Customers who bundle broadband with live sports packages may be overpaying by as much as £373 per year, particularly after their initial contract term expires, a consumer expert has warned. Ernest Doku from the comparison website Uswitch is urging sports fans to review their contracts as the Premier League season begins.
Once a bundle's fixed term concludes, prices for these services can increase significantly, and the cost of purchasing the same services separately may become considerably lower. Uswitch research indicates that 35% of customers with bundled packages incorrectly believe they must remain with their current provider to retain access to sports channels and streaming services.
Doku suggests that consumers can often achieve the same content for less by switching to standalone broadband and utilizing rolling monthly sports apps. For those not locked into a contract, moving to a more affordable broadband deal involves comparing available options and signing up, with the new provider typically managing the transfer. Sports channels, however, would need to be addressed separately.
The Bundle Blindspot
Analysis by Uswitch of prices from major UK broadband and TV providers, including BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media, revealed that bundles including broadband, TV, and live sports can cost up to £151 per month after a two-year contract ends. Comparing these out-of-contract bundle prices with the cost of acquiring the same services individually, Uswitch found an average overpayment of £31.10 per month, equating to £373 annually.
New customers are currently benefiting from competitive pricing in the market for sports bundles. Doku advises consumers to be aware of introductory pricing end dates and future rates before committing to a new deal.
Rethinking Bundled Contracts
For consumers who primarily follow sports like football but are on a bundled contract, switching to a cheaper broadband provider and subscribing to standalone sports streaming apps could offer savings. These apps often allow flexible, month-to-month subscriptions, enabling users to pay only for the months they actively use the service. Options include Now TV's Sports Flexible package (£34.99 per month for 12 Sky Sports channels), TNT Sports through HBO Max (£30.99 per month), and Amazon Prime for select football fixtures (£8.99 per month).
Consumers are advised to compare the total cost of a new broadband deal combined with standalone sports apps against their current bundle. This calculation should also factor in other services like Netflix. While competitive broadband and TV packages are available, it's essential to ensure the combined cost remains lower than the existing bundle. Additionally, Doku notes that households may not require very high internet speeds unless they are engaged in heavy internet usage, such as online gaming, simultaneous streaming, and working from home. Speeds between 101-500Mbps are generally considered sufficient for larger households with three or more people, according to Uswitch.
Consumers can compare broadband and TV deals through comparison websites like Uswitch or by checking offers directly with providers. Broadband, TV, and phone contracts are often long-term, and customers may continue paying increased prices after initial deals expire. Comparing prices is a prudent step, especially during a cost of living crisis, to potentially secure faster broadband, better TV packages, and improved phone deals while reducing monthly expenses.