Customers who bundle broadband with live sports packages may be overpaying by as much as £373 annually, according to Ernest Doku, an expert from the comparison website Uswitch. With the Premier League season underway, Doku is advising sports enthusiasts to scrutinize their contracts, as prices often escalate sharply once a fixed term concludes.
Research from Uswitch indicates that 35 percent of customers with bundled services mistakenly believe they must remain with their current provider to retain access to sports channels and streaming services. Doku stated that decoupling broadband and sports subscriptions, by opting for standalone broadband and monthly rolling sports apps, can provide the same content at a lower cost.
For individuals not currently locked into a contract, switching to a more affordable broadband deal involves comparing available options and completing the sign-up process. While a new provider typically manages the broadband switchover, customers will need to arrange their sports channel access independently.
Costly 'Bundle Blindspot'
When live sports bundle contracts expire, monthly bills can increase considerably. Uswitch analysis of major UK broadband and TV providers found that bundles including broadband, TV, and live sports can reach up to £151 per month after a two-year contract period. The comparison site calculated that the average overpayment amounts to £31.10 per month, or £373 per year, by comparing out-of-contract bundle prices with the cost of purchasing the same services individually from providers such as BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
Customers not under contract can avoid these increased costs by switching to a new bundle deal, potentially from a different provider, as new customer pricing is currently competitive. "Sport bundles are well priced for new customers right now, and we're seeing strong deals across the market," Doku noted. "Just make sure you know when any introductory pricing ends, and what the ongoing rate will be, before you commit."
Rethinking Bundled Contracts
For consumers who primarily follow specific sports, it may be more cost-effective to switch to a cheaper broadband provider and subscribe to standalone sports streaming applications. These apps often offer flexible monthly payment options, allowing users to pay only for the months they require access. Options include Now TV's Sports Flexible package for £34.99 per month (offering 12 Sky Sports channels), TNT Sports via HBO Max for £30.99 per month, and Amazon Prime for £8.99 per month, which features select football fixtures.
Smaller and regional internet providers have been offering competitive deals, making it worthwhile to explore local options. The key is to calculate the total monthly cost of separate services—including broadband, sports apps, and other streaming subscriptions like Netflix—to ensure it remains less expensive than a traditional bundle. The article also suggests that households may not need very high internet speeds unless they engage in heavy usage, such as simultaneous gaming, streaming, and working from home. Speeds between 101-500Mbps are generally sufficient for larger homes with three or more occupants, according to Uswitch.
Consumers can compare broadband and TV packages on comparison websites like Uswitch or directly with providers. Broadband, TV, and phone contracts are known for being difficult to change, leading many customers to remain with providers for years, often incurring price increases. Comparing prices is recommended, especially during periods of high living costs, to potentially secure faster broadband, better TV packages, and improved phone deals while reducing monthly expenses. This is Money has partnered with Uswitch to facilitate easy searching for broadband, mobile, and TV deals.