Broadband is getting cheaper and faster all the time, so if you're not switching regularly then you're almost certainly overpaying for an inferior service.
Research from BroadbandChoices.co.uk found that the cost of broadband has fallen 37% since 2006, while speed increased by a remarkable 700% during the same period.
Unfortunately, only 10% of us bothered to
switch to a better deal last year, says BroadbandChoices product director Michael Phillips.
“This is a shame, because consumers could save over £230 by choosing the right package,” adds Phillips.
Broadband is the forgotten bill
Much like every business,
broadband suppliers reserve their best offers for new customers, relying on inertia to keep their more profitable customers in the net.
"Broadband is in danger of becoming ‘the forgotten bill',” says Phillips “We urge consumers to check they are not stuck on an outdated tariff with their current provider.
“If you haven't switched in the past year, then its time to get online and compare current deals."
Don't forget about customer service
When you're shopping around for a better deal, make sure you factor in a supplier's customer service record before signing up.
The absolute shambles that was TalkTalk a couple of years ago taught us that price isn't always everything.
Indeed, I recently endured such a torrid time with a certain British Telecoms company that I would have been happy to pay anything – absolutely anything – just to be free of them.
Doesn't have to be expensive to be good
Thankfully, getting good customer service need not mean paying over the top.
Broadband customers recently voted O2 – widely regarded as one of the cheapest on the market – as by far the best for customer satisfaction.
Plusnet Broadband came in second in the poll conducted by broadbandchoices, followed by Sky and Virgin Media.
If you see a product you like, why not take a few minutes to learn what other customers think of their service by visiting some online broadband forums.
