What happens at the end of my broadband contract?

Are you coming to the end of your broadband contract and wondering how long before your broadband contract ends can you switch and what your options are? You’re not alone! In fact, millions of people in the UK are currently paying more than they need to for their broadband package after their contract has expired. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to find a better deal and save yourself some cash.

What does out of contract mean?

When your contract ends, you’re out of contract. This means you’re no longer bound to your original contract and are free to either stay with your current provider or switch to a new one.

Unfortunately, many people don’t realise they’re out of contract and continue to pay the same amount they did during the contract period. This often results in paying more than necessary and missing out on great deals from other providers.

Will my broadband provider tell me when I’m out of contract?

Yes! In February 2020, Ofcom introduced new rules that meant providers are now legally obligated to inform customers when their contract term is almost up. At 6G Internet we send you an e-mail 40 days before the end of your broadband contract with us.

The end-of-contract notification for your broadband contract should include the following information.

The date your current contract will finish
How much you’re currently paying each month
What services you’re currently paying for
How much you’ll pay once your contract expires if you stay with your current provider
The best new deals available to both new and existing customers

When will I receive my End of Contract Notification?

Your broadband provider must contact you 10-40 days before your contract is up, giving you an opportunity to shop around for a better or cheaper broadband deal.

How Long Before My Broadband Contract Ends Can I switch?

If you can access our fixed wireless fibre speed 6G Internet network you can arrange installation instantly. We can install and be ready to switch as soon as your contract ends. This means you will have no delay in switching broadband suppliers.

We are building our fixed wireless fibre speed network, if we have not quite got to your address you can still sign up with us whilst we expand. We will provide your internet service via your telephone line and swap you onto our fixed wireless network when it is available in your area, without any termination or additional charges.

So what are my options if I’m out of contract with my broadband supplier?

Now you know what to expect from your provider when your contract ends, it’s time to consider your options.

Stay with your current broadband provider

You can let the contract roll on and carry on with your current provider.

This is the easy option, but it’s also the most expensive – at least in the long run. Research by Which? found that loyalty to broadband companies doesn’t pay. Customers who stick with the same service provider end up paying significantly more than new customers for the same download speeds.

Switch broadband provider

The second option is to switch broadband provider. Here are a few things you need to consider when browsing for a better deal.

Speed

Broadband speed is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing to switch broadband provider to a new provider. An internet speed of 25Mbps is considered good, although larger households where multiple people are online simultaneously may require 75Mbps.

Data Allowance

Consider how much data you need each month and whether the provider offers unlimited data. If you stream lots of movies and TV shows, you may need an unlimited data plan to avoid going over your limit and incurring extra charges, when you switch broadband provider

Price

Price is always a key consideration. Check the monthly cost of the package and whether there are any setup fees or hidden charges to be aware of.

Customer service

Lastly, check the provider’s customer service reputation. Look for reviews and ratings from other customers to ensure that the provider offers good customer support and responds promptly to any issues or concerns.

6G Internet: the smart choice for out-of-contract broadband customers

If you’re an out-of-contract customer looking for a new broadband provider, 6G Internet is a great option. Check to find out which broadband packages are available in your home.

(Tell us your postcode & house number so we can tell you which deals are available!)

We offer fast and affordable broadband with speeds up to 75 Mbps, unlimited data, and guaranteed speeds to the router.

Deals start from under £20 p/m.

There are no zero set-up or line rental costs, and our customer service centre is locally based, so you can always speak to a ‘real’ person when you need help or advice.

Fixed contract price promise

And we never increase prices mid-contract.

End of broadband contract – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch broadband provider before my contract ends?

If you want to change broadband provider before the end of your minimum contract period, you will probably have to pay early termination charges. If you are not getting the download and upload speeds you were promised you can cancel without charges, but you will have to prove the speeds are consistently poor. Check with your current broadband provider whether you will need to pay any charges when you switch.

How early can I switch my broadband provider?

You can switch to a new broadband provider whenever you want to! Almost all broadband suppliers have Minimum term contracts, if you want to exit early most internet service providers will charge an exit fee.

Do I have to cancel my internet before switching broadband provider?

It depends on the technology your existing and new broadband provider uses to deliver your broadband connection. If your property has fibre to the property (FTTP) through a direct connection, switching should be quick and easy. If your property has fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) then you will have to wait for service to switch over. If you are switching to a fibre speed fixed wireless connection you can get installed and connected before you cancel your current contract.

How much notice do I have to give to switch broadband provider?

How much notice do I need to give my current provider? For most internet service providers, you’ll need to give at least 30 days’ notice. You can do this via email or by phone.

Are broadband contracts legally binding?

Yes, your broadband contract is a legal agreement binding you and your internet service provider together for an agreed fixed term, usually 24 months.

Can I have 2 broadband providers?

Technically, there is no reason why you can’t have multiple broadband connections within the same house. However, you may need to pay to have another line installed. This is because many broadband plans, even from different ISPs, use the same infrastructure. Unless you opt for a fixed wireless connection where your broadband provider will own and operate their own network.

Can I get broadband without a contract?

Telecoms regulator to investigate broadband price increases as costs continue to rise

Ofcom, the UK’s telecoms regulator, is launching an investigation into the mid-contract price increases by major broadband providers, following their recent announcements of even more rate hikes.

The investigation aims to address the lack of clarity and certainty around what customers will pay and could potentially provide assistance to those struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Although contracts typically last for 18 or 24 months, companies such as BT, Sky, and Virgin Media O2 include causes permitting them to increase monthly bills in line with inflation.

Ofcom’s research reveals that a third of UK broadband customers are unaware of this clause in their contracts.

The cost of broadband in the UK ranges from £22.99 to £55 per month. When the next round of price hikes hits this April, UK broadband customers can expect to pay an extra £3.31-£7.92 for their internet per month, adding £39.72 to £95.04 to their annual bill.

Virgin Media O2 and BT customers could see the biggest rises; their bills are expected to increase by 13.8% and 14.4%, respectively. Sky customers may end up paying 8.1% per month after April.

Cristina Luna-Esteban, the director of telecoms consumer protection at Ofcom, believes big-name providers are making it difficult for customers to understand the extent of price increases.

The Ofcom review will focus on what customers know when they sign up for new broadband contracts and how providers communicate price rise clauses.

“We’re taking a thorough look at these types of contract terms to fully understand the extent to which customers truly know what they’re signing up to and whether tougher protections are needed,” said Cristina Luna-Esteban. “Customers need certainty and clarity about what they will pay over the course of their contract.”

In the meantime, Ofcom encourages customers out of contract to consider haggling with their current provider for a cheaper deal or switching providers.

Those looking to switch will be interested in a broadband firm that never raises customer bills mid-contract, just like 6G Internet.

Our no mid-contract price rise guarantee means our customers will never pay more than they signed up for.

Popular Money Saving Expert Reveals Insider Tips for Finding the Cheapest Broadband Deals

Popular money-saving expert Martin Lewis is advising broadband customers to haggle for better deals when their bills go up this spring.

Money Saving Expert Warns Consumers About Broadband Price Increases

The consumer champion has previously warned people to expect a 15% increase in their broadband bills from April, explaining how big providers keep their tariffs in line with the consumer price index (CPI) rate of inflation. Inflation is currently around 11%, and Lewis believes firms will add an extra 4% on top.

April Broadband Price Increases

“This usually happens in April for most of the major broadband providers, which will be another hit for many people,” said Lewis. “If you’re paying £40, you should get ready to see another £6 on your bill from April.”

Lewis urges consumers to call their provider and haggle for a better deal. A poll on the MoneySavingExpert site found that 8 out of 10 customers can reduce their bill by calling their provider and suggesting they might go elsewhere.

“As a loyal customer, the first thing I would do is get on the phone and say: I’ve seen what you’re charging new customers; what can you do for me?” said Lewis.

“I’d make sure you’ve seen what other providers are charging in your area, because it’s postcode dependent… and say, ‘I’m not willing to pay that amount; can you offer me a better deal?’

If the provider isn’t willing to budge on price, then Lewis advises people to switch.

“Switching isn’t complicated, so don’t worry about it too much,” said Lewis. “It’s your new firm who sorts it out for you, and they’ll cancel your old provider.”

If you’re one of those people ready for something better, then contact 6G Internet today. We’ll make sure the switchover is as smooth as possible.

And with our no-price rise promise, your broadband bill will never go up during the contract.

6G Internet: a broadband company that keeps its promises.

Customer Service in the Broadband Industry: A Look at How 6G Internet Does it Better

Broadband plays a central role in our daily lives, providing us with the connections we need to work, play, and stay in touch with loved ones.

But it’s no secret that customer service in the industry can often be lacking, leaving many people frustrated and unhappy with their providers.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the state of customer service in the UK broadband industry, exploring the most common complaints, the reasons behind these issues, and what 6G Internet is doing to keep our customers happy.

The state of customer service in the UK broadband industry

According to Ofcom’s latest reports, the number of complaints about broadband providers has been increasing in recent years.

Ofcom report shows complaints increased by 23%

In 2020, the number of complaints about broadband services increased by 23% compared to the previous year, and that figure has been rising ever since.

It’s important to state that these complaints represent a fraction of the total number of broadband customers in the UK. However, they still indicate a significant level of dissatisfaction with the service provided by some broadband providers.

What are people complaining about?

Here’s a look at some of the most common customer service complaints when it comes to broadband contracts:

Slow speeds
Outages
Billing issues
Installation problems
Data caps
Hidden fees
Poor customer service

Poor customer service

Another major issue is poor customer service. Customers often report dissatisfaction with the service they receive, including long wait times on hold, unhelpful representatives, issues not being resolved in a timely manner, and automated menus or chatbots that can’t answer specific or complex questions.

Local customer service team

This is one of the main reasons why 6G Internet decided to keep our customer service centre local. And it’s staffed by real people you can actually talk to.

The benefits of real customer service

Thanks to our locally based customer service centre, 6G Internet customers benefit from…

Personalised service: Real human customer service representatives can provide a more personalised customer experience, as they can understand and respond to individual needs and concerns.
Faster resolutions: Our staff can resolve issues more quickly than automated systems, as they can make decisions and take action in real-time.
Language & cultural understanding: A local-based customer service centre allows representatives to be familiar with the local culture, which can help build trust and better communication with customers.
Greater accountability: Companies with local-based customer service centres are more accountable to their customers, as they are physically located in the same area and are more easily accessible.

6G Internet: where customers get ‘real’ service

At 6G Internet, we understand that having a reliable and fast broadband connection is crucial in today’s world. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing the best possible service to our customers.

One big thing that sets us apart from other broadband providers is our locally-based customer service centre.

Our team of friendly and knowledgeable representatives are available to assist you with any questions or issues you may have, and they’re located right in your community.

And you’ll never have to deal with long wait times on hold or automated systems.

We believe that real people are the key to providing excellent customer service. Our representatives are trained to handle a wide range of issues and to find the best solution for each customer. Whether you need help with a technical problem or have a question about your bill, our team is here to help.

With our locally-based customer service centre and a commitment to providing the best possible service, we’re confident you’ll love being part of the 6G Internet family.

Customers urged to check routers after popular broadband firm discovers potential security flaw

A leading provider of Wi-Fi routers has discovered a flaw in its devices that may put millions of broadband users at risk.

The firm, which makes some of the most popular internet devices in the world, has urged all users of its products to check their Wi-Fi routers without delay to ensure the security of their online data.

The flaw could potentially allow hackers to access sensitive information such as passwords, financial data, and other personal information transmitted over the internet.

6G Internet DOES NOT use any of the routers made by the firm. Instead, all our customers receive a Wi-Fi 6 router which guarantees faster speeds, reliable connections, and, most importantly, increased security and online protection.

Wi-Fi 6 technology supports the newest security protocol, Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3), which analysts say is the most comprehensive router safety protocol on the market.

Although our Wi-Fi 6 router includes advanced security and encryption features to protect your data, customers should always take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their families safe when connecting devices to the internet.

They include regularly changing passwords, keeping software up-to-date, and not clicking on suspicious emails, links, or websites.

Customers should also keep their routers on overnight. Like many other internet service providers, this is when we send essential updates to the router.

Unplugging them before you go to bed to reduce electricity bills means your router misses out on the updates. Over time, this could degrade your download speeds and compromise the router’s security features.

Learn more about the benefits of 6G Internet’s Wi-Fi 6 router technology.

6G Internet is driving digital inclusion across the UK

Digital exclusion is a significant issue in the UK, with many individuals and communities lacking access to the internet and broadband technology they need in today’s increasingly digital world.

This can have serious consequences for their ability to participate in the digital economy, access online services, and stay connected with others.

Digital exclusion in the UK

Many factors contribute to digital exclusion in the UK, including economic hardship, lack of education, and geographical isolation.

For example, individuals living in low-income households are more likely to lack access to the internet and technology, as they may not be able to afford the necessary equipment and services.

Similarly, individuals who lack basic digital skills or do not have access to digital literacy training may find it challenging to navigate the online world.

Geographical isolation is another factor, as some towns and suburbs don’t have high-speed internet infrastructure.

The elderly and disabled people are also at risk of digital exclusion. They can often struggle using digital devices and may require additional support to access the internet.

What is the UK government doing about digital exclusion?

The UK government has taken steps to address digital exclusion, such as providing funding for digital literacy training and expanding access to high-speed internet in rural areas.

6G Internet and digital inclusion

Independent broadband providers like 6G Internet are helping with digital inclusion in the UK by providing more market competition and alternative internet access options.

We’re offering more affordable prices and better services to consumers, particularly in areas that may have been previously underserved by larger, mainstream providers.

We’re supporting digital inclusion in other ways, too. At 6G Internet, we give away 20% of our network to local charities, schools, and families experiencing economic hardship.

We call it the “Internet for everyone” campaign.

“In an increasingly digital world, it’s absolutely vital for everybody to be able to take advantage of the many benefits offered by the internet. Unfortunately, there are still significant barriers to some people getting online at home,” says Tara Murray, the 6G Internet for everyone coordinator.

“We want to help change this; this is why we’re working with local organisations to tackle the digital divide by giving free broadband connections to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access.”

So wherever we build, local residents will always have an internet connection they can use.

Digital exclusion is a significant issue in the UK that affects many individuals and communities. It is essential that steps are taken to address this issue. But by working together, we can ensure that everyone in the UK has the opportunity to participate in the digital economy and stay connected with the world.