Save a bundle in the mobile and broadband jungle

Broadband bills have decreased by 13.9 per cent in the past 12 months according to figures from moneysupermarket.com, but many people are still paying over the odds for this and their mobile phones.

Here, moneysupermarket.com, the UK's leading price comparison site, offers you the best ways to make some easy savings.

Talk more, pay less

The British mobile phone industry rakes in over £8.45bn per year from customers on the wrong mobile phone tariff. Research from moneysupermarket.com shows on average, British mobile phone customers use 23 voice minutes and 23 texts over their inclusive allowance, meaning they could be paying up to an extra £130 per year.

James Parker, commercial manager of mobiles and broadband at moneysupermarket.com, says: "People need to be more aware of what package they have and what's available to them. Monthly bills should be checked regularly and if consumers are using up all their allowance it's worth considering a move to a different tariff with more inclusive minutes and texts. It could save a lot of money in the long run.

"Those regularly staying under their inclusive package should consider a pay-as-you-go or SIM-only deal. The pay-as-you-go market is becoming even more competitive as people increasingly look to cut down their monthly expenditure. With massive high street names like Asda and Ikea entering the market, the consumer has a great choice.

"One of the main attractions of a SIM-only deal is the great value on offer. Invariably the mixture of minutes and texts is much cheaper than being tied into a contract as the network is not subsidising the cost of the handset as part of the monthly contract. SIM-only deals could also double your inclusive minutes and texts."

With 18 month contracts becoming the norm for mobile deals, consumers can often end up locked into long term contracts offering little value. People need to be wary of up-selling when they are looking for a new contract or upgrading an existing one. Operators will often call in advance of your contract expiring and offer a one-off deal, however, threatening to look for other networks will often result in a better value offer.

Parker continues, "Ultimately, people need to shop with their feet. When looking for a new mobile contract it's always a good idea to see if your existing provider can offer you a better deal - your contract will be expiring and you can easily move to another network. If your provider doesn't offer a reduced rate you can threaten to leave and look elsewhere. As the mobile market is so competitive, operators will usually offer better deals to those who have been with them for a while. Loyalty is the haggler's best weapon."

More speed, less waste

Figures from moneysupermarket.com show in the last 12 months broadband packages have become cheaper and the speed of packages has increased. However millions of people are still not switching on to how much can be saved by looking for a new deal or 'bundling' services.

Bundling your TV, landline and broadband can result in big savings. A recent study by moneysupermarket.com shows over two-thirds (70 per cent) of adults don't use the same provider for these services, and as a result could be wasting nearly £26 every month on standalone products.

Parker, continues: "One of the advantages of bundled deals is the amount of money people can save. With providers fighting for new customers and dropping their prices, savvy consumers can easily change to a better deal.

"Dealing with different providers and organising various bills can be a nightmare. However, with bundled deals you'll receive just one bill each month making it far easier to keep an eye on expenses. Also if something goes wrong you only need to ring one provider."

Moneysupermarket.com top tips

Don't be easily lured by free gifts - consider your needs and decide if the deal is good value for you
Beware of contract quirks and hidden charges such as non-direct debit payment charges and cancellation fees
Don't be afraid to haggle, providers will reward loyalty
Shop around for a bundle deal - this can offer big savings
Make sure your usage matches your contract - often there is a better deal out there for your needs