UK households are being advised on how they can “halve costs and double speeds” ahead of a broadband price increase scheduled for next month.

From April, broadband prices are expected to rise by up to £4 a month, impacting most UK customers, regardless of whether they are in-contract or not.

However, millions may be able to dodge the price hike by switching to a different provider now, and securing a better deal. According to Martin Lewis, many households can “halve costs and double speeds”.

In the latest edition of his Money Saving Expert (MSE) newsletter, Mr Lewis provided an example of a £21 per month rate for “seriously fast 900Mb”.

He said: “Ofcom’s protections against mid-contract price hikes, launched in Jan ’25, have been flaccid at best.

“While most firms must now inform you in advance, in pounds and pence, how much prices will rise, it has resulted in many – especially those who’d been savvy and grabbed cheaper deals – facing much larger hikes than they did before.”

Encouraging bill payers to “protect yourself”, he stated that the seven million who are out of contract may be able to “lock into top short-lived broadband deals at far cheaper prices”.

The best broadband deal for you may depend on your location within the UK. There are some local deals you may be able to benefit from, as well as national deals.

If you are on Universal Credit or similar benefits you may also be eligible for a social tariff for discounted broadband prices.

Further guidance on MSE adds: “You no longer need to contact your current provider to switch. Until recently, switch broadband and with some providers you had to contact both your old and new firm (sometimes leaving you paying for both during the overlap).

“Now, Ofcom has rolled out a ‘One Touch Switch’ service, so the new firm should seamlessly sort it for you.”

You can view MSE’s most affordable broadband packages here.