Negotiate

Stop Overpaying for Broadband & Mobile

The average UK household overpays £240/year on broadband alone. Providers rely on customer inertia — they know most people will not call to negotiate, even when their deal has expired and they are paying the full out-of-contract price. The retention team exists specifically to offer better deals to customers who threaten to leave.

These guides give you everything you need to negotiate a better deal: the best time to call, what to say, which departments to ask for, current competitor prices to quote, and exactly how likely each provider is to offer you a discount. Each script is tailored to the specific provider and their known retention tactics.

Select your broadband or mobile provider below for a personalised negotiation script and step-by-step walkthrough.

Broadband Providers

BT
BTAvg saving: £180/year
high
Sky
SkyAvg saving: £240/year
high
VM
Virgin MediaAvg saving: £200/year
high
TT
TalkTalkAvg saving: £120/year
medium
VF
VodafoneAvg saving: £150/year
high
EE
EEAvg saving: £144/year
high
PN
PlusnetAvg saving: £100/year
medium
HO
HyperopticAvg saving: £80/year
medium
CF
Community FibreAvg saving: £60/year
low

Mobile Providers

BT
BTAvg saving: £180/year
high
Sky
SkyAvg saving: £240/year
high
VF
VodafoneAvg saving: £150/year
high
EE
EEAvg saving: £144/year
high
O2
O2Avg saving: £132/year
medium
3
ThreeAvg saving: £96/year
medium

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save by negotiating my broadband or mobile bill?

The average broadband negotiation saves £5-15 per month (£60-180/year). Mobile contract negotiations typically save £3-10 per month (£36-120/year). Combined, the average household can save £150-300/year. Savings depend on your current deal, how long you have been a customer, and how willing you are to switch providers.

When is the best time to negotiate?

The best time is when your contract is ending or has already ended and you are on a rolling monthly deal. Providers are most generous when they know you can leave without penalty. Call 2-4 weeks before your contract expires for the best deals. If you are mid-contract, you have less leverage, but providers may still offer upgrades or small discounts to prevent you from switching when your contract ends.

What should I say when I call to negotiate?

Start by saying you are thinking of leaving because the price is too high. Have a competitor quote ready — check comparison sites beforehand. Be polite but firm. If the first offer is not good enough, say "I was hoping for something closer to [competitor price]." If they will not budge, ask to be put through to the disconnections team — they have access to the best deals. Use our provider-specific scripts for exact wording.

Can I negotiate if I am still in contract?

You can try, but your leverage is limited. Providers know you would need to pay an early termination fee to leave. However, if your provider has recently raised prices mid-contract, Ofcom rules give you the right to leave penalty-free. Some providers will also offer a goodwill discount if you ask — it costs them nothing compared to losing you when the contract ends.