How to cut older people’s phone and broadband costs
Follow these simple steps to get the best deal possible on your parent’s landline and broadband, if they have it. Digital inclusion can be a real lifeline for older people, so it’ s great to get them online if you can
Contact your parent’s current provider
Just by asking, you’re letting your parent’s current provider know that you might switch. They’ll probably do their best to keep your parent by offering special deals
Call your current provider and ask them for your parent’s home phone and broadband usage and your MAC code (for broadband)
Double-check with the provider that your parent is on the best package they can offer
Work out your usage profile, as this will allow you to get the best deal.How many calls does your parent make and are they during the daytime, evenings or weekends? Do they call local, national or international numbers?
Which broadband speed does your parent need and what limit?
Calculate your usage limit on the Which? website
Shop around to compare deals
It could potentially save you hundreds of pounds over the course of a year.
Check at least two comparison sites to see what deals are available
Pay by Direct Debit
Paying by Direct Debit often gets you a reduction on your line rental.
Give your supplier a ring and ask whether switching your payment method to Direct Debit would save your parent money
Get your landline and broadband from the same supplier. You might be offered a special ‘bundled’ deal if you get both from the same company
Sign up to use an ‘override provider’ when making calls
It can save you a lot, especially if you’re calling international numbers or you don’t get unlimited UK calls with your phone package
Sign up with the override provider online, and then dial the special code before calling your number
Find the best override provider for your call on MoneySavingExpert
This article is provided by the Money Advice Service.
