On this page
What we check
- The sums. Every line, the total, the VAT and the amount due.
- Price rises. Since 17 January 2025, rises in new phone, broadband and pay TV contracts must be set out in pounds and pence before you sign. A rise that wasn't set out needs at least 30 days' notice, and you can then leave within 30 days without exit fees (Ofcom).
- Out of contract. Your provider must tell you 10 to 40 days before your contract ends, with what you'll pay after and its best deals, and remind you every year once you're out of contract (Ofcom).
- Compensation you're owed. Most big providers must pay you automatically when broadband or landline goes wrong. See broadband compensation.
- Extras you don't use. Landline, TV add-ons and equipment charges you may be able to drop.
- Social tariffs. If you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or some other benefits, Ofcom says social tariffs start from £12.50 a month. You can move to your provider's social tariff at any time, free.
What being out of contract costs
28% of broadband customers were out of contract for at least one service in their bundle in June 2025. On average they paid more each month than customers in contract (Ofcom).
| Package | Extra paid out of contract, on average, a month (2025) |
|---|---|
| Broadband only | £7.20 |
| Broadband and landline | £7.84 |
| Broadband and TV | £7.22 |
| Broadband, landline and TV | £9.28 |
Switching is now one step
Since 12 September 2024, your new provider handles a broadband or landline switch for you (One Touch Switch). Your old provider must tell you about any charges, including early exit fees, before you switch. TV may need cancelling separately with your old provider (Ofcom).
If something is wrong
Complain to your provider in writing first. Since 8 April 2026 you can take an unresolved complaint to a free ombudsman scheme after 6 weeks, or sooner with a deadlock letter. The two schemes are CISAS and the Communications Ombudsman, and your provider will tell you which it uses (Ofcom).
Frequently asked questions
Does it work for landline-only or TV bills?
Yes. Choose "Broadband, landline or TV" when you upload. For a landline-only bill, see our landline bill checker guide. Automatic compensation covers broadband and landline, not TV.
My bill went up with inflation. Is that allowed?
For contracts signed from 17 January 2025, no: rises must be in pounds and pence and set out before you sign. Older contracts can still include rises linked to inflation or a percentage.
What VAT should my bill carry?
Broadband, landline and TV are normally charged at the standard VAT rate of 20%. We check the VAT is worked out correctly.
Do I need to contact my old provider to switch?
Not for broadband and landline. The new provider arranges it through One Touch Switch. You may need to cancel TV separately.
Is the check free?
Yes, always. If you switch to a deal through us, the provider may pay us a commission, and each deal says so.