BEST TIME FOR BROADBAND DEALS

THE GOLDEN RULE OF SWITCHING

Before we look at the calendar there is one rule you must follow. The absolute best time to get a new deal is when your current contract ends. If you stay with your provider after your fixed term finishes you will likely be moved onto a standard variable tariff.

These out of contract prices are significantly higher than what new customers pay. Sometimes double. Even if there isn't a major holiday sale on you will still save money simply by leaving your "rolling" contract for a new fixed term deal with a different provider. Loyalty rarely pays in the broadband game.

BLACK FRIDAY (NOVEMBER)

This is undeniably the heavyweight champion of broadband discounts. Occurring in late November Black Friday and Cyber Monday see providers fighting fiercely for your custom. This competition drives prices down to their lowest annual levels.

During this period you will often find incentives that aren't available the rest of the year. We frequently see heavy bill credits where the provider gives you £50 or £100 just for signing up. You might also find "three months free" offers or massive gift cards for Amazon or high street shops. If your contract ends near November it is worth waiting for this window.

JANUARY SALES AND SPRING PROMOS

The "New Year New You" mentality applies to finances too. January is a prime time for switching as providers target people trying to organise their household bills. While the free gifts might be slightly smaller than Black Friday the monthly rental costs are often very competitive.

Following this you should keep an eye out for Easter deals in March or April. These are often shorter flash sales so you have to move quickly. If you missed the January window Easter is your next best bet for a significant discount before the summer lull.

BACK TO SCHOOL (AUGUST/SEPTEMBER)

Late summer isn't just for buying uniforms. As university students head back to accommodation providers release "student broadband" offers. These are unique because they often feature 9 month or 12 month contracts rather than the standard 18 or 24 months.

You do not always need to be a student to grab these deals. If you need flexibility because you are renting or planning to move house soon checking for 12 month contracts in September is a smart move. Major ISPs like Virgin Media and BT often lead the charge here.

EVENT COMPARISON MATRIX

We have ranked the major switching windows based on potential savings and contract perks. Click on an event below to see why it made the list.

BEWARE THE APRIL PRICE HIKE

There is one time of year you need to be very careful about. Every April most major UK broadband providers increase their prices in line with inflation usually CPI plus 3.9%. This is written into the contract terms.

If you take out a new contract in February or March you might find your price goes up almost immediately in April. Some providers like Zen Internet or specific fixed price deals promise no mid contract hikes. If you are switching in early spring it is vital to check the terms and conditions regarding the April adjustment.

AMAZON PRIME DAY

Amazon Prime Day usually happens in July with a second event often occurring in October. While primarily for retail goods Amazon often partners with providers to offer exclusive switching bonuses.

These are "blink and you will miss it" events usually lasting only 48 hours. The deals often focus on mesh Wi-Fi systems or bundles that include smart home tech. If you are looking to upgrade your router hardware alongside your fibre connection this is a window to watch.

END OF CONTRACT: YOUR PERSONAL DEADLINE

Regardless of what month it is the most critical date is your own contract end date. You can usually switch up to 30 days before your contract finishes without paying an early termination fee. This is your "switching window".

Set a reminder on your phone for one month before your deal expires. This gives you time to compare the market and arrange a switch. If you do nothing your price will almost certainly jump up. Even if there are no sales on switching to a standard new customer offer will always be cheaper than staying on an expired contract.

HAGGLING TIPS

If you are happy with your service but not the price you can try haggling. This works best towards the end of your contract. Call your provider and select the "thinking of leaving" option. This puts you through to the retentions team.

To succeed you must have knowledge. Quote a cheaper price from a rival provider (use the deals mentioned above like Black Friday or January sales as leverage). If they cannot match it be prepared to walk away. New regulations mean switching between Openreach providers is now simpler than ever thanks to "One Touch Switch".

THE SWITCHING PROCESS

Thanks to recent changes by Ofcom switching is easier than it has ever been. For most switches on the Openreach network (BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet) you use the "One Touch Switch" process. You only need to contact the new provider. They will tell your old provider you are leaving and handle the cancellation.

The only time you still need to contact your old provider is if you are switching to or from a physically separate network like Virgin Media or a local full fibre "alt-net" like Hyperoptic.

SEASONAL CALENDAR