29% of UK mobile and broadband customers could save £539 by making a simple switch
One in three (29%) mobile customers risk overpaying on their bills by being out-of-contract[1] - but could save up to £360 each year by switching to a new SIM only deal[2]
4.5M (16%) out-of-contract broadband customers could save £179 each year on their bills by switching provider[3]
Uswitch.com shares tips for bagging the best mobile and broadband deals this Black Friday period
More than one in three (29%) UK mobile customers and 16% of broadband customers are currently out of contract with their provider - and could save hundreds over simply by switching to a new deal, according to new analysis from Uswitch.com.
On average, those who are out of contract could pocket substantial savings of up to £360[2] on SIM-only contracts, and a generous £179[3] on their broadband bills.
As mobile networks and broadband providers gear up for the biggest shopping event of the year this week, there’s no better time to switch.
To help consumers make the most of this Black Friday period Nick Baker, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, shares some tips to help consumers make the most of mobile and broadband deals.
1. Plan ahead
“Black Friday now extends far beyond one day, and you can expect plenty of providers to be offering discounts ahead of the 24th November. Keep an eye out for deals and monitor any changes in price so you’re ready to move quickly.
“If getting a new mobile phone, broadband upgrade or TV bundle is on your list, check your contract status in advance to ensure you’ll be able to take advantage of the deals available.
“For mobile users, text INFO to 85075 to find out the information about your contract. If you're not sure whether you're still in contract with your provider or if you’d have to pay charges to end your contract early, you can find this out without requesting a switching code.”
2. Think old before new
“The best Black Friday bargains for mobiles are often on older handsets as providers look to shift older stock. Consider whether you actually need the latest model - as slightly older models still offer impressive features and technology.
“And if you do want to get your hands on the latest tech, think about picking a refurbished phone. This will save you money, particularly if you pair it with a SIM only deal. These models are often indistinguishable from brand new - and come with a guarantee for added peace of mind.
“If you’re out of contract but you don’t need a new handset, a great way to save is by switching to a SIM only deal and keeping your existing handset.”
3. Maximise incentives and cashback
“If you really want to make your money go further and reap rewards for your spending - keep an eye out for special bundle deals, sometimes including additional incentives such as bill credit, pre-paid vouchers, or streaming subscriptions.
“You can also use cashback sites to maximise the rewards from your Black Friday buys.
4. Watch out for scams
“There can be many tempting offers this time of year, but it’s important to check they come from a legitimate source as scammers sometimes use sales seasons as an opportunity to trick unsuspecting shoppers.
“Things to keep an eye on before you click ‘buy’ include checking that the website has ‘https’ at the start of its name, a padlock in the address bar, and checking independent websites for reviews.”
Visit Uswitch.com to get the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday broadband and mobile deals
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Yolanda Etrata
Phone: 07702 534 837
Email: yolanda.etrata@uswitch.com
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Notes to editors:
1. Ofcom’s 2023 Switching tracker. p600 Q14; Are you still within your minimum contract period for your mobile phone service from (PROVIDER)? 29% responded that they are out of contract.
Number of UK mobile users 65.98M, according to market insights from Statista. 29% of 65.98M = 19.13M
2. https://www.uswitch.com/faqs/savings-messages/
3. Ofcom’s 2023 Switching tracker. P205, Q14K; Thinking about your Fixed Broadband service and the contract you have with (PROVIDER), which of these statements best describes you? 16% responded that they are out of contract.
Number of broadband connected households 28M in the UK according to market insights from Statista. 16% of 28M = 4.48M.
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.