Are You Wasting Money on Your Broadband?
The majority of households pay for high broadband capacity and yet they don’t understand what speed they need to check email, download movies, play online games or stream music. As a consequence many are paying more than they need.
BT Infinity super fast broadband
Research by Post Office Homephone and Broadband reveals that consumers are wasting almost £400 a year paying for TV channels they never watch and broadband capacity above their needs.
Nearly three quarters of households pay for high broadband capacity and yet they only log on to surf the web or check their email.
Equally as bad, some two thirds of paid-for TV channels are unwatched in UK homes. In fact almost a quarter believe they only spend 5% of their viewing time on non-terrestrial, paid for channels.
This is an even more fascinating set of facts when you consider that almost 40% of people with broadband and TV choose their provider due to the number of TV channels.
Hugh Stacey, Head of Post Office HomePhone and Broadband, said: “There are a vast range of enticing home phone, broadband and TV ‘bundle’ packages available on the market offering hundreds of TV channels and high capacity broadband.
“While at face value they may seem to offer a great deal, our research shows they provide far more than the average person needs. For example, the top five most watched non terrestrial channels are; ITV2, ITV3, BBC 3, BBC News and Sky Sports 1. Four of these can be received for free.
“He added: “There appears to be much hype around super fast broadband and large TV channel packages but in reality do we really need all that? We’re reminding anyone considering changing supplier to make sure they’re going with the best provider for their needs rather than taking on large bundles that leave them out of pocket.
MoneyHighStreet comments: “We couldn’t agree more with the comments by Hugh, it is vital that as you buy your broadband bundles or indeed individual services you consider carefully what your needs are and buy accordingly.
“The same of course applies to any purchase. Don’t be tempted by the cheapest offer or indeed a sale that appears to be good to miss, unless what is being offered is right for you. After all, just because a steam roller is being offered at a bargain price, it doesn’t mean you should buy it!
“Look around, compare prices and buy what you need at the best price.”
Post Office HomePhone and Broadband price freeze
The Post Office has just announced a price freeze on its HomePhone and Broadband services until October 2013 for both current and new customers.
Post Office prices are currently 25 per cent lower compared to the equivalent BT service and from 5 January our prices will become even more competitive as the BT price rise takes effect.
Jeremy Woodrow, Head of Telecoms, said: “At a time when other providers are announcing price increases our new price guarantee will provide customers with the added assurance that our prices, which are already very competitive, will be maintained for 12 months.”
Want to use cash to pay for your broadband services?
A survey in May 2012 of the other major broadband providers reveals a severe lack of choice for broadband customers who want to pay bills in cash and financial penalties for those that do allow it.
Post office are still the only provider offering customers the option to pay their bills in cash without incurring a financial penalty. In fact from January, BT will be charging customers £2 extra per month to pay in cash.