Bundled’ Britain already saving £1.1 billion

Consumers are already saving a whopping £124 per year by opting for a ‘bundle’, a package consisting of at least two of either broadband, home phone, digital TV and mobile phone products, according to research by uSwitch.com.

Bundles offer a number of advantages over traditional standalone products including better value for money and the convenience of receiving one bill for a number of services. However, it is imperative that consumers choose the right bundle to maximise the rewards and the launch of the UK’s first independent bundle comparison service from uSwitch.com is designed to help them do just that.

Bundle packages are the talking point in the telecommunications market and it is no surprise that consumers recognise their potential. According to the uSwitch poll, more than two thirds of people are already signed up to bundles, with a further quarter (27%) are considering signing up in the next year.

Benefits of a bundle:

One bill for all your telecommunications products
One customer service number for all products
Better value for money over standalone products
Bundle customers are usually classed as high value and are more likely to get preferential service

The new bundle comparison service from uSwitch.com provides consumers with a straightforward way to compare the range of products from various providers. Visitors to the service will be able to make an accurate and informed choice, depending on their individual bundle needs.

According to the research, a third of consumers are already signed up to a broadband and home phone bundle - the early entrant into the bundle market - while a further 17% are on a ‘triple play’ bundle of broadband, home phone and digital TV. More than half the consumers falling into these two groups have been signed up for more than a year, suggesting that now is the time for them to review their service and take advantage of falling prices and increased choice in the market.

Steve Weller, Head of Communications Services for uSwitch.com says: “The reality of modern life is that most people now need and use more than one telecommunications service. Bundles are a good solution and can provide fantastic value and convenience, but you have to do your homework.

“For example, consumers who buy individual products from different providers can spend an average of £468 per year, however, if they choose a bundle such as the Virgin ‘3 for £30’, annual costs fall to £360 per year resulting in a saving of more than £100. In some cases, a bundle is required to secure the best broadband deal. For example, Talk Talk only offers ‘free’ broadband to customers who take up its telephone package.

“However, confusion still reigns in the market. Consumers are being bombarded with new bundle deals on a daily basis with more and more providers citing bundles as a great way to offer value and retain customers. uSwitch.com’s service will ensure that consumers get the best bundle deal for their needs by offering them a clear comparison of the options available with different providers and the true savings that can be made.

“A number of factors need to be considered before signing up to a bundle. Having ‘all your eggs in one basket’ may not be right for everybody. Contracts tend to be longer and if the company has a poor customer service reputation in one product area, it may impact on the other areas.”

uSwitch.com guide to choosing the right bundle:

What services do you want, how much do you spend on each service per month?
Are you in any contract terms with your current providers?
Which service is most important to you - TV, broadband, home phone or mobile?
How does the supplier rate when it comes to customer service?
Do you want to go with a big brand or are you happy with ‘the best deal for you’?

List the main things that you want from each of your services, for example:

Home phone – Do you make lots of calls anytime, internationally?
Broadband – What are your requirements - fast speeds or lots of downloads?
Digital TV – Do you want just a basic package or lots of channels including movies and sports?
Mobile – How many minutes? How many texts? Do you need a new handset?