British households are throwing away nearly £200 a year by failing to switch broadband providers, according to new research by Broadband Genie. The findings come at a particularly challenging time, as Brits face the prospect of rising inflation and a fresh cost of living crisis driven by soaring energy prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

"UK households are once again coming under more and more pressure", said Alex Tofts, broadband expert at comparison website, Broadband Genie. "Mortgage rates are up, prices at the pumps are up and inflation could soon be set to increase the cost of countless other everyday purchases.

"Against this backdrop, every penny really does count and one easy way to make savings instantly is by switching broadband provider."

Alex further noted that the savings on offer are substantial and that the entire process could be remarkably straightforward and hassle-free.

He said: "On average, our research shows that broadband customers pay £30.84 a month in the UK and that they can save £183.60 a year simply by switching providers.

"One reason many people don't switch is because they believe the whole process will be a lot of hassle and involve multiple phone calls and potentially days without a connection. But that's simply not the case.

"These days, the 'One Touch Switch' process introduced in 2024 means you only need to contact the new provider and they will handle the cancellation of your existing service and the process of moving you across."

Alex went on to explain that even those wishing to remain with their current provider - whether due to satisfactory speeds or not wanting to lose their existing email address - could still make savings through the time-honoured art of haggling.

"People who are looking to renew their contracts can negotiate hard with broadband providers on price. A bit of old-fashioned haggling can often see a provider lower their prices just to keep you as a customer. It's always worth having that conversation."

A significant issue, Alex noted, was that vast numbers of people were simply unaware that their contract had expired and that they were free to switch providers.

He said: "According to Ofcom, there are currently just under nine million broadband customers who are out of contract and free to switch, with almost 25,000 people coming to the end of their contracts each day.

"That's a lot of people and a significant percentage of them will be in a position to save a decent chunk of money through something that can be done effortlessly online. But they're just not aware of it."