Alongside performance and speed, ISPs look to compete with each other on price, contract length, set-up and connection fees, customer service, bundles and extra features and other deals.
O2 for example is well known to have a focus on customer service, whilst Talk Talk will highlight its value for money proposition and Virgin, with its cable network can deliver enviable speeds consistently through the day, BT has the coverage and in certain areas of the UK may be the only reliable choice. The reality is that these companies have chosen to focus on specific service areas so that they can differentiate themselves. Aside from this, companies like O2 and Virgin offer additional benefits to their customers around music events, this might be concert tickets or festival passes.
The other big move is around so called ‘bundles’. These are a combination of Broadband, Home Telephone and perhaps a Pay TV Package. ISPs like to sell these because a customer on a bundle is much less likely to switch than a customer just buying a single service. Again, you can compare bundles using Compare Broadband’s table here.
Things to look out for (quick checklist):
- When you think it’s time for a change here’s a quick list of checkpoints to run through:
- Which broadband providers are available at your postcode
- What is the likely connection speed
- The contract length
- The price
- Which package is most suitable for you or your family
- Go for it, buy online!
Millions of people a month use SamKnows and Compare Broadband to research the UK Broadband market to find out which supplier to choose and what package to buy. We you find this service helpful.