downgrade or cut entirely.
• Streaming services – If you’re juggling Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+ alongside pay-TV, that’s £40-£60+ monthly on video content. Consider rotating subscriptions rather than maintaining all simultaneously.
• Mobile contracts – Switch to SIM-only after your phone is paid off (typically after 24 months). This often saves £10-£20 monthly – you’re otherwise paying for a phone you already own.
• Data allowances – Check your actual usage. If your plan includes 100 GB but you use 5-10 GB, downgrade to a cheaper allowance.
• Broadband speeds – If you’re paying for 500 Mbps but only need basic streaming and browsing, downgrade to 50-100 Mbps and save £10-£20 monthly.

Cut redundant services

• Multiple cloud storage subscriptions – consolidate to one
• Multiple music streaming services – pick one
• Bundled perks you’re also paying for separately

Conduct this audit every 6-12 months as your needs change.

Strategy 4: Avoid Unnecessary Charges

Being mindful prevents bill shock and eliminates extra costs.

Stay within allowances

• Set mobile data usage alerts at 80% of your allowance
• Monitor minutes if you have limited calling plans
• Use WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime for international calls instead of expensive standard rates

Avoid premium charges

• Search online for numbers instead of using directory enquiries (118 services)
• Find free 03 alternatives instead of expensive 0845/0870 customer service numbers
• Use online entry methods for competitions instead of premium SMS

Return equipment promptly

When switching, return loaned routers and TV boxes within 60 days to avoid charges (typically £65-£115). Get proof of postage and keep receipts until charges clear.

Don’t cancel your direct debit early! Wait until you’ve received and verified your final bill to avoid missed payments and credit score damage.

Strategy 5: Take Advantage of Broadband and Bundle Discounts

When bundling could save money on TV bills

Sometimes bundling broadband and TV with one provider offers genuine discounts. However, often you’ll get better value by splitting services across different providers. Calculate both scenarios rather than assuming bundles automatically save money. To check how much bundling could save you, check the current available deals.

Family and multi-line plans

If multiple household members need mobile contracts, family plans from EE, Vodafone, or Three offer discounts on additional SIMs. Calculate whether the family discount beats separate SIM-only deals from cheaper providers.

Special discounts

• Student discounts – Check providers like EE, Vodafone, Three via Student Beans or UNiDAYS
• NHS/key worker discounts – Some providers offer professional discounts
• Employee schemes – Check your workplace benefits portal for negotiated discounts

Payment method savings

• Direct debit – Almost all providers charge £1-£3 less monthly than card payments
• Paperless billing – Save £1-£2 monthly by switching to email statements

Cashback and gift cards

New customer deals sometimes include £50-£100 gift cards or cashback. Factor these into first-year cost calculations, but ensure the underlying deal is competitive. Mark your calendar to claim within required timeframes.

Understanding Mid-Contract Price Rises

New rules from January 2025

For contracts signed after 17 January 2025, Ofcom banned unpredictable inflation-linked mid-contract price rises. Providers must now state any increases in pounds and pence upfront.

Older contracts

If you signed before 17 January 2025, your contract likely includes annual rises based on RPI or CPI inflation plus a percentage. These typically take effect in March or April.

Since you agreed to these terms, you generally can’t leave penalty-free. However, proactively negotiate before increases take effect, or use them as motivation to switch when your contract ends.

Timing Your Actions

Contract timing

Set reminders for 45 days before your contract ends. This gives you time to research, compare, and negotiate a better broadband rate before automatically rolling onto higher standard rates.

Best times of year

• January – Strong Q1 sales targets drive competitive offers
• September – Similar quarterly push with new product launches
• Black Friday – Some providers offer deals, though quality varies

Don’t wait months for the “right” time if you’re currently overpaying significantly. Saving £10 monthly starting now beats waiting three months for a potential £12 monthly saving.

Save Money On Broadband – Quick-Win Tips

• Set contract reminders now – Calendar alerts for 30 days before each contract ends ensure you never accidentally roll onto expensive standard pricing.
• Prepare before negotiating – Have specific competitor offers written down. “Sky offers 150 Mbps for £25” is more effective than vague claims about finding cheaper deals.
• Review services every six months – Set recurring reminders to spend 15 minutes reviewing bills. Markets, needs, and deals change constantly.
• Use social tariffs if eligible – If you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or qualifying benefits, you could save over £200 yearly. See our guide on social tariffs for full details.
• Return equipment immediately – Package loaned equipment and return with tracked postage as soon as you switch. Keep receipts until charges clear.

Reduce Broadband Costs Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

For more detailed information on specific aspects of switching broadband and managing bundles, see our comprehensive guides:

• How to Switch Broadband Provider UK – Complete step-by-step switching process
• One Touch Switch Explained – How the 2024 switching rules work
• Understanding Broadband Exit Fees & Early Termination Charges – Calculate costs and learn negotiation strategies
• Your Rights When Switching Broadband – Consumer protections, compensation, and speed guarantees
• Social Tariff Broadband UK – Eligibility criteria and how to apply
• Switching Broadband Bundles Guide: TV, Phone & Mobile – Bundle-specific switching rules
• Switching Broadband When Moving House – Provider notice periods and installation timelines

Use our tools

• Broadband Speed Test – Test your broadband speed in seconds
• Broadband Early Termination Fee Calculator – Work out what you’d pay to leave early
• Broadband Comparison – Compare standalone broadband deals with our postcode checker tool
• Broadband and TV Bundles – Find bundle packages at your address
• Broadband and Home Phone Packages – Compare broadband and phone combinations