Switching Broadband Providers – Tips on How to Save

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Last week, we provided some top tips when it comes to switching your energy provider and how to switch to help you save some money. This week we are looking at TV and broadband packages.

Did you know most broadband & TV packages run on 12-month contracts? This means we should be looking for a better deal, even from the same provider, every year. Given the current cost of living crisis, it makes sense to be savvy and make savings where you can. With all the different streaming services available, along with confusing broadband and TV packages, taking a moment to take stock of what you are paying for and what you actually use can free up some money to go on more important things.

Switching does not have to be complicated, but it does take a little know-how. It will become second nature once you’ve gone through the process.

 

So, we’ve done the hard part for you! Below we explain what you need to do to get started, what options to consider and how to switch your tv/broadband package.

 

Get prepared!

  1. Locate your latest TV/broadband bill and see what plan or tariff you’re currently paying for. You may need to log in to your online account to get your bill if you’ve signed up for paperless billing.
    A current bill will also list your landline number (even if you’re not using a landline, unless you’re using mobile broadband in which case there will be a mobile number on your bill) and your UAN number (which may also be your account number, depending on your provider). This will help speed up your switching process.
  2. Know your Eircode.
    This might be on your bill but if it’s not, look it up on the Eircode finder. This helps your broadband provider locate your house to ensure they are connecting to the right house.
  3. If you’re going to sign up to a direct debit, have your bank details (IBAN and BIC) to hand.

 

Make Decisions

Great, now you’re ready to start looking for the best deal:

  1. Decide if you want to go for an all-inclusive package which can include TV, broadband, landline and in some cases, mobile phone plans too.
  2. Decide if you are changing your current package – do you want to remove any extras/add-ons (sports package, streaming services like Netflix, NowTV, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video?), increase your WIFI speeds, or change phones? (if you have mobile built into your current package).
  3. What is your budget for this monthly cost, can you afford to increase it or are you looking to make savings?Once you know your budget, stick to it.
  4. Decide if you want any add-ons, such as, the sports package, movie package or additional streaming services, depending on your budget.

Be sure to

  1. Check when your contract is due for renewal. If it’s not you may incur “exit fees” for breaking the contract. These may make it cheaper to move at the end of your contract (so set a reminder!)
  2. When looking at deals, be sure to note how long the discount is for and how long the contract is for. If they are different lengths of time, check what rate you’ll be moved to after the discount period.
  3. If there are add-ons included for a limited time e.g. 3 months free Netflix or sports channels, check the monthly price of these. If you opt for these packages – set a reminder on your calendar to cancel them before you are charged (if you want to cancel – if possible. Check the small print).
  4. A lot of TV/Broadband providers offer deals for 6 months on a 12-month contract. Check that you can afford the increase 6 months down the road and set a reminder so you don’t get a shock.  It could cost you those initial savings and as you’ll have entered into a contract, it can be costly to make any changes to your plan.

When/After Switching

  1. Be sure to align your current supplier’s end date with the installation/start date of your new contract/supplier. The best way to do this is to notify your current supplier, after you’ve received a delivery or installation date from the new provider (as suppliers can take up to 30 days and you may need to give 30 days’ notice to your current supplier).
  2. Return your current supplier’s equipment. They may arrange this for you but if they don’t and you do nothing, you can get charged for not returning them.

 

Now you’ve got everything together, know what to consider and what options you want, it’s time to search for the best deal. Here are some price comparison websites to help make the switch easier.

Comparison websites

Stay tuned for next week’s blog on another way to save you some money – car insurance!

Disclaimer: This blog does not represent legal guidance and is intended for guidance only. This blog is intended to assist you to make your own decisions and we will never suggest you use one provider over another.

You can call the MABS National Helpline on 0818 07 2000, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 8pm, WhatsApp 086 035 3141 or find the contact details for your local office.

Updated: 21/03/2022