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Last updated: 14 January 2022
Broadband prices rise every year, but you don’t need to switch to keep your prices low. More and more customers are haggling to get their broadband costs slashed. Read on to learn how.
What is broadband haggling?
With broadband prices rising so frequently, more and more customers are haggling to get the cheap broadband they want. It may also be the right time to haggle over your broadband deal if you're looking for a package with faster speed.
If you aren’t happy with what you’re paying, calling up your
broadband provider and asking for a better deal can get you the cheapest broadband possible.
Do your research, stay polite but firm, and don’t accept the first offer. You might be surprised by the deals you’re offered!
Why does broadband haggling work?
Competition for broadband customers is fierce and providers want to keep you on board. Most customers won’t question their bills, meaning some of the
best broadband deals are hidden for those willing to ask. In fact, broadband providers expect you to haggle. They deliberately set up their pricing so they can issue discounts, and you're well within
your rights to ask for a cheaper deal.
You might be reluctant to haggle, but when it can get your broadband bill cut by as much as 25% it might just be worth a try.
How to haggle for better broadband
Unfortunately, mid-contract price rises do occur. Fortunately, your provider has to give you at least a month’s notice in writing and you will be able to leave your current contract without paying a fee. The even better news is this can give you some bargaining power.
If you’re happy with your current provider, but not the price rise, try giving them a call. You can start by saying you’ve seen cheaper deals elsewhere. If they don’t drop your prices, tell them you’re thinking of leaving and you’ll usually be offered a significant discount.
It is best to wait until the end of your contract to negotiate a deal. Sometimes you have to pay the remainder of your contract in order to
cancel your broadband, so you want to avoid this! Waiting until the end of your contract, or haggling when your provider has announced a price hike means you can avoid expensive exit fees and negotiate a cheaper price.
Tips for Broadband Haggling
If you’re haggling for a better internet deal, there are some tips and tricks to bear in mind:
Do your research
Compare broadband before you call up your provider. If you know what other deals are on the market you have a better chance of negotiating a deal. Being aware of how your broadband monthly costs stack up against competitors can give you an edge in negotiations.
Note any issues you’ve had with your provider
You can use these problems as leverage for a cheaper contract. If you have had slow upload or download speeds or other connectivity issues then use these as examples.
Related: How to test your broadband speed.
Get through to the customer retention team
It’s their job to keep broadband customers, so they’ll be able to offer you the best deals. Their job is to talk you out of leaving, so don’t accept a deal you’re not happy with.
Be polite but firm
Being angry or aggressive won't get you anywhere, but by politely asserting your case you can usually lower the cost of your broadband. Remind them that you have been a loyal customer and that you deserve some praise for it!
Push for faster broadband
If your current broadband provider won't budge on your broadband cost, try pushing for a faster connection. Superfast and fibre broadband are now widely available under the big providers and they may be able to offer you an upgrade to your package if changing the price isn't an option.
Don't accept the first offer
Remember you can always say you want to go away and think about it. Don’t accept a deal you don’t want. You might even have better luck if you call back later!
How else can I find better broadband packages?
Haggling can get your broadband costs cut but it’s not the only way to get the best deals. Sometimes “new customer deals” are the cheapest out there. If you’re nearing the end of your contract consider switching to cut your broadband costs.
If you really don’t want to
switch broadband provider and haggling isn’t getting you anywhere, ask for additional services or upgrades. Faster broadband or extra TV channels probably won’t cost your provider any extra, so they’ll be happy to upgrade you.
If all else fails, cancel the parts of your service you don’t use. You might be surprised how much you are paying for. All these extras might look attractive, but if you’re not using them there’s no point paying extra.
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