subject: Four Ways To Cheaper Broadband [print this page] There are a few basic truths when it comes to home broadband deals - just a few - and they're well worth knowing before attempting to sign up for a broadband deal.
There are essentially five ways to get, and keep, the cheapest broadband deals and considerably more when it comes to getting the cheapest broadband that'll perfectly suit your lifestyle and budget.
The first point is that, when it comes to broadband, obscure can be good.
Many consumers go to a big name like Virgin or Sky and set up camp, or flick between one or the other, either because they don't know that there are alternatives or because they don't trust them.
However, smaller, less well-known broadband providers often offer a stellar service for a lot less money. There may be less flashy offers but a low monthly price is often the norm and there are some very hard working providers in the small supplier sector too.
A good comparison site with reviews can help you to tell the difference between one and another.
The second point is, broadband deals are, nowadays, almost always without extras.
The market is very competitive and big consumer turn-offs like set-up costs, having to buy hardware to get connected or expensive customer service lines have all but disappeared.
If a provider asks you to pay for any of those, think twice before signing on the dottted line. Chances are you could get the same thing for nothing elsewhere.
Third, be prepared to change your home phone deal.
Most broadband providers now reserve their best deals for their home phone customers and many are offering cheaper line rental at the same time so there's no reason not to switch.
Deals such as Primus Saver offer massive discounts to people that have moved home phone since they're companies that started out with just home phone.
This is also more reassuring for the consumer worried about moving a land line phone service.
Finally, check based on area. Your postcode decides what your cheapest broadband deal is, not what the cheapest deal in the country is, since services vary greatly between areas.
Ofcom markets can be a determining factor in this case and that's based on the exchange which services your home. Some providers pass on the increased cost of operating out of uncompetitive exchanges on to their customers and some don't do so.
