Brits are being warned that a simple broadband error could be costing them money, but there is a way to fix it.
Homeowners are always looking for ways to cut corners and save money.
However, new research has revealed that some Brits could be paying more than they need for their broadband because they aren't doing this one step.
Simple broadband error that could be costing you money
Figures from a survey issued by Go.Compare revealed that one in nine UK adults (11%) are currently out of contract with their broadband provider.
With these customers yet to switch to a new deal, it could mean they have been switched to a more expensive standard rate as they are classed as an out-of-contract customer.
Due to this, they could be paying more than £20 extra a month compared to their contract rate, according to Hey! Broadband.
The Go.Compare survey revealed that men and younger adults were most likely to make this mistake and be out of contract.
It showed that 12% of men were yet to switch to a new deal compared to only 9% of women being out of contract.
It was also revealed that 15% of under-25s were in the same position, which was the highest percentage of any age group.
The survey also found that 4% of adults were unsure whether or not they were out of contract with their current provider.
How to avoid paying extra for broadband
To avoid this costly error, Brits have been advised to check when their latest broadband contract ends and then switch to a new deal to avoid paying higher rates.
Go.Compare spokesperson, Catherine Hile, said forgetting to check when your contract is up could be a very costly error.
She said: "Out of contract rates are almost always much higher than contract prices, with costs going up by around £20 per month or even higher in some circumstances.
"For example, my own broadband price will rise by around £50 a month if I don’t switch at the end of the contract.
"So forgetting to compare deals and switch providers when your contract is up can be a very costly error.
"This is especially important now, as providers’ annual price hikes are set to take effect in a matter of days [April].
"This means your rate could go up even more if you don’t switch by the end of the month.
"But you have the chance to make a big saving and avoid the increase altogether by locking into a new contract before the rises are implemented.
"Doing this sooner rather than later could bring substantial savings over the course of the year.
"Try to avoid overpaying for faster speeds than you need, too.
"While it’s tempting to go for the fastest speeds you can afford, there’s no need to fork out if you only use your internet for basic activities.
"For example, if you just use your internet to browse your emails and watch low-resolution videos from time to time, speeds around 30 Mbps might suffice.
"On the contrary, if you have a house full of people who are streaming 4k videos, gaming online and working from home at the same time, you’ll probably need speeds in excess of 100 Mbps.
"It can be complicated to work out what speeds you need, but there are plenty of speed recommendation tools out there to help you work it out.
"Remember that there are other factors to consider aside from speed and price, too.
"Many broadband packages include extra perks like streaming deals and free gifts, so be sure to take these into account to make sure you’re getting the best value for money."
Is your broadband contract set to end soon? Let us know in the comments below.
