Millions could be paying more for their mobile and broadband bills than they need to, according to Martin Lewis.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com says that as many as 20 million people who are ‘out of contract’ could make massive savings with a few simple switches.
He describes taking the time to check whether you are out of contract and then hunt out a cheap new deal as a “no brainer”.
Mr Lewis said mobile and broadband customers suffered a “kick in the teeth” when bills rose by up to 8.8 per cent in April.
Consequently, he argued there has never been a better time for people to take control of their finances and move mobile and broadband contracts
Mr Lewis said: “Comparing now is a completely level playing field, giving a true comparison as you know there shouldn’t be any price rises for a year. This isn’t small potatoes.
“And with 20million of you OUT OF CONTRACT and thus free to move, this is a no-brainer for many and only takes a few minutes.”
The MSE team has shared three steps mobile and broadband customers should follow to cut the costs of their bills.
For mobile customers
You should first check whether you are out of contract and “free to switch” by texting “INFO” for free to 85075.
MSE explained: “This Ofcom scheme forces firms to reply telling you if you’re out of contract (a few firms ask for your date of birth to validate it’s you).
“Occasionally it’ll say it can’t answer, usually because all the home’s phones are on one contract. If so, then as a guide if you’ve not changed deal in the last two years, you’re likely free to switch.”
Next, the MSE team say if you are out of contract and paying more than £8 a month then you can “switch sim and save”.
Sim only contracts are cheaper as you are not paying for your handset.
The MSE highlighted some of the cheapest sim only deals on the market right now. These include iD Mobile’s £7.92 sim only contract, TalkMobiule’s £6.29 a month contract and Lebara’s £5.25 a month contract.
Finally, in order to keep our phone number, you will need to text “PAC” to 65075.
You will then get a “Porting Authorisation Code” which you can send to your new provider, which will transfer your number over. This happens within one working day.
They added: “It also tends to mean your existing firm will try to give you a better deal to keep you.”
For broadband customers
MSE says you should not be paying over £30 a month for your bill.
They said: “Unless you’ve a need for hyperspeed via a special broadband connection, you probably needn’t be paying over £30 a month. Yet most people pay £40 to £60 monthly, with speeds less of a blur, more of a blah.”
If you are out of contract, that MSE says it’s “easy to ditch, switch and save”.
Normally, the cheapest broadband deals are not available directly, and are usually the short-lived switching promos through comparison sites. So to get the best deal you do really need to shop around.
MSE says bundling your broadband, TV and phone with one provider can work out cheaper so it may be worth taking a look at what is being offered.
