Slow speeds, rising prices and router failures have long been common gripes of broadband users in the UK. Added to that, it seems likely that millions are being charged too much for their service.
A new push for customers to avoid unnecessary price increases was launched by the communications regulator last week when Ofcom proposed providers be compelled to tell people when they were at the end of their minimum contract period.
It is estimated that more than 10 million people are on deals where there is an automatic price increase at the end. And since many people don’t switch providers when they are out of contract, they are missing out on the savings.
This is an added frustration to the UK consumer – last year it was estimated that more than half of all users are getting a raw deal from their supplier, according to research from consumer group Which?
However, faced with the prospect of swapping routers, changing passwords and – if broadband is bundled with TV – possibly losing a backlog of favourite programmes, many are reticent to switch their broadband provider.
