Martin Lewis highlights new Ofcom rule that makes switching broadband providers easier and cheaper

ITV star and BBC Sounds host, Martin Lewis, says it's now easier than ever to switch broadband provider

Consumer finance expert Martin Lewis is encouraging broadband customers to take advantage of a recent rule change and switch to a cheaper contract. The One Touch Switch initiative, introduced by Ofcom, allows customers to change providers more quickly and easily, without their old provider being able to hinder the process.

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, switching internet providers has become simpler, allowing customers to save money. Martin Lewis highlighted the benefits, stating: "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."

The consumer champion's MSE website elaborated: "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 tempting customers with an offer of 158mb fibre broadband for just £13.83 per month, available primarily in larger cities.

For those seeking more speed, Gigaclear has a package featuring 300mb for £19 a month; like Hyperoptic, this service also boasts FTTP (fibre to the premises), outpacing the traditional fibre to the cabinet speeds.

Virgin Media isn't far behind, proposing 246mb fibre broadband for £22.45 a month, accessible to homes across the UK. While the typical monthly charge stands at £28, Virgin Media's introductory deal includes £100 cashback on the initial billbringing the effective average monthly cost down to £22.45 over an 18-month contract period.

Lastly, Vodafone's offer might seem less appealing with 67mb fibre for £22.55 a month, but it generally provides greater availability, making it a potential option for those residing outside the coverage areas of other providers.