Quick wins to reduce your phone, TV & internet bills
Try our quick wins to see if you can reduce your costs in the areas of phones and broadband:
Mobile phones:
Switch to a SIM-only tariff once you are out of contract (put a note in your diary if that hasn’t come up yet) - once you’ve paid off the handset, you’ll be able to access much lower charges if you just opt for paying for your number each month.
Consider switching your phone company to reduce your costs - USwitch has a handy tool to view your options.
Check out MoneySavingExpert’s ‘Cheap Mobile Tips’ for more suggestions.
Landline / mobile phone bills:
Check the package you are on: does it include extras you don’t need? Could you swap to a cheaper tariff?
Do you really need a landline? Lots of broadband packages no longer require you to have a landline for a connection.
You can also consider free online alternatives to keep in touch: Skype and Zoom offer free video calls via the internet; or send free text messages, pictures and voice-notes via WhatsApp
Avoid premium phone numbers: go to https://www.saynoto0870.com/ to find an alternative
Broadband:
Consider switching provider: search using your postcode to see the options for your home at USwitch, Broadband Choices or similar comparison website. However, do check when your contract ends as there is often a penalty for switching before your time is up.
Top tip - once you’ve located a good deal using a comparison tool, visit the company’s website to check if they are offering any perks for new customers (sign up for offers to be notified of new schemes - you can unsubscribe from the emails once you’ve made the switch).
Stick & haggle: if you are happy with your provider but would like to pay less for the service you get (or get more for your money), why not try to negotiate?
Top tips when planning to haggle:
- prepare by researching competitors’ offers so you can quote them if necessary
- be clear about what you want out of the upgrade (reduced price? added extras?) and don’t be distracted from that
- try the ‘chat’ function that is often available on providers’ websites, if you don’t feel confident to be so assertive over the phone
TV:
Choose your channels: check which ones are available through Freeview - if these are enough for you, it will probably be cheaper to purchase a Freeview box and connect that to a TV rather than paying for a monthly contract to a TV provider.
All bills:
Consider switching to paperless billing and / or direct debit: both changes may reduce the cost of monthly payments slightly
Investigate packages that include broadband, TV and landline: first decide on what is important to you, and then work out if it could be cheaper to package two or more of those elements together - many providers offer discounts in this case. Check exactly what the features are of the services you will get - does the landline package include free calls, and do you even need it if you have free minutes on your mobile phone contract? Which TV channels are included on the box you’ll get from your provider?