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From, telegraph.co.uk
Fed up with poor service from your broadband provider? Here's how you can switch broadband
The UK has some of the lowest prices available for fixed broadband services, according to Ofcom's latest International Communications Market Report, but many customers are not actually paying the lowest prices, because they do not switch broadband regularly enough to benefit from better pricing.
This is despite the fact that many people are dissatisfied with their broadband provision.
During the third quarter of 2013, Orange/EE generated 0.45 complaints for every 1,000 customers, according to Ofcom.
BT was not far behind, with 0.41complaints per 1,000 customers, and TalkTalk generated 0.27 complaints for every 1,000 customers.
Many customers are stuck on outdated and overpriced 'legacy tariffs' because of a number of barriers to switching provider. These include perceived hassle, not believing they will find a better deal elsewhere, or fear of being left without a connection during the switching process.
1. Compare the true cost of packages: Use a site that details hidden costs like installation charges, line rental and monthly prices after any special offer discounts expire. It is important to get a realistic picture of what you will have to pay in the first year, so get your sums right before switching.
2. Check your contract length: Read your current contract to be certain that it has expired, allowing you to switch without any ‘early exit fees.’ Also take note of the length of the new contract length you are signing up to – some providers have 18 month terms rather than the standard 12 months.
3. Read customer reviews: Unsure of your new provider’s reputation? Customers make for the harshest critics so look for comparison sites that publish customer ratings, both good and bad – this will give you a realistic picture of the service the provider offers.
4. Data limits: consider your habits as a broadband user. Do you spend a lot of time downloading content like films and games, or do you only want to do a little light surfing and emailing? If the former, it is worth choosing a package with a ‘truly unlimited’ download limit to accommodate your activity and avoid excess download penalties.
5. Speed matters: broadband speed makes a huge difference to your experience as a customer, so choose a connection that won’t leave you waiting hours for a single file to download. This is even more important if there are multiple users online in your house at the same time, as this can cause a drag on your broadband speed.
6. Consider fibre optic: More providers than ever before are now offering fibre – and it is not as expensive as you may think. Fibre optic is fantastic for busy households or gamers who are hungry for bandwidth and can make that pesky ‘buffering’ symbol a thing of the past with prices starting from under £10 per month (excl line rental).
7. Pay your line rental up front: Line rental is a ‘hidden cost’ of broadband and in many cases is pricier than the package itself. Some providers, like Sky and BT, offer a significant discount of around £50 to customers who pay for their line rental upfront so it’s worth doing if you can afford it.
8. Get your MAC code: Some switches need a MAC code (Migration Authorisation Code - see www.maccodes.co.uk ), allowing you to switch broadband provider without any break in your service by helping your new ‘gaining provider’ identify where your line is. Get your MAC code using www.maccodes.co.uk.
9. Sign up online: Many broadband providers offer additional discounts and incentives if you subscribe online rather than over the phone.
For more information on switching your broadband provider, visit MACcodes.co.uk
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