Guide to Broadband - Part 5 of 6

When TalkTalk launched its `free broadband´ deal in 2006, many thought the offer was too good to be true. When an overwhelming number of people signed up for the deal, TalkTalk simply couldn´t cope with the volume and consequently its service suffered with many customers waiting months to complete their move. So is moving to a better broadband deal more trouble than it´s worth?

The pros and cons of moving to a new deal

Moving to a new deal can present problems as the provider you are leaving will not want to lose your custom, while the broadband company you are moving to wants you to change as quickly as possible. Your current provider could employ retention strategies such as offering you a better deal to stay.

Nothing should deter you from moving however, if you are unhappy with the level of service you get from your existing provider. That´s why moneysupermarket.com has compiled a changing broadband provider guide to help you through the process of moving including understanding the small print, how to speak to your current broadband provider and what to do to make the change.

The lesson that can be learned from the TalkTalk issues is that it makes sense to consider all of the options available. Don´t just jump on a great new deal, chances are if you´re doing it, a lot of other people are doing it too and this can create problems. Instead look at all of the options and consider smaller broadband companies too, many of which include excellent customer service and 24hr helplines. Look at the complete broadband picture and not just the cheapest deal – find the offer that´s right for you.

Price to pay

Where there´s a silver lining, there is inevitably a cloud and indeed there are prices to pay, but with the savings that can be made in the long-term they shouldn´t deter those who can afford the initial outlay.

Newcomers to the broadband market might have costs to pay - installing a BT phone line costs £120 and buying a broadband modem costs about £40. There are `all-inclusive´ deals, which will include the cost of installation and a free modem but that will generally mean signing up to a contract with a minimum contract period, meaning you agree to stay with that provider inside a set length of time and if you leave inside that time you have to pay a cancellation fee.