Martin Lewis urges Brits to 'ditch broadband' after change to BT Openreach rules

The money saving expert says it has never been easier to switch internet provider

Consumer finance expert Martin Lewis is encouraging broadband customers to switch to a cheaper contract following a rule change to the BT Openreach network. The One Touch Switch, recently introduced by Ofcom, allows customers to change providers more quickly without their old provider being able to hinder the move.

According to Ofcom: "Since 2015, people have been able to switch between phone and broadband providers on Openreach's network such as BT and Sky by following a process where their new provider manages the switch. But customers switching to or from a different network, such as Virgin Media, have had to contact their existing provider as well to co-ordinate the switch."

Ofcom added: "With a range of competing fibre-optic networks being built, Ofcom wants to make it easier and quicker for people to move between them and take advantage of unprecedented levels of choice. "Under the new One Touch Switch process, landline and broadband customers only need to contact their new provider to make the change. "".

As a result, changing internet providers and saving money has never been easier. Martin Lewis said: "150Mb fibre broadband from £14/mth (most paying double for half the speed)... switching to smaller 'alt-nets' now much easier too as Ofcom's introduced one-touch switching."

Martin's Money Saving Expert site has shared some insight: "The playing field is levelling on broadband, making it far easier to switch to the new local 'alt-nets' that set up their own networks rather than relying on BT in the background.", reports the Express.

"And as many of them undercut big providers, we're trying to add more into our broadband comparison, which now covers 25 firms. If you've not switched broadband for years, you're almost certainly out of contract, and can SAVE LARGE by taking advantage of short-lived promo deals."

Currently, Hyperoptic is offering a deal on a 158mb fibre broadband service at just £13.83 per month, available in major cities.

Gigaclear is serving up 300mb for £19 monthly, providing fibre to the premises (FTTP), outpacing the traditional fibre to the cabinet speeds.

Virgin Media is also entering the fray with its 246mb fibre broadband for £22.45 a month; it's actually priced at £28 monthly but with the sweetener of £100 cashback on your initial bill, the price averages down to £22.45 over the period of an 18-month contract, accessible UK-wide.

Vodafone is coming through with an offer for 67mb fibre at £22.55 each month, which may not sound as competitive, but it boasts broader coverage, hence could be the go-to option if you're outside the areas covered by the others.