Consumers can save hundreds using bundle deals
October 12, 2007 at 10:10 am
Now that more and more companies are offering competitive “bundled” packages including broadband, TV and phone, experts believe that those who are still buying all these things separately could be losing out. Although there are some customers who only want broadband, the majority do want to have other things as well. Yet so many are sticking with separate suppliers either to avoid the hassle or because they don’t believe a big changeover will make much difference. Well, new studies have shown that a bundled package can make a huge difference, with consumers paying up to £500 less.
Though bundled packages were uncommon a few years ago, now more broadband firms are introducing their own deals. The latest one to join the group is broadband firm Tiscali which offers the three services mentioned above for only £19.99 a month, the cheapest on the market. Other providers which already offered this bundle include Sky, Virgin Media and BT which all claim to save the consumer hundreds of pounds. Though consumers may be put off by the fact that they cannot pick and choose each bit separately, by shopping around for a good package, experts believe they will not be losing out on any quality on either of the components.
Furthermore, for anyone who is thinking about switching to a bundle, now is apparently the best time as the providers are in serious competition with the new deals from Tiscali. As Aamir Baloch of the comparison firm Firsthelpline.com says, “If you haven’t got a bundled deal yet, it is worth calling your providers to see if they can offer something better, especially if you’ve been with one provider for over a year. And if they don’t offer you anything, consider moving.”
Though Tiscali is currently only supplying services to customers in London and its surrounding areas, the firm claims to be expanding its service to cover half the UK population by the end of the year. Their best package, which costs £24.99 a month, boasts the attractive services of broadband up to 8Mb as well as a landline telephone which can be used to make free calls in the UK. Furthermore, their freeview TV package is also included offering 350 on-demand programmes and 1,000 movies. For those who don’t want the movies, you can get a basic package for £19.99 a month.
Because of this new rate from Tiscali, many eager customers are snapping up the opportunity by changing over immediately. But advisors still suggest that the best thing to do is always to shop around and make sure you know what you are getting, both in terms of the quality and features of the service and the customer service.
It could be that some providers give you channels that you will never watch or give you a broadband speed which you do not require, in which case a certain package may not be for you. Also, other providers may soon have to change their rates in order to compete with Tiscali, so it is not yet clear whether Tiscali really will stay the best available for long.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that whatever package you end up going for, a little haggling can go a long way. If you approach customer service with all the details of what other companies offer, they will be more willing to give you a discount in order that you go with them instead.
