25,000 People a Day Are Being Ripped Off By Big Broadband Providers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

- Research by Compare Fibre reveals that the big incumbent broadband providers are ripping off 25,000 customers per day. Raising their prices by as much as 89% when the initial broadband contract ends

- 90% of all UK internet subscribers are at risk of price hikes, with the main culprits being BT, Virgin & TalkTalk

- The $6m investment in Cuckoo is an example of the growing momentum behind Altnets. Broadband network owners offering UK consumers more for less

- Now more than ever, it's vitally important to shop around and read the small print when buying a broadband connection.

STARTS

Lockdown has identified that UK broadband is not fast enough for modern life. Traditional broadband suppliers have not changed with the times to deliver what customers want. Complaints are at an all-time high, almost 40% higher than in other sectors.

Customer trends are changing. Demand for broadband isn't just focused on speed. Other factors are growing in importance, such as value and contract flexibility.

Providers offer significant discounts to new customers. At the end of the offer, prices rise by as much as 89%. Customers get ripped off once the contract period ends, and a customer doesn't change their service provider. Approximately 25000 customers a day are believed to roll on to this charge without realising.

Nathan Hill-Haimes, the co-founder of broadband price comparison site www.comparefibre.co.uk, says, "Customers want more! They are also becoming more intelligent when it comes to broadband choices. Consumers are not going to stay with who they always have with long contracts and high exit fees. They will shop around and move to another provider."

Hil-Haimes added, "Cuckoo is another new entrant to the fleet of Altnets offering more for less, with no sneaky catches. Most Altnets provide a simple choice of packages that are far more transparent to the average broadband buyer. For example, Cuckoo offers one deal, one speed and one rolling monthly contract. Importantly no hidden fees! That is not to say that other ISPs aren't looking at this as well - B4RN, Freeola and Hyperoptic all have one-month rolling contracts - If the incumbents don't want to lose market share, then they need to sharpen their offering. Maybe the more prominent suppliers need to look at this trend!"

"The bottom line is if you are a BT, Virgin, or TalkTalk customer and you haven't changed your broadband provider in the last 24 months, you'll be paying way too much."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

NOTES TO EDITOR
The UK's four biggest broadband suppliers are BT, Sky. TalkTalk and Virgin. Collectively they own 90% of the market.

Compare Fibre is one of the UK's leading fibre broadband comparison sites. A fierce champion of full-fibre broadband Compare Fibre helps customers fully understand their options and access the broadband deal that is right for them.

Founded in 1998, its aim has always been to create a fair and impartial environment for customers to find the internet provider right for their budget and usage. Compare Fibre remains ultimately and proudly independent of any broadband providers.

Compare Fibre offer interviews, articles, advice and statistics.
Contact: Nathan Hill-Haimes - nath@comparefibre.co.uk - 07541120630


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