If you're reading this from your home then chances are you've got a home internet connection
.
If a slew of statistics can be believed, though, it's likely you could have better broadband: speedier, bundled with extras or just simply a bit cheaper.
If your broadband contract is coming up to the end of the line then you'll be looking to get a better deal. Here's how to do it in four easy steps from a broadband writer who's watched more than a few customers go a few steps wrong.
The first point is to check out your location.
I've seen people obsess over whether they should get their broadband from sky or Virgin but when you look at their postcode they can't get Virgin Media's fibre optic service or Sky's normal service.
Since Virgin Media National and Sky's access package are both very different beasts from their mainstream broadband deals this is a major point and well worth knowing well before you waster pointless hours comparing the merits of those two - otherwise very similar - broadband providers.
The second point is not to overestimate your needs.
When it comes to the speed of your internet connection and the amount of downloads you need this is particularly important since faster broadband and more download allowance costs more per month.
For this reason, you're well advised to go for a cheaper broadband deal when the only thing that can go wrong with needing more allowance or more speed is that you have to move up a level with the same internet service provider.
The third point is that you can avoid additional costs in specific circumstances so use that to your advantage.
For example, many companies have certain offer codes when you make your internet application using an online form that will make the broadband much cheaper
If you are renewing a contract it's often worth getting in contact with the company in person to make them fight to keep your business.
The forth point is to keep your ear to the ground when it comes to special offers.
Broadband providers often time big promotions around big events such as the world cup, the new year and Christmas.
In the case of the new year this is just a point of increased competition, other times work because less people are signing up to the deals so there's more pressure to make any sales at all especially in the telecoms world.