- Research by Uswitch reveals some Glaswegians are paying over 85% more than the city’s average for broadband¹
- More than one-third of residents in the city think their broadband service isn’t good value²
- Scottish money expert and TV presenter Chloe Carmichael reveals hack for Glaswegians to save hundreds per year, as broadband prices get set to rise by 6.4% on average from April
- Slow broadband is one of Glasgow’s top five pet peeves, ahead of queuing, adverts and airline upcharges³
- Two-thirds of the city have had a ‘broadband disaster’ like missing a work deadline, dropping out of important meetings or missing a live online event⁴
Glasgow money expert Chloe Carmichael, founder of Chloe’s Deal Club and Money Influencer of the Year 2024, is giving Glaswegians a top tip that could save them hundreds of pounds a year.
The advice comes as a survey from Uswitch, the comparison and switching service, revealed more than 37% of residents in the city are paying above average broadband prices, with some paying more than £330 per year too much.⁵
The survey also found that more than a third (33%) of Glaswegians think their broadband isn’t good value, as we all continue to feel the cost-of-living squeeze.
Chloe said: “The amount over the odds people in Glasgow are paying for broadband is shocking, but there’s a simple hack we should all be trying to beat these costs.
“It’s easy to fall into the trap of sticking with the big players when it comes to your bills, but what many in the city don’t know is that Glasgow is one of the UK’s hot spots for smaller, regional broadband providers that can be much cheaper. And best of all, they’re often faster and more reliable, too, and less likely to sting you with mid-contract price hikes.
“My advice for residents in the city is to check out these alternative providers and see if they could offer you a bargain. I’ve seen deals that could save Glaswegians literally hundreds per year compared to some of the bigger broadband players.
“The easiest way to compare and switch is through a reputable, impartial comparison site like Uswitch.com. And with Ofcom’s new One Touch Switch, it’s super quick and easy to change providers and save money. A cheaper, faster, more reliable service – my favourite type of deal!”
The survey also revealed that residents in Glasgow find slow broadband one of their top five annoyances, alongside things like being stuck in traffic, spam phone calls and emails, late public transport and litter.
Two-thirds had experienced a ‘broadband disaster’ due to poor speeds or internet dropping out entirely, like missing an important work or academic deadline, losing out on an online live event, or being kicked out of an important meeting.
Uswitch broadband expert Max Beckett said: “Although price is a big factor, it’s clear that Glaswegians also want a fast, reliable service. Poor broadband can be frustrating, but residents in Glasgow are in a great position to get a better service and a better deal, thanks to the availability of smaller, regional providers in their area. This means they have more choice, more competitive pricing and potentially superior service – a win win for Glasgow.”
To check the availability of smaller regional providers in your Glasgow postcode, visit https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/glasgow/.
ENDS
For more information
Harriet Atkinson | Telecoms PR Manager
harriet.atkinson@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Notes to editors
Opinium surveyed 250 adults living in Glasgow during February 2025.
₁ Respondents were asked: “How much does your household currently pay for broadband per month?” 5% selected “More than £60”, 85% more than the average of £32.40.
₂ Respondents were asked: “Do you feel your monthly household broadband cost is good value?” 33% responded “No, it’s too expensive.”
₃ Respondents were asked to choose a maximum of three answers for the following: “Which of these common frustrations, if any, are your biggest bugbears?” 43% chose spam phone calls or emails, 30% chose litter, 30% chose late public transport, 30% chose being stuck in traffic, 29% chose slow broadband.
₄ Respondents were asked to choose a maximum of three answers for the following: “Have you ever had a ‘broadband disaster’ due to unreliable service or slow speeds?” 64% chose at least one answer.
₅ Respondents were asked: “How much does your household currently pay for broadband per month?” 37% chose a cost bracket higher than the average cost of £32.40, with some choosing “More than £60” which equates to £331.20 above the average cost over a 12 month period.
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to find their energy, broadband and mobile deals than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.