Martin Lewis advises broadband customers to switch providers following BT Openreach rule change
Consumer finance guru Martin Lewis is urging broadband customers to switch to a cheaper contract following a rule change to the BT Openreach network. The One Touch Switch, recently introduced by Ofcom, allows customers to change providers more swiftly without their old provider being able to hinder the move.
Ofcom stated: "Since 2015, people have been able to switch between phone and broadband providers on Openreach's network such as BT and Sky by following a process where their new provider manages the switch. But customers switching to or from a different network, such as Virgin Media, have had to contact their existing provider as well to co-ordinate the switch."
Ofcom further added: "With a range of competing fibre-optic networks being built, Ofcom wants to make it easier and quicker for people to move between them and take advantage of unprecedented levels of choice. "Under the new One Touch Switch process, landline and broadband customers only need to contact their new provider to make the change. "".
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As a result, changing internet providers and saving money has never been simpler. Martin Lewis commented: "150Mb fibre broadband from £14/mth (most paying double for half the speed)... switching to smaller 'alt-nets' now much easier too as Ofcom's introduced one-touch switching."
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Money Saving Expert, founded by Martin Lewis, has offered some helpful tips reported by the Express: "The playing field is levelling on broadband, making it far easier to switch to the new local 'alt-nets' that set up their own networks rather than relying on BT in the background.", reports Bristol Live.
"And as many of them undercut big providers, we're trying to add more into our broadband comparison, which now covers 25 firms. If you've not switched broadband for years, you're almost certainly out of contract, and can SAVE LARGE by taking advantage of short-lived promo deals."
At present, Hyperoptic is tempting customers with a deal on a 158mb fibre broadband service at just £13.83 per month, a competitive offer available in major cities.
Additionally, Gigaclear is offering an enticing 300mb for £19 monthly, delivering faster fibre directly to premises (FTTP), surpassing the traditional fibre to the cabinet speeds.
Not to be left behind, Virgin Media has jumped into the competitive market with its 246mb fibre broadband for £22.45 a month; it's normally £28 but includes an appealing offer of £100 cashback on the first bill, reducing the cost to an average of £22.45 over an 18-month contract term, and this deal is accessible across the UK.
Furthermore, Vodafone is presenting an offer for its 67mb fibre option at £22.55 per month, which might seem less competitive, but it comes with a wider coverage area, potentially making it the better choice if you're located outside the zones catered to by the other providers.