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Article we didn't have space for in December 2025:
Switching your internet, phone or TV provider
You might be able to save money by switching to a new provider for your internet, mobile phone, landline or TV or to a bundle deal that's made up of two or more of these services.
Before you switch
If you’re struggling to pay for your phone or internet, talk to your provider. Ask if they can offer you a cheaper deal. You can find their contact details on their website or on a letter from them. Tell your provider you're thinking of switching to a cheaper deal with a different provider. Your provider might offer you a cheaper deal to get you to stay with them.
If you don’t want to stay with your current provider, find out if you’ll be charged an exit fee to leave - check your contract or contact your provider. You’ll usually be charged an exit fee if you want to leave before the end of a fixed-term contract. This can be expensive, so it might be better to wait until your current contract ends.
You can check if you’ll be charged an exit fee to leave your mobile contract by texting the word ‘INFO’ to 85075. It’s free to text this number.
If you’re near the end of your contract, your provider should contact you to remind you. They’ll also let you know about their best available deals.
If you’re getting benefits, you might be able to get a cheaper internet, mobile or landline deal called a “social tariff”. It depends which benefits you get. If your provider has a social tariff, you won’t have to pay to move to it. You can move at any time - you don’t have to wait until the end of your contract. If your provider doesn't offer a social tariff, you can switch to another provider who does. You can check which providers offer social tariffs on the Ofcom website: www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs. You can then check the provider's website to see if you can switch to their social tariff. You’ll need to check that you’re on the right benefits for the social tariff, you’re the main account holder named on your contract and the social tariff package covers all the services you need.
Choosing a new contract
You should compare tariffs from different providers to find one that suits your needs and budget. You should check how long the contracts are for and any charges for installation, line rental or connection. Sometimes you might be offered six or 12 months free or discounted - check how much the monthly fee will be after the offer ends.
You might also want to think about getting a bundle - a deal with one provider that includes internet, landline and TV. They’re sometimes cheaper and will also simplify your monthly bills.
You’ll usually find better deals online than in shops or on the phone. Use a price comparison site approved by Ofcom - this means they’re independent and unbiased. Check which price comparison websites are approved by Ofcom on their website: www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/price-comparison
More information about switching providers is available on our website, including information for those who are renting, please go to: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/phone-internet-downloads-or-tv/switch-broadband-phone-or-tv-provider/
Citizens Advice Basingstoke is an independent local charity providing free, confidential and impartial advice for local people, whatever their enquiry involves.
Anyone wishing to speak to an adviser should call the free Advice Line on 0808 2787829. For details of the weekly drop-in sessions across Basingstoke or if you would like to send in your enquiry online, please go to: www.cabasingstoke.org.uk
Registered charity no 900116.
Lucy Sweet
Four Local Charities Receive Additional Masonic Donations
Four charities in and around Basingstoke have benefitted from a funding source that was able to provide finance in addition to what they had received during the summer.
The 105-year-old Elvetham Masonic Lodge, which operates out of the Basingstoke Masonic Centre in Victoria Street at the Top of Town, had made donations to these charities from their own resources.
During the autumn they were able to apply to the Tom Langton fund which was established by a previous Grand Master of the Masonic Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, the interest from which is donated to suitable applicants proposed by individual lodges.
This successful application has meant that Elvetham Lodge was able to provide an additional £2,000 to be split equally between the four charities they had assisted just a few months previously.
The lodge’s Charity Steward, Richard Pfleger, presented a cheque for £500 each to Tim Knight of Mencap’s Green Fingers gardening project in South Ham, Basingstoke, Natalie Walker of the Mustard Seed Autism Trust, a child support group in Odiham, Steve Dignum of the Hook Shed project where, assisted by the Hook parish council, a shed is currently under construction, and Chris Cornwell of Hartley Wintney Voluntary Care Group which has 120 members supporting the local community in various ways.
The presentation was made in the Lodge room of the Basingstoke Masonic Centre which proved of real interest to the recipients. Behind the group can be seen the banner of Elvetham Lodge and two boards listing the names of all the Lodge’s Worshipful Masters since their founding in 1920.
Paul Flint, Elvetham Masonic Lodge