You could easily save £235 a year on your TV, broadband or mobile bill, researchers say

Broadband, mobile and TV firms make a big deal plugging their best prices for new contract customers. But those same companies aren’t as quick to flag any subsequent prices rises.

One reason is they hope customers will think it’s too much hassle to switch, or they won’t get much joy if they threaten to leave. But research by consumer group Which? found customers could save a packet.

On average, out-of-contract TV and broadband customers could save £160 by switching. Sky customers surveyed saved the most - a bumper £235 a year on average - by switching away for a better deal.

But you don’t even need to jump ship save. Which? found TV and broadband customers who haggled with their current provider still saved £117 on average. Broadband customers who haggled saved £55 per year, with Virgin Media customers seeing the biggest average saving, of £81.

But when it came to haggling, it was customers of mobile giant EE who stood to save the most, at £101 a year on average. And before you’re put off, the Which? research uncovered that most consumers found the switching process easy. This was the case for three-quarters of broadband (75%) and mobile customers (73%), and more than half (55%) of broadband and TV customers.

The average saving for broadband customers was £60 a year for haggling, and £108 a year for switching. For combined broadband TV contracts it was £120 and £156 respectively. And for mobile deals it was £61 and £72.

Which? surveyed 5,083 adults in the UK between July 22 and August 2 this year.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: “Our latest research shows out-of-contract broadband, TV and mobile customers can save a substantial amount of money by switching providers or haggling with their current one – and that most people find the process easy.

“With many telecoms providers already adopting Ofcom’s ban on unpredictable mid-contract price hikes before it officially comes into effect in January, consumers can more easily compare deals and should feel empowered to switch and potentially save hundreds of pounds.”