Latest news with #GeoffPestell
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
What you can do about broadband price increases as firms announce bill hikes
Many of us have been continuing to struggle with the cost of living crisis, as prices seem to be going up across the board with wages often not matching the surge. From council tax to the weekly shop, there seems to be no let up. And the same appears to be happening for broadband providers, with many having already increased their rates. Sky has already hiked its prices for customers by around six per cent in 2025. And NOW, which is owned by Sky, recently announced it would also be increasing its broadband bills this summer. Those signed up for the Brilliant Broadband, Fab Fibre, or Super Fibre legacy bundles will see the packages increase by £36. This £3 a month rise will come into force on Saturday, July 5. NOW Broadband, like Sky, does not comply with Ofcom's latest pricing regulations. The rules, which were introduced this year, require internet service providers to clearly specify how much a customer's bill will increase annually. Another firm, Origin - which was previously owned by TalkTalk - has confirmed they are moving all of their 95,000 customers to Utility Warehouse. Off the back of these changes, Geoff Pestell, CEO at broadband comparison site Fibre Compare, has offered his expert insight into what this means for customers. He has shared advice on a user's right to leave their provider, as well as how they can use the 'one touch switch' system, which some consumers may not be aware of. For NOW and Sky broadband customers, since those companies do not follow Ofcom's regulations, users are entitled to cancel their contracts within 30 days of being notified of the price increase without facing an early termination fee or other penalties. But for those with Origin, they would need to pay a fee if they want to cancel their contract and avoid the transfer to Utility Warehouse. Whether a fee applies or not, customers of all internet service providers can switch more easily thanks to the 'one touch switch' tool, a streamlined process which came into effect last September. What is the 'one touch switch' system? The Ofcom rules came into effect to try and simplify the process of switching broadband providers, which is a task many consumers have struggled with over the years. With the new system, there is no need for a middle man and customers only need to contact their new provider when switching. Previously, if you were switching between providers on different broadband networks, you would have to contact both sides. The system, which was introduced on September 12, 2024, has been specifically designed for people switching between different networks, meaning they will only have to contact their new provider, who will then manage the entire process. If you are out of contract with your current provider, there is usually no fee for the switch. But if you are still tied in with one broadband deal, expect to pay an early exit fee if you want to move. How does the 'one touch switch' system work? Check you are out of contract with your current provider or, if you are still contracted, that you are willing to pay a cancellation fee Select a new broadband deal, sign up with the new provider, and finalise your activation date Your new provider will liaise with your old provider to match your details and ensure the correct connection will be transferred over You will receive an 'end of contract' notification from your previous provider, as well as a returns package for any equipment. If you are cancelling a contract early, you will pay your termination fee at this stage If you are happy with your new contract, you will give your new provider permission to make the switch. A technician may visit to install new equipment, if needed Your new provider will manage the switch and confirm the date of your new connection If there are any issues with the switch or the consumer is left without service for more than one working day, providers must provide compensation. The 'one touch switch' system is not guaranteed if you are switching from a mobile broadband provider - like Three, which uses 4G/5G to provide broadband services to your property - and, in this case, you would need to contact both providers. The success rate of the system stands at around two-thirds (64 percent) and it is aimed to complete most switches within a single day, where technically possible.
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Daily Record
The 1 router position that 'seriously slows down' your WiFi and 4 more spots to avoid
Could you boost your broadband speed by simply moving your hub to a more suitable location? Ever since the pandemic kicked in over five years ago - how time flies - home working has become the norm. While many workplaces are now back in the office full time, lots of others are still working remotely or on a hybrid model. There are many benefits to working from home, including longer lies and much shorter commutes - if you can count going 20 paces from the bedroom a commute. But it has put an extra onus on people to have better broadband at home. We're not just streaming our favourite shows at night any more, we're working hard on our laptops all throughout the day. And for many households, there is more than one person doing that. While we would all love to have the top-of-the-range WiFi package in our homes, that's not possible for everyone. From instant barriers like the cost of better broadband to things like the make-up of our house, there are some issues that we just have to deal with. Fortunately, however, there are certain other things we can do to improve our WiFi, such as where we place the router. And one expert has shared some of the worst and best spots in your home to place the internet hub, revealing that one popular location can "seriously slow down" your coverage, The Express reports. Geoff Pestell, CEO at broadband comparison site Fibre Compare, has explained how to avoid "dead zones" in your home and give yourself the best chance of having a reliable connection for fast home working and seamless streaming when you're chilling in the evenings. The worst places to place your WifFi router If you have poor signal strength, experience a lot of buffering, or have to reset your router regularly, then this could be down to where you've placed it. Several less than ideal locations could be interrupting your broadband signal. Places to avoid include: Inside cabinets or behind furniture A common mistake many people make when it comes to placing a WiFi router in their home is tucking it away in a cabinet or hidden behind furniture. While this appears to make sense from an aesthetic standpoint - who wants to look at a router out in the open? - it may be causing you issues. Concealing the device like this could significantly diminish the strength of the signal you get to your devices in your home, as well as causing all kinds of connectivity issues. This happens because airflow in tight spaces can become trapped and cause the hub to overheat and underperform. Under the stairs Similarly to the issues with having a router in a small cabinet, placing it under the stairs can cause issues. Again, it will keep it out of sight every day, but it can "seriously slow down" your WiFi speeds due to the stairwell walls blocking the signal. Near other electronic devices Many other people pop their routers near other electronic devices, like TVs or phones, because it seemingly makes sense to have them all in one place. But this is actually a mistake. Other devices can emit interference that can impact the quality of your WiFi signal and, ultimately, lead to poorer performance. Rooms that are far away from your main electronics This might be more of an issue for those with larger properties, where the router has to have a much wider reach to connect with all devices. But if your hub is too far from the main gadgets you use - home working station, TV, etc - then you may find you have a weak signal. Things like strong walls, flooring, and large objects can all reduce the strength of a signal, creating "dead zones" in parts of your house. And if the signal has to travel further, it's more likely to have to pass these obstacles. It is therefore crucial that you place your router close to the electronics that need the best signal. Near windows and water sources Make sure you also avoid placing your router near any water sources or windows. The risk of water damage, either from rain getting in an open window or from showers, sinks, or washing machines, can damage electrical components or interfere with WiFi signal. The best places to put your router Geoff isn't all about the negatives, and offered some advice on where your should be placing your broadband hub too. While all homes are different, these tips should allow you to find the best possible position depending on the layout of your property. In a central location Whether this is a hallway or on the landing between floors, if you're lucky enough to have a big house, picking somewhere central reduces the need for the signal to travel as far to the extremities of the home. But just make sure it's not being blocked by any big obstacles that could obstruct the signal getting out to your gadgets. Off the floor A raised router is a better router. Keeping it off the floor means the hub can send out a signal more effectively as there are fewer objects or walls in its path. Top picks include on a table or a shelf. Furthermore, a router placed on the floor may experience issues due to the ground's ability to absorb it. There is also an increased risk of someone clumsily kicking the router and potentially damaging it. Away from obstructions Tying in with the other two suggestions, you should be minimising how many obstructions the signals will have to get past. While we can't guarantee a free path to all areas of the house, less is better. So even when you are following the guidance, by having the hub in a central, raised location, make sure that there is nothing on top of it or close by blocking its signal path. You might want to blend it into your interior decor with trinkets, but this could disrupt the signal, so it is best avoided. Test different places in the house If you are not 100 per cent sure on where you want to place your router, testing out different locations is a great idea. Experimenting means you can see how the hub looks in various spots, as well as checking the strength of the signal. As we said earlier, every home is different. So the best place for the router in your home may not be where you first thought. Try out a few sports and test your broadband speed to see which works best for you. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
'I'm a broadband expert – this is the best step-by-step guide to cut your bill'
With the cost of living crisis, Brits are looking to cut back in certain areas, and that includes their broadband The cost of living has risen over the past few years, meaning Brits are looking for new ways to cut back on their spending. Pinching your pennies isn't easy, especially if you have a family or work commute to contend with. Brits may be looking to curb their cashflow around their broadband, too, as internet and phone packages can really mount up. Just last week, the UK's worst broadband provider for 2025 was named, with popular firms taking a hit. So if you're coming to the end of your current contract, how can you slash the cost of your package? Geoff Pestell, CEO of broadband comparison site Fibre Compare, has rounded up a handy guide of top tips to save money and keep your broadband costs low so you can redirect your dosh onto things that matter most to you. Make sure you know when your contract is coming to an end First of all, if you are looking to keep your broadband costs low, it is important to know when your current contract is coming to an end so you have plenty of time to make a decision about what to do next. "Unfortunately, if you are in a contract, there isn't much you can do to bring the price of your contract down, as you will be committed to your deal for a minimum term," Geoff said. "The only exemption to this is if your broadband provider increases your prices mid-contract, and it's not written into the T&Cs of your agreement – at which point you can leave your contract penalty-free, but make sure you only do so if you can find a better deal." He went on: "Therefore, it is crucial that you note when your present contract is about to expire so that you are aware of when it will happen and how long you will have to give notice to terminate it. "Most providers' notice periods are often 14 or 31 days, so to avoid your contract rolling over, make sure you look for a new deal and let your provider know as soon as possible if you plan on leaving at the end of your contract." Think about what speed you actually need When you're coming to the end of your contract and looking to keep your broadband costs low, it's also important that you consider whether the current speed you are using is what you actually need. "Consider how many people you have in your home and what activities they use your broadband for," Geoff said. "The likelihood is, unless you have a lot of people needing to use the internet at once or faster streaming speeds for gaming or watching TV in 4K, it's likely that standard packages will be plenty fast enough. "So, if you currently have superfast fibre and you don't think you need it, this can help you lower your broadband costs." Shop around to find the best deals and switch providers Most importantly, if you are looking to keep your broadband costs low, make sure that you shop around for a new deal before your current contract comes to an end and look for deals you can take advantage of in your area. "Many people believe staying loyal to a provider is best, but this isn't the case," Geoff pointed out. "The best deals can sometimes be reserved for new customers, so don't hesitate to switch if you find a better offer. "Fortunately, switching providers has never been easier thanks to the introduction of one-touch switching. This essentially means that switching broadband provider is now entirely led and handled by your new provider. "So you only need to contact them to get your new package started, and they will organise everything with your old provider." Minimise the number of devices connected to your network Although this can be hard due to the sheer number of smart devices we now own that require internet access, aim to reduce the number of devices that are concurrently using up your bandwidth and linked to your internet. "First, determine whether devices that should not be joining your network are doing so without your awareness and taking up your bandwidth, and if your Wi-Fi is visible to others who are not on your network," Geoff instructed. "You could also set up a guest Wi-Fi network that other devices can connect to so that they remain separate from your main Wi-Fi network. This can help to prevent bandwidth hogging. Lowering the number of devices using your network can help prevent any data overuse fees and highlight to you what internet speed you actually need for your home, in turn lowering your costs if you find you don't actually need what you are currently paying for." Bundle your broadband "You may pay for a landline or a TV streaming service as well as your internet, so you can often save money bundling these services together, as some providers offer discounted prices for bundle packages," Geoff went on. "For example, Sky offers Netflix as part of its combined TV and broadband bundles, which can be a convenient and cost-effective option for households looking to streamline their subscriptions. "But again with this, make sure that you only pay for what you use." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
