← All guides · Updated 2 November 2026
How to haggle your broadband or TV renewal
When your broadband or TV contract is ending, you're in the strongest position you'll have for a while: you're free to leave. Providers know that, and many will offer a lower price to keep you. Here's a calm, evidence-based way to ask.
Step 1: know your dates
Ofcom requires phone, broadband and pay-TV providers to tell you 10 to 40 days before your contract ends, including what you'll pay afterwards and their best deals (including prices only for new customers). If you didn't get this message, check your account. See what the notification must include.
Step 2: get real quotes
Find two or three deals for the same or similar speed and channels: from comparison sites and directly from other providers. Note the monthly price, any setup fee, the contract length and any price rises written into the contract. Since January 2025, Ofcom has required rises in new contracts to be set out in pounds and pence, so you can compare the total cost.
Step 3: work out what you actually need
Do you use all your TV packs? Is your speed more than you need? Dropping a pack or a speed tier can save more than haggling. Your provider can't help with this unless you ask.
Step 4: contact your provider
Use the phone line or live chat and ask for the "leaving" or "retentions" team, or use the online renewal options first to see what's offered. A simple script:
"My contract ends on [date]. I've been quoted £[X] a month for [similar package] by [provider]. I'd prefer to stay, but I'll switch unless you can get close to that. What's the best you can do?"
Stay polite, be specific, and be prepared to say no. If the first offer isn't good, ask if there's anything better, or say you'll think about it.
Step 5: get it in writing
Ask for the new price, contract length and any price rises in writing before you agree. Check the contract summary they send you.
Step 6: be ready to switch
Switching broadband is simpler than it used to be. Ofcom's switching process means you usually only need to contact the provider you want to join, and it handles the switch. Your old service should stop automatically.
If they won't move
Some providers won't offer much, especially if you're still in contract. That's fine: you've lost nothing by asking. Set a reminder for your contract end date and try again then, or switch. If you're on a low income or benefits, also check broadband social tariffs, which can be much cheaper than haggled prices.
A note on honesty
Only quote deals you've actually found. Providers can check, and a made-up quote can backfire.
Check your own bill
Enter your current price and the best quote you've found. Bill Fighter works out the yearly saving and writes a ready-to-send 'match this price or I'll leave' letter.
Free, no sign-up. Uploaded bills are read and deleted straight away.
Related guides
- End-of-contract notifications: what your provider must tell you
- Sky or Virgin Media price rise: what you can do
- Broadband social tariffs: who qualifies and how to switch
Sources
- Ofcom: companies must tell customers about their best deals
- Ofcom: Telecoms price rises – what are your rights?
- Ofcom: switching broadband provider
Last checked 02/11/2026. Rules change, so check the linked pages before you act. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.