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HOUSEHOLDS are being advised to switch and save as broadband, TV and mobile prices all increase today.

Most customers of eir, Sky, Three and Vodafone will see the cost of their plans increase for the third April in a row.

Originally the “price adjustment” was based on the annual rate of inflation as well an additional three per cent.

So if inflation for the preceding year was two per cent, customers would see a five per cent hike in their bills.

But eir and Vodafone have now reverted to fixed annual increases.

Vodafone’s broadband plans will increase by a flat €3.50 a month each April going forward while its broadband and TV plans will go up by €4.50.

Although Sky does not officially implement an “annual price adjustment”, its prices will increase this April by an average of 4.5 per cent following a similar increase last April and the one before.

But there are a number of steps households can take to save cash and not feel the full effect of the price hikes.

Today, in The Irish Sun, Michael Doyle has put together some inflation-busting, money-saving tips to future-proof against annual price rises.

BUNDLE YOUR TV, BROADBAND AND MOBILE

COMBINE your broadband, TV and mobile services into a single package to reduce your monthly expenses.

Many Irish households rely on streaming services like Sky Stream and Netflix for sports and entertainment.

Bundling broadband & TV, and adding your mobile SIM-only plan can lead to significant savings compared to individual plans.

Eoin Clarke, Telecoms Expert at Switcher.ie, said: “While energy and food prices have stabilised, households will face a wave of price hikes on April Fools Day.

“Once again, some telecom giants are pushing up prices over the rate of inflation, with some SIM-only contracts surging by over 10 per cent.

“The good news is that it’s a buyer’s market for broadband and mobile users right now.”

SHOP AROUND TO FIND THE BEST DEALS

Plan ahead and start your broadband bargain hunt before your contract ends.

Use comparison websites with an eircode checker, to quickly find the cheapest options in your location.

Ensure you factor in the price after the promotional period, as well as crucial features such as speed, contract duration, and any rewards or perks.

Television and broadband companies usually have special offers for new customers that can be about 50 per cent cheaper during a 12-month promotional period.

Mr Clarke said: “Providers are fighting for new customers, leading to some healthy discounts and great perks.

“Our advice is to make the most of this clamour by switching providers when your contract ends.

“The best deals are always on offer to newcomers, so take advantage of any introductory discounts, welcome rewards or freebies.”

HAGGLE FOR A BETTER DEAL

Tell your provider you’re thinking of leaving before jumping, and they may just pull out all the stops to keep you.

Use comparison sites to find cheaper options and ask for a price match. You might get a lower price, but it’s not guaranteed.

A lot of the companies have departments which deal with ‘Retention’ to do what they can to hang on to customers.

If you tell them you’re leaving to join a competitor, they might do everything it takes to hold on to your business.

But Mr Clarke said: The cheapest deal isn’t always the best value longer term, so compare contract length and ‘thereafter’ price once your discount ends. “

KEEP IT SIM-PLE

Save money with a SIM-only deal. If your phone contract is up and you’re still happy with your phone, switch to SIM-only.

Unlike bill-pay contracts, which include the cost of a new device, SIM-only deals just charge for calls, texts, and data, offering huge savings and flexible, shorter contracts.

This is very popular for people who don’t want to get tied into lenghty phone contracts and are only charged for the data they use.

SIM only contracts can be very short term. You can even find some SIM only contracts that last as little as thirty days on a rolling month-by-month basis, therefore affording you the option to renew it month by month.

With no handset to pay for, SIM-only deals can save you a lot of money in the long-run.

Mr Clarke said: “If peace of mind is more important, you may prefer to lock into a deal with long-term savings, or if you’re on the hunt for a SIM-only plan, seek a ‘price for life’ deal.”

GRAB A MULTI-COVER DISCOUNT

Use multi-gadget cover to save money on gadget insurance. If you’ve got a bunch of gadgets, like an iPhone, tablet, laptop, and smartwatch, combine cover for up to 15 per cent off.

Only insure new gadgets, and check your home insurance first to avoid doubling up.

Most homes have multiple devices at this stage and it can really pay off to insure them all together.

It’s normal for households to have several mobile phones, as well as a few tablets and laptops so getting multi-cover could represent major savings over the course of the policies.

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