How to compare broadband deals without the jargon

This piece for HubCage collects the advice that holds up in practice.

Broadband adverts quote headline speeds that few households need. What matters is the speed at your address, the price after the introductory period, the contract length and what happens to the monthly cost at renewal. Check the postcode speed first, then read the price for month thirteen onwards, because that is what you will pay for most of the contract.

Write the three best options in a simple table: total cost over the contract, speed, exit fees and whether a router is included. Ring your current provider with the cheapest rival in hand; a retention offer often beats switching. Set a calendar reminder a month before the contract ends, since the biggest overpayments happen to people who simply forget.