1.6m Brits at risk of overpaying as contracts expire ahead of Black Friday

• More than 1.6 million mobile and broadband customers risk overpaying as their contracts expire this month^[1]
• Mobile customers could save as much as £321^[3] a year by switching to a new SIM only deal
• Switching to a new broadband deal could save consumers an average of £203^[4]  over the course of a year
• Uswitch encourages Brits to check if their contract is due to expire this November and see if they can save by switching to a cheaper deal

Over 1.6 million mobile and broadband customers are warned they could be at risk of overpaying on their bills from this month, with a huge number of deals set to expire in November^[1].

New analysis by Uswitch, the comparison and switching service, highlights the urgency of checking contract end dates ahead of the Black Friday sales period. This is a key time because mobile and broadband deals often run on a 12 or 24-month cycle, meaning the Black Friday shopping period is also the key expiration window for millions of customers.

Broadband customers who let their fixed-term contracts lapse are often rolled onto more expensive rates, which can be up to 70% more costly^[2]. Switching to a new broadband deal can save consumers an average of £203 over a year.

Most at risk are the hundreds of thousands of customers whose bundled mobile contracts - combining handset and airtime - are about to expire. When you take out a bundled phone contract, you are effectively paying off the handset cost with your monthly bills. Once your initial contract ends, you’ve legally finished paying off the device - yet for many, this won’t be reflected in their monthly payments. Some customers will continue to pay the same amount as before, if not more, for a phone they now own outright.

For mobile users who are happy with their current phone, moving to a SIM Only plan is the quickest way to cut costs. By moving from a lapsing 24-month handset contract to a SIM Only deal, the average customer could save around £321 a year^[3].

If you do want a new handset, it’s always worth shopping around to find the best deal or directly contacting your provider to negotiate a deal on an upgrade. 

Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “November is one of the most important months of the year to check your contract status. With over 1.6 million consumers estimated to be coming to the end of their existing deals, this is the window where you can bag a Black Friday bargain and save hundreds of pounds. 

“The key is to act now - before your contract automatically rolls over onto a more expensive monthly rate. For mobile customers, don’t pay for a phone you own - a simple switch to a cheaper SIM Only plan could save you hundreds. For broadband users, start comparing deals now to get your new service in place before the sales end.

“Mobile customers can check whether they are in contract or not by texting “INFO” to 85075. If you do choose to switch providers, you can still keep your old mobile number. Just text “PAC” to 65075 for free and you will receive your PAC code. Once you receive the PAC code from this number, give it to your new provider and they will do the rest.”

Find out how to save on your mobile and broadband bills at Uswitch.com