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Why Shifting to Unlimited Broadband Could Save You a Great Deal of Money
Take a moment to imagine what life would be like if you were suddenly unable to gain access to the Internet.
13:09 14 December 2020
How would you keep up to date with the latest news? Would it be easy to contact friends and family members? Whether referring to basic tasks such as monitoring the status of a bank account to watching your favourite online streaming programs, the fact of the matter is that we have come to rely heavily upon the digital community.
This is also why the majority of consumers consider the associated fees and surcharges to represent nothing more than necessary evils. While paying for Internet services is obviously important, getting the most for your money is slightly more challenging. This is why switching to a different plan could very well save you hundreds of pounds each and every year. The first question is to determine whether you are being overcharged for the services that you are currently receiving. It is then much easier to appreciate the benefits that alternatives such as unlimited broadband have to offer. Anyone who has grown tired of facing mounting monthly Internet costs should make it a point to read the information found immediately below.
Are You Paying Too Much?
How does your current Internet plan stack up against the closest competitors? The chances are high that you are unaware of the answer to this question. However, we need to look at the bigger picture in order to better appreciate where UK consumers stand from an international point of view. Did you know that a study conducted by BDRC Continental and Cable.co.uk found that the United Kingdom ranks 63rd in regards to the cheapest Internet service providers (1)? In other words, domestic clients tend to be paying more when compared to consumers from other nations such as Spain, France and the United States.
How does this relate to your individual usage requirements? The first question to answer involves your overall data consumption. Assuming that you regularly access the Internet to stream media, to download UHD videos and to speak with friends abroad, it only stands to reason that you will require a contract that offers as much data as possible during any given billing cycle. This is when the true power of an uncapped plan can come into play.
The Distinct Advantages of Uncapped Plans
The most obvious benefit of these options involves the fact that you will no longer be forced to monitor your Internet usage. Furthermore, you will not be faced with sudden price hikes which can have an impact upon your monthly budget. So, is an uncapped package right for you? It is important to answer the questions below in order to come to a realistic conclusion:
- Are multiple devices connected to a single network?
- Do you utilise your Internet for both personal and business purposes?
- Do other family members share the same plan?
If you have answered yes to any of these scenarios, the chances are high that an uncapped plan is the best choice. Still, there are many other benefits which should be highlighted if you hope to make an informed decision at the right time.
More Than Internet Alone
The notion of limitless Internet service has actually existed since the days of dial-up connectivity. The main issue is that such plans were of little use when we consider the fact that data transmission rates were extremely slow at the time. This all began to change when true broadband connectivity began to emerge during the early 2000s. It was suddenly possible for consumers to download and upload megabytes of information per second. This is also the main reason why uncapped bundles became popular.
In this respect, the term "bundle" is important to mention. One of the many hidden advantages of these plans involves their rather all-inclusive nature. They will often provide you with additional services such as digital television and landline telephone connectivity at no additional charge. This is an excellent way to enjoy lower aggregate monthly surcharges. Furthermore, you will no longer be required to keep track of numerous bills from different providers; they are instead included within a single lump sum. It is now becoming clear why unlimited services have gained so much ground in recent times.
Reading the Fine Print
However, we also need to mention that every provider is associated with specific terms and conditions. It is first wise to take a look at the length of the contract (most ISPs will offer contracts of between 18 and 24 months). Pay-as-you-go options may also be possible. Other factors to take into account include:
- Whether or not the offer is only available to new customers.
- Any setup or installation fees.
- If other members can be included within a single plan.
- The presence of 5G connectivity.
- If the price of the package may drop after an initial trial period.
So, be sure to pay attention to the finer details before committing to a specific Internet provider.
The Mechanics of Switching a Provider
Let us now assume that you have decided to switch to a provider associated with unlimited broadband usage. The first logical step is to consult with third-party comparison sites in order to fully understand the deals which are currently available. You can then navigate to the official website of the provider in question to complete the registration process. However, keep in mind that your current provider may charge an early termination fee. This is nonetheless a worthwhile sacrifice when we consider the money that you are likely to save from a long-term perspective.
The good news is that you should always be able to find a plan that is the most appropriate for your browsing requirements. In terms of uncapped data usage, it is prudent to look well beyond the digital "horizon" in order to fully appreciate what is in store.