Key Highlights :
1. Broadband providers have missed an important deadline, and it could mean many homes continue to pay far too much for access to the web.
2. Switching suppliers, once your contract is over, usually means cheaper prices as most firms offer enticing deals in a bid to attract new users.
3. However, making the jump can be a hassle with endless phone calls between firms putting many people off making the switch. That inconvenience - which could save as much as £162 per year - was meant to be fixed this month with UK regulator Ofcom telling Internet Service Providers (ISPs) they needed to introduce a ‘One Touch Switch’ service across all networks.
4. Right now, it's easy to move between firms using the Openreach platform with a simple call to your new supplier sorting everything in one go. That means those moving from Sky to BT, for example, should see a speedy switchover.
5. UK's 'worst' broadband uncovered - is your internet provider on the list? The problems come when moving to a whole new network such as Virgin Media, CityFibre or Hyperoptic as things can get very complicated.
UK internet users might be forking out far more than they need to for broadband access after a deadline that makes it easier to switch suppliers has been missed.
The deadline was originally set for the end of January, but was later extended until the end of March.
The move was intended to make it easier for people to switch providers, as well as to cut down on price competition.
However, many people have not taken advantage of the deadline, meaning that the number of people using broadband from more than one supplier is still high.
This could mean that people are paying more than they need to for broadband, and that the market is not as competitive as it could be.
If you are thinking of switching broadband providers, now is the time to do so.
