Get a better broadband deal

I have what might be politely termed a chequered history when it comes to arranging my broadband. Back when I lived with my parents, I was tasked with sorting out our first ever broadband deal, and while the monthly outgoings were pretty decent, the service we received from Orange was so bad we ended up moving to Talktalk before our contract had even finished, paying two lots of monthly charges for a while.

And then when my other half lumbered me with the responsibility of sorting out our broadband in our new home, I outdid myself in sheer ineptitude, trusting the gentle Northern Irish blarney of the nice chap from the Post Office. Our internet connection now is magnificent, so long as we only want to go online at three in the morning.

Ignoring your broadband options

Many of you seem to have taken a similarly lackadaisical approach to your own internet providers, according to a new survey by BroadbandChoices.co.uk, which has revealed that just 10% of broadband users switched to a cheaper broadband deal in 2008.

If you're one of the 90% who didn't, that apathy may be costing you dearly. The firm reckons the cost of broadband access is now 37% cheaper than it was in 2006. So if you've got naff legacy tariff, you're not only missing out on the very fastest connections available, you're paying more than should.

No limits on downloads

It may be stating the obvious, but the only way to get value for money is to put in a bit of legwork and compare prices from across the market (you can do this via our whole-of-market price comparison partner, broadbandchoices.co.uk). It is worth remembering that the deals available to you can vary greatly depending on where you are based, so be sure to dig beyond the headline rate.

You also need to consider what you need the internet for. If you are the sort of person that will be downloading music and films (legally, of course) then you will want to secure a high speed connection - in the region of 22mb - and ensure you have no download limit.

Below are some of the offers you might like to consider if that sounds like you:

Cheap broadband deals for surfing the web

However, for many of us, sacrificing a little speed will result in some not inconsiderate savings. If you are not a regular downloader of music or film, then having a download limit will also help save a few pennies, while an even lower charge can be secured if you agree to a longer contract.

If you are happy to accept a few limits, then some of the deals below might be worth consideration:

The best broadband bundles

Holidays to Marbella aren't the only things you can get on a package basis; you can also combine your broadband deal with your telephone or cable costs. In many cases, these work out cheaper than separate arrangements, though when you do go for these deals, make sure you do not get lumbered with something you neither want nor need as a result.

If a bundle sounds more up your street, then have a gander at these offers:

What is clear is that there really is a broadband package out there for everyone, no matter how much or how little you use the internet.

My simple advice is work out what is most important to you from your internet package, do your homework - there are absolutely loads of comparison sites out there - and do not, under any circumstances, allow someone with a soft Celtic brogue to talk you into any deal that is not right for you.