Broadband customers face imminent price increases starting April
Many broadband customers are facing an increase in bills as April approaches. The cost hike is expected for various services, including energy, gas, water, council tax, mobile phones, TV licenses, and car tax. Broadband customers on inflation-linked contracts could pay an average of £21.99 more per year. Customers who are not under a fixed-term contract should check whether their contract is ending soon. Those on pounds and pence plans may see bills rise by as much as £42 annually. To avoid these increases, switching providers now could help customers secure a better deal. Expert Sabrina Hoque from Uswitch.com urges customers to act quickly. She notes that switching broadband after your initial contract can save you around £181 a year. To compare deals, use online tools to check your current internet speed, and gather feedback from neighbors about their service providers. Comparison websites like Uswitch, Comparethemarket, and MoneySuperMarket can help you find new deals easily. Customers may even receive gift cards or bill credits for switching. If you prefer to speak with a provider directly, they typically will honor online deals. Once you choose a new provider, consider reaching out to your current one to see if they can match the new deal. Staying calm and polite during this process is essential. If you switch, Ofcom's One Touch Switch service simplifies the process by handling the switch for you. As April 1 nears, many households will see their expenses rise significantly. Energy prices will increase by about 6.4%, adding around £111 to annual bills for typical users. Water bills are expected to rise by approximately £123 a year, while council tax may increase by up to 4.99% in England, with even higher hikes in Scotland and Wales. Other costs are also going up. TV licenses will see a £5 increase, while car taxes will rise by £5 for most vehicles. Starting in April, electric cars will also face initial charges, and higher fees will apply for premium electric vehicles. Overall, households should prepare for rising costs in many areas this coming April.