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By Julia Kukiewicz Staff Writer
Monday, 14 January 2008
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WITH broadband providers tripping over each other to offer the cheapest broadband at the moment it’s no wonder that price is the first criteria to check when you compare broadband packages.
It’s true that the best deal for you might also be the cheapest but it’s best to be sure and not end up – as TalkTalk’s customers famously did – wishing you’d splashed out.
Well despair no longer broadband users - just follow ChooseISP’s top five tips to compare broadband by price and you’ll be sure to get the best broadband at the right price.
1. Hidden Costs
It sounds obvious but make sure that you’re comparing the true – not just the advertised - price of broadband packages.
There are a few main ‘hidden’ costs in a broadband package:
- installation fees can vary;
- you may have to pay line rental; and
- some companies will also make you pay for equipment like your modem.
Compare how your broadband price could change over time – most broadband prices go up in year two (such as the Virgin Media £4.50 broadband package) and in Tiscali’s case after just three months.
Incidentally, ChooseISP.co.uk is the only broadband comparison site that always includes this information in our broadband comparison tables.
2. Save Bundles More
It’s not for everyone but if you’re looking to change your phone line, TV and/or mobile at the same time as your broadband you could save more overall by getting a bundle package.
An obvious broadband provider for this is Sky – whose 2Mbps broadband, TV and phone bundle (See, Speak & Surf Base 1) is just £17 a month but its worth comparing prices of other broadband bundle providers to find more.
For example, Tiscali’s TV, Phone and 8Mb Broadband bundle which includes line rental gives you change from twenty quid!
3. Get What You Pay For
Don’t compare broadband prices for speeds you won’t get, or broadband extras you won’t use.
There’s been a lot of news recently about advertised broadband speeds not being the same as actual speeds. The truth is that broadband companies can only work with the copper wire infrastructure they've bought into, although they can be a little – ahem – unscrupulous about making that clear.
The one notable exception to this is the brilliant O2 broadband which promises up to 20Mb and, would you believe it, actually delivers it! This is because their lines are theoretically capable of reaching 24Mb, but as nobody will ever reach that in the real world, O2 broadband have opted instead to advertise the price you are likely to receive. We tip our hats to them and wish other broadband providers would follow suit.
Make sure that you check the quality of your line and the distance that you are from your exchange before you sign up to any broadband provider in a broadband comparison table.
4. Get Extra Extras
Compare broadband prices to save money by getting for free what you might otherwise pay for separately.
Many broadband providers give away email addresses, web space and security software. Some broadband providers – you’ll discover when you compare – go one step better. AOL, for example, is giving away a free laptop or free PlayStation 3 with their AOL Wireless Plus package.
5. The Cost of Leaving
Obviously you don’t forsee problems with your broadband but it’s worth planning for in case things fall apart.
Compare our broadband reviews and customer feedback (but remember that customers are more likely to post if they’ve had problems.)
If you’re worried that you might have to leave your broadband contract before your time is up check the cost of cancelling your contract if you think you might have to.
We’ve produced an excellent Guide to Switching Broadband which not only shows you how easy it is to switch broadband providers, but also uncovers the costs of breaking contract.
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