Broadband Contracts and Mid-Contract Increases

The increase clause

Many providers reserve the right to raise prices annually during a fixed-term contract, either by a stated amount or linked to an inflation measure plus a percentage.

This applies during the minimum term, when you cannot leave without a penalty.

Where an increase is not specified clearly at the point of sale, you may have a right to exit penalty-free. Where it is specified, you generally do not.

Compare contracts on the expected cost over the whole term, not on the introductory monthly figure.

The end of the term

Prices typically rise substantially when a contract ends and you roll onto standard rates.

Providers are required in some markets to notify you before this happens and to state the best available price.

Doing nothing at this point is the single most expensive decision in the broadband market.

Negotiating

The retentions team has pricing authority that the standard customer service line does not. Ask to be transferred to cancellations.

Have competitor prices for your address ready, since availability is address-specific.

Existing customer deals frequently match new customer pricing when asked, and are never offered unprompted.

Be prepared to switch. The negotiating position only works if it is real.

Comparing services properly

Speed advertised is typically an average achieved by a proportion of customers, not a guarantee.

Ask for the minimum guaranteed speed at your address, which some regimes require providers to state and which creates a right to exit if not met.

Consider upload speed if you work from home, since it differs greatly between technologies.

Check whether the router is included, whether there are activation fees, and whether existing wiring is suitable.

What you may not need

The fastest tier available, which most households do not use. Streaming several devices simultaneously requires far less than the top packages provide.

Bundled television packages containing channels nobody watches.