Broadband: best time to get a better deal or change provider

Commenting on the best time to get a better deal or change provider, Jason Lloyd, head of broadband at moneysupermarket.com said: "Traditionally, autumn is the busiest time of year for broadband providers as it’s the time when most providers refresh their product ranges to make them more competitive. It is also the time of year when minimum contracts are coming to an end and people may be looking for new deals.

"The broadband market is now much more competitive than it has been all year. With this in mind, users considering changing provider should do so now. For people who are still stuck with their existing provider they can also take advantage of the current environment to get a better deal. If you are nearing the end of your minimum contract period or it's ran out, I would recommend you speak to your provider and ask if you can be upgraded to one their new deals at no charge. If your provider has not changed its product range, look at other new deals in the market as a comparison and state you would like something comparable to that, if they refuse you can move to a better deal elsewhere.

"Be aware that if you accept a new deal from your existing provider, they will change your contract and re-set it back to the beginning of the minimum contract period. Always read the terms and conditions of your contract before signing up to something new or changing to a new provider."